Does anyone know any summer programs involving helping out in countries in need?

I would highly recommend waiting until you are finished with college to start looking for programs where you can help out developing countries. Although you could perhaps travel down to Mexico or South America to do work down in those areas, it is simply not cost efficient to send you to places like Africa, China, or Southeast or Central Asia. In addition to the cost of the flight, there are also issues such as lodging, food, medical insurance, etc. to take in to consideration. So while I'm sure you're more than willing to help, it simply doesn't make sense to put you there at this point.

What I would recommend is going to college and getting in touch with some organizations that can put you in the places you want to go. I'll put the links in the bottom, but things like AISEC and AmeriCorps, or Habitat for Humanity are all great organizations. UW-Madison has an organization called BRIDGE which places American students with foreign students from other countries, to help the foreigners adjust more easily to the US as well as foster greater understanding between the two cultures. Go to the tutoring organization on your campus and see if they have a Conversational English Tutoring system set up, that will allow you to help people from around the world with their English language skills, as well as allow you to talk to them about different issues in their home countries.

While you're in college I would recommend taking classes and looking for the area that you are most interested in helping. You mentioned Africa in your question, but how much do you really know about what needs to be done, and where in that Continent you would like to go? Do you want to build homes, teach in schools, or provide clean water? Do you want to help the people who are being left behind in emerging countries like China and India, or do you want to give aid to countries that are still completely destitute like so many in Africa? What about former Soviet states?

My suggestion is to pick an area you want to help, and then learn everything you can about it, prior to just going over there. Often there are many factors contributing to a situation that you may not have been aware of previously. Further, it is absolutely imperative that you have a strong grasp of the culture of any place around the globe, prior to going there.

Finally, if you really want to help, I would suggest the Peace Corps for after you graduate from College. They defer any loans you may have accrued while in school, pay some of them back, and give you the opportunity to really do some good.

I hope this helps.

There are many different types of volunteer opportunities out there for people wanting to contribute. However, most of the volunteer programs out there cost money in some form or another. Travel expenses are usually something you have to pay for on your own, and most places also ask for payment of room and/or board, if it's available. I spent last summer volunteering in Guatemala (Volunteer Peten) and it was one of the best experiences I've had in so many different ways. I had to pay airfare ($575 roundtrip) plus $120 per week for a stay with a host family, all meals provided. Not too shabby. Check around on the internet for volunteer programs to would suit you. Also, places that are closer (Latin America, the Caribbean) are much cheaper in the airfare department. Good luck!