Good tourist experience, poor meaningfulness

The program I participated in was focused on cultural exchange and that is probably what it did best. In terms of volunteering and the work camp that was set up, it felt like we were only involved in unnecessary make-work projects. It felt like the organization hosted us more for the financial contribution than anything else. That being said, they did trek us around to a number of places in the back of a truck to try out hot springs, see waterfalls, climb a hill and go ride elephants that looked very sad. If you are happy to be a tourist and have lots of time sitting around visiting in a foreign language, this may be a good fit for you.