THE FACTS ABOUT SPW (STUDENT PARTNERSHIP WORLDWIDE)

WHO A charity specialising in Youth Education, which sends around 250 volunteers away annually between September and April. Projects last for between four and nine months WHERE India, Nepal, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa; also Zimbabwe (although programmes have been suspended this year) WHAT There are three types of programmes: health education (such as HIV/Aids awareness), environmental education (sanitation in Nepal) and social education (community-based work in India, such as helping in an orphanage) HOW Applicants need at least two A levels and have to attend an informal selection day plus a two-day, pre-departure briefing. On arrival in the host country, there's a month's further training. Costs £2,500-£3,000 (including flights) CONTACT 17 Dean's Yard, London SW1 (020 7222 0138; www.spw.org)