So im graduating here in the spring and before heading to grad school, id like to do some volunteer work overseas. I'm really looking for a one year program, so that I could just defer my enrollment as opposed to applying a few years from now. Have any of you participated in/know of some one year programs? Any sort of work, but particularly focused on development if possible. Thanks.

10/7/2006 10:23:56 PM

I haven't participated in one myself but I do know of an International Student Volunteer program

http://www.isvonline.com/

I think you can participate for up to four months. Pretty expensive, though.

10/7/2006 10:44:17 PM

they have a great football program after tonight

10/7/2006 10:56:41 PM

they didnt this afternoon though, i checked

10/7/2006 11:00:17 PM

^^^ I would be so in on this if I were a student

[Edited on October 8, 2006 at 1:03 AM. Reason : ^]

10/8/2006 1:03:18 AM

http://www.isvonline.com/dominicanrepublic.html

Lame itinerary...let me fix it:

Day 1-14: Cocaine, etc...

(I'm serious. Sign up for one of those "volunteer" trips with a friend and get your parents to pay for it. Then when you get off the plane, get "lost," and just do whatever you want for two weeks.)

[Edited on October 8, 2006 at 2:12 AM. Reason : DO IT!]

10/8/2006 2:08:51 AM

I've done some work with development NGOs overseas and have had great experiences. There are TONS of opportunities out there for volunteers. What type of development work are you specifically interested (or does it even matter) and what part(s) of the world are of interest to you? They are so many orgs out there that it is helpful to narrow down the search.

10/8/2006 7:11:03 AM

^ That is really what I want to do (Work with deleopment NGO's), I'd like to do something in sustainable agriculture or water sanitation, but anything would be great. As far as countries go, I'd like a french speaking country in Africa or Soulth America ( Haiti, Honduras, Ghana, Ivory Coast, etc) What sort of work have you done?

10/8/2006 11:33:28 AM

I've done a few different things over the years but primarily post-war community building and democratization.

A good place to start looking is http://www.reliefweb.int

They have an extensive job listing from all of the prominent developement orgs. A lot of the jobs are looking for people that have been in the business a long time, but it'll give you a feeling for what each org does. Check out each orgs website and even if they don't list any volunteer programs, send an email anyway. I know people that have had a lot of luck going this route.

When I get a chance, I'll get a list of specific organizations that I would recommend.

10/8/2006 11:38:55 AM

Thanks!

10/8/2006 11:44:38 AM