Hi, Tiger. I'm also really interested in AIDS issues, and although I don't have a whole lot of experience, I can share w/ you what I know.
I am sure there are many community-based organizations in your area that work w/ AIDS prevention and/or HIV testing. I'd suggest a simple search on Google. I used the Web to find such an organization in my area, and volunteering there has been great. I think people who work in AIDS prevention/treatment tend to be very open-minded, and I've learned a lot just from being in their presence. I know the place I go to offers volunteers training to become certified AIDS counselors (certified by the state) and to participate directly in outreach to the community.
Though you seem less than enthusiastic about volunteering at a hospital, I think the infectious disease wards of hospitals would offer a lot of opportunities to directly observe the medical treatment of AIDS patients.
I really think studying abroad is one of the best ways to learn more about AIDS, and you've already done that - in South Africa no less! I learned about AIDS in the Dominican Republic doing a summer program with the Committee on Institutional Cooperation. It's a Spanish and public health program, and I had a really good experience w/ it - just in case you're looking for more study abroad.
Have you read And the Band Played On by Randy Shilts? It documents the rise of AIDS in America, and the politics and various other hurdles that had to be overcome for AIDS to be recognized as a threat of global and epidemic proportions. The reading can be infuriating at times, but it's ultimately really, really interesting.
So, that's all I have to contribute. Good luck! It's great to "meet" someone else who's passionate about the fight against AIDS!
