volunteer work

I've seen a few volunteer excursions around where you pay to go along to a dig somewhere in the world and actually get involved in the project. These can also extend to anthropology and biology (eg. counting monkeys in China)

Although these may sound like a waste of time to someone in the field, to me, someone who has already chosen a different career path, these seem like they would be a lot of fun. I know I may get the dirty and hard jobs but at least I would be involved. A lot of the time, it seems, you can immerse yourself into the countries culture, well away from tourist destinations.

Does anyone have any experience with these volunteer things? What are your thoughts and what would be the best to take part in?

Thanks

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I know that a few years ago in the U.K. a volunteer scheme ??earthwatch?? was invilved in logging Dinosaur footprints here in the U.K.

I think the Sheffield Dinosaur Tracks Research Group would have details, track them down (sorry ;^) ) from the sheffield Uni website http://www.sheffield.ac.uk From What Martin Whyte, head of the groups says everyone had a great time, and I trust his word.

Regards.