Switzerland

Explore this picture-perfect country with its cute cities and glorious mountains while giving back to its communities with:

Hirondelle Foundation

http://www.hirondelle.org/ - Operates media services in crisis areas.

One World Beat

http://www.oneworldbeat.org/ - Unites musicians of all genres and organises concerts to convey a message of hope through music.

Workcamp Switzerland

http://www.workcamp.ch/ - An excellent way to get involved in an environmental, social or cultural project while meeting local people and other volunteers.

Syria

Biblical cities, a variety of souks, and sandy desert outposts scatter this country, which offers various volunteering options.

Arab Writers Union

http://www.awu-dam.org/ - Mobilizing literature in Syria.

SoS Children's Villages

http://www.sos-syria.org/ - Creates a loving home for children who have lost their parents.

Taiwan

Lush mountains, hot springs and great hiking opportunities make this an excellent choice for vacation and volunteering:

National Culture and Arts Foundation
http://www.ncafroc.org.tw/ - Creates a favourable environment for arts and culture.

ECPAT Taiwan
http://www.ecpat.org.tw/ - Works to enhance children's rights and prevent child prostitution.

Garden of Hope Foundation
http://www.goh.org.tw/ - Helps disadvantaged girls, especially those caught in the sex industry, and victims of sexual abuse and family violence.

Good Shepherd Sisters of Taiwan
http://www.goodshepherd.org.tw/ - Addresses the problems of teen prostitution.

Tajikistan

Possibilities for ecotourism and volunteering abound in this mountainous and fascinating country:

Service Civil International
http://www.canhelp.tj/ - Seeks to develop civil society, mobilise youth and enhance their opportunities for engagement in the community.

Aga Khan Development Network
http://www.akdn.org/ - Has a number of projects in Tajikistan.

Tanzania

Home to Kilimanjaro - Africa's highest mountain, spectacular safaris and the incomporable island of Zanzibar, Tanzania also suffers from poverty and related problems. Assist with:

Empower Tanzania

http://www.empowertz.org/ - Works with water projects, AIDS orphans and palliative care to improve people's quality of life.

Livingstone Tanzania Trust

http://www.livingstonetanzaniatrust.com/ - Works with rural communities to alleviate poverty.

Achieve in Africa

http://www.achieveinafrica.org/ - Promotes education so that children can choose their own path in life and achieve their dreams.

Thailand

Tropical paradise, delicious food and stunning temples make this many people's favourite South-East Asian country. Opportunities to mix travel with volunteering abound:

Thai Charities Directory

http://www.thaicharities.org/ - An extensive resource for charities in Thailand, sorted by area of interest: Animals, Children + Youth, Community Development, Disability, Environmental Protection, Health Care, Disaster Relief, Human Rights, and Women.

Timor-Leste

Find adventure, magnificent diving, and work to help this place and its people recover from conflict with:

Life, Love & Health
http://www.lifelovehealth.com/ - Addresses the fundamental needs and aspirations of the Timorese people as they move forward through difficult challenges to their independent future.