If you have got the time and the resources, your church or you school may organize yearly trips abroad that will give you some of the flavor of the kind of adventure you seek. Even if it is only for a couple weeks and even if the work is hard, building houses, you are earning your way and building the necessary skills. Any adventurous job you will apply for down the road will look on this kind of experience warmly.

This can be especially great for anyone with an interest in humanitarian work, though you will be at the mercy of a travel group, which may end up on the touristy side of things. Plan side trips and create your own fun.