Carmel Hegarty, a civil servant in her 40s from Dublin, is considering volunteering in eastern Europe
I'm on a career break at the moment. I have a big interest in art and I'm doing a course in art therapy and would like to bring the colour and joy of painting into the lives of children, especially in developing countries. We have all benefited so much from the Celtic Tiger. It would be great to try and give something back to other countries. I think my job has given me good experience in areas like planning, problem-solving and critical thinking."
Eva Gollin(25) An airline employee from Venice in Italy, she became interested is working as a volunteer due to the influence of a teacher at school
"I think his work with a major agency made me think of doing something similar. I've had the opportunity of studying and making a better life for myself. I would like to give others that opportunity. "I'm attracted to working in South America in particular, maybe because of the culture. I think my personality and ability to find solutions to problems would make me suitable."
Fionnuala McInerney(25) Studying financial mathematics, she would like to volunteer abroad over the coming year
"I'd like to experience another culture and a totally different way of life. I'd like to see how others live. I think I'd be best suited to teaching, probably somewhere in Africa. I think I'd do it on a short-term basis- because I'll have to start looking for a job soon."
Josephine Kehoe(23) A teacher from Wexford, the 23-year-old is teaching in Ireland but would like to help provide education to children in Africa. "There's something very real about doing that kind of work. It's very rare that you have the opportunity to go to the developing world and do something positive. "I'd think of going to somewhere like Zambia, because I've an uncle out there and I know quite a bit about it. The political situation is fairly stable as well."
Caroline Kehoe(20) A student teacher from Wexford, she is thinking of volunteering abroad with her friends
"Living in Ireland, and the circumstances that I'm in, I feel very privileged. I would like to help people less fortunate. A lot of people my age would be considering doing something like this. I'd like to go with my cousin or some friends."
Marie Kiely(20) From Newcestown in Cork she is a student teacher who is considering volunteering in Kenya
"Everyone has their own talents or skills. If you have the opportunity to pass some of those on, then why not? I'd like to make some sort of impact through education. A lot of younger people these days are influenced by the work of celebrities in Africa. Kenya would interest me, once it calms down out there. I wouldn't really be worried about heading out there, especially if it's with an Irish organisation."