June 22, 2006 8:44 AM

Looking for something interesting to add to your resume?
Posted by at 8:44 AM

Today's Globe has a story by Globe Correspondent Alison Lobron about students volunteering in Third World countries. Apparently there has been an increase in the number of students opting to go this route, and college admissions officers are speculating that they're doing it to enhance their applications.

Over the past decade, community service trips to Third World countries have become a popular summer option for public-spirited students, especially those from affluent families. Some college admissions officers and advisers believe the recent proliferation of such programs, for which students typically spend $4,000 or more for a month of volunteer work, stems from students' perception that community service looks good on college applications and makes them seem like interesting people.

Whatever their motives, I see it as a positive thing when more students are opting to volunteer their time in places many people have never even heard of, rather than spending another summer working at the local country club. Read on to see what else Lobron has to say about it.