sorry, possibly a stupid question, but i would like to know if it possible to go on a volunteer project without paying thousands of pounds to gap year companies. are there maybe local volunteer associations i can contact to work with them for a short-ish period (1-2 months) in central/south america?
has anybody any info?
thank you.

Hi, check www.idealist.org - they have lots of volunteer opportunities around the world. I found the project La Esperanza Granada in Nicaragua on this webpage and worked for them in May this year. It was really great, very well organized, and you don't have to pay anything(besides your own food and a small contribution for living in the nice volunteer house)!

Good luck, Katherin

You should try Volunteer Latin America. They offer a cost effective way to get involved in Latin American environmental and humanitarian efforts. They also have the best ethical policy of any voluntary work facilitor I know: www.volunteerlatinamerica.com

Hi, check www.projects-abroad.co.uk, i found very interesting projects in Mexico, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Peru and Argentina.

Take care!

totally possible, infact from all reports a much better more enjoyable experience, check out rancho esperanza in nicaragua, fantastic place, amazing projects, perfect for long and short term volunteering.