By SARA TOURIGNY

HELP International, a Provo-based nonprofit organization, is looking for students to create humanitarian projects in countries such as El Salvador, Uganda and Fiji.

This year, the organization is opening up projects three more countries: Belize, India, and Thailand.

Matthew Colling, HELP program director, said these countries need help and are an easy fit, because the board members have already done humanitarian work in these places.

“I think they need HELP to teach them skills to pull themselves out of poverty,” Colling said.

Colling said Guatemala is no longer an option because of safety issues, but because there is a demand for Central America, Belize is open for students to volunteer. Both India and Thailand were in high demand and were easy to put in the summer’s agenda.

HELP International is recruiting students who are self-motivated and looking to go overseas, said Amy Brennan, the program’s talent specialist.

“We are looking for those who are willing to immerse themselves in (the) culture,” Brennan said. “Get your hands dirty, learn a new culture, and understand why people suffer and do something about it.”

HELP International is currently recruiting for a team of qualified volunteers and country directors. Students must fund their own experience and can receive credit through the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies.

“We also require references, so it’s somewhat competitive,” Brennan said.

The organization has been successful for the last 11 years and is excited for the expansion of the program.

Aly Archer, a junior studying elementary education at BYU, has already been to Uganda and looks forward to helping people in India.

“Africa has been my dream and India was next,” Archer said.

Archer spent three months doing projects in elementary schools, building adobe homes, working with women with AIDS. Learning a new culture and a different lifestyle really opened Archer’s eyes.

When asked what she learned, Archer said, “I think the simplicity of life, they are simple and real and happy with nothing.”

Applications are due Monday.

For more information visit www.help-international.org