These dual-component programmes are open to people from all ages and backgrounds, and offer the chance to make a real difference to communities and environments that rely largely on help from volunteers.

Whether you're young or old, just graduating or on a work break, volunteering could be the perfect opportunity to do something different.

There are lots of reasons why volunteering is a great option, including:

• it opens the door to many new and exciting opportunities abroad
• it gives you the chance to help people and communities that really need it
• it gives you a privilege not afforded to the average traveller - the chance to experience local life first-hand
• it provides you with a real sense of personal achievement
• it will broaden your horizons and give you a new perspectives on life
• it will improve your foreign language skills