When I think back on it, my first experience volunteering overseas kind of sucked. It's a long story, but the short version is that I showed up in Nepal thinking that I was going to save the world and found out that really I was on an adventure tour posing as a volunteer programme.

Seduced by the laid-back charm of the tiny island of Utila, Mark Rogers established the first freediving certification program in the Caribbean—and made the island his home.

Sometimes, getting your parents on board can be the biggest hurdle of all.

With a rich cultural history, unsurpassed biodiversity and a hot job market for English teachers, add this country to your work abroad list.

A year of travelling with purpose is a great way to get out of a work rut. Expert Susan Griffith offers tips to help you prepare for taking time off from your everyday life.

Volunteering abroad can be extremely rewarding—but how can you be sure you're really helping?

Bill Frederick kicks off Verge Magazine's new Travel Ethics column with a look at the counterpoint of competing values.