Uhm, why not get involved in extra-curriculars while you're at University? I know at Queen's there's an organization called QPID (Queen's Project on International Development) which sends volunteers overseas and that other places have local chapters of for example Engineers Without Borders and such.

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4th Year Computer Science student at Queen's University finishing in April, 2008;
starting a Masters in Human Computer Interaction shortly afterward (also at Queen's).
e-mail: tim [at] timginn [dot] com

There is always summers too! Kaylya, are you aware of any organizations like the one you listed about Queens that are located at UWO?

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Biological and Medical Science UWO 2012

Canada World Youth is one agency through which you can get volunteer placements overseas. There are many others.

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I can't think of any names, but a lot of students from various groups will go to your classes (particularly classes where there is a lot of aspiring meds, e.g. first-year bio) to tell you about things like that. Also, during the second or third week of classes there will be Clubs Week, when all clubs and organizations present themselves to students and allow you to join them. Even better, join the Pre-Med Society. They are always going on trips like that or are notifying their members of such trips. Trust me, you'll have no problem finding them when you are here. The hotspot for volunteering excursions at Western seems to be South and Central America, not so much Africa.

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Honours BMSc Specialization in Medical Science UWO '09
Bachelor of Pharmacy Alberta '13 ???

Taking a gap year, or volunteering during a break in your schooling is an amazing idea.
I went to Peru for three weeks and worked for an organization there, where I helped to build a sustainable water resource.
It was probably the most inspiring and fulfilling experience of my life.
My feeling was that my experience in Peru was extremely valuable and it helped me gain a better understanding of what I ultimately want to accomplish in life.

So I guess what I am trying to say is to do what your gut feeling tells you to. Helping in Africa would be an wonderful experience and (if you're worried about this) would really help your resume. As long as you intend to go back to your studies, I believe that it can only benefit you.

I think you all need to look outside the box. University should not be holding you back from helping others. It should be helping you to do it better. Personally i hope to go to med school to help people by improving their health and i need university to do that. Yes its great to travel in the summer but not all of us can afford that. You can still do things around your community that will greatly help others, you don't have to go to Africa to make a difference. That can be a great goal for the future but there is tons of people that can use assistance locally.

Also you might want to think about co-op. You can do co-op terms internationally and even with co-op you could really do a lot to help people in those few months. Especially since not everyone can afford to travel on their own, doing co-op would let you help people while being paid would help you pay for the trip and your education.

travel is something im interested in, im just not sure when! maybe during the summer, or after university?!