Forums / Miscellaneous Discussions / Volunteerswork

has any of you ever considered/done volunteerswork in third world countries?

I'm considering doing it, but I want to know what to expect. I found an organization where I could do it, and they go to pretty much everywhere.

So anyone have any advice/info?

I thought it was great. I highly recommend it.
Pick a group that is doing something you believe in .
If you go ,expect the culture change and embrace it. Your culture should only be a subject of conversation when they want to know about you. You are in their world and you will learn and enjoy the most from learning how to merge into their world . They will reject anyone with an 'Im better than you' attitude.
Eat what they eat , talk as they talk ,except for who they are and you will have a great time.

go for it lew....if i had the chance i wud also....but im scared of being somewhere THAT far away from home...if u do it it should be a real adventure go for it! :)

i know several people who have volunteered in Africa, work in safaris, schools etc. they said it was the best experience they've ever had

Isn't is Peace Corps?

I prefer volunteering locally... I worked 3 hours every tuesday teaching disabled kids to snow ski, and it's pretty fun haha

I recommend working through Peace Corps (Pronounces like "Core). It is a larger organization so you are generally a lot safer then with smaller organizations if you intend to travel.

Mostly what I know on the subject is from a friend who spent a few years volunteering. A few things he told me were to start somewhere more developed like the USA or another country that has a decent HDI and see if you like it; Don't jump right into an African country. Accept and become a part of the local culture, he said it was pretty cool because everyone in the villages he was around liked the Peace Corps workers because they were helping them so it was easy to be accepted.


Oh yeah and 1 big one: Don't be sexually active. I know it seems intuitive, but that same friend of mine ended up getting HIV/AIDs, but he still said that his volunteer work was one of the best expieriences in his life.

I do volunteer work as a physician.  The organization is run by Dominican Sisters.  It is under the Order of Malta.   We run a health center everyday and we do medical missions every saturday. I am from the Philippines.  Basically, my work is to provide medical care for the indigenous people and to supervise the medical interns (specially the sexy ones) and the allied medical professionals. 

Twamao... You're a doctor?

lol, Pengu, take a pic when that happends :P wanna see you riding the bike to give lew power to game VU :P