No solitary volunteer can change centuries of tradition or culture. You must look deep inside yourself and determine if you are flexible enough to respect the local culture before you go. Despite what you may have heard your job is not to teach the superiority of western ways. Some long term volunteer organizations like the Peace Corp may include utilizing modern technology in the fields of agriculture, education and business. At times you may feel isolated, particularly when you arrive in a village knowing no one.
Many students travel because they are dissatisfied with the state of their life at home.
This is the wrong reason to venture internationally. If you have problems at home ie. Chances are those problems will follow you and they will be more readily apparent with the additional cultural and adjustment issues. Many western students don't know much about themselves. You may have a schedule that includes surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals all day everyday.