Replying to European or South American Volunteer/Job Programs Help.

Hey Im taking this semester off from college (2nd for freshman year) and I recently decided I want to travel/get out of the country. Now to do so, one needs reason(long term) and some form of income. So does anyone know any cool programs in europe or south america that could help me get by financially and do some good for the world? I remember one kid on here went to south america for a volunteer program and got to see and experience a lot of cool stuff. So please list and programs you know or have done. Ideally I want to go to italy, but am pretty much open to a lot of places. much appreciated, -sean.