Pauloz
Expert
Joined: 02 Oct 2007
Posts: 1160
Career Advice: +3/-0
Location: Sydney
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 Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 4:40 am Post subject: Re: Volunteering Overseas |
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| geriav wrote: | | At this moment I'm thinking of travel and work abroad, how is it if Ill volunteer overseas in Ghana or in other parts of Africa. There's any one here could give me an idea about this matter? Thanks in advance.... |
geriav
Excuse the rather negative overall tone of this reply, but our ethical obligation is to consider the members' interests to the best of our abilities.
These programs look like typical exchange programs, and typical aid projects. My reservations are based largely on potential situations related to those particular countries.
I had a good look at this for you, and did some searches around CCI, the parent organization.
No horror stories on the net, that I could see. In fairness, the Greenheart Travel FAQ does seem to cover a wide range of possible situations where the exchange could get into negative territory.
BUT-
I think I should point out that there are a few possible drawbacks:
1. Cultures don't necessarily mix.
2. People don't necessarily mix.
3. Some countries are just plain dangerous.
4. Getting in to situations is a lot easier than getting out of them.
5. If you're an American, there are some places it's better not to go. US or Australian Embassy advisories and warnings are usually pretty reliable.
6. Malaria's no fun at all. Check out the situation about malaria or any endemic diseases, before doing anything.
7. Aid work isn't for everyone. Find out exactly what you'll be doing. The work in Ghana looks very stressful, possibly traumatic. I applaud your wish to help, but be sure that you can do the work.
I have to say I have more than a few doubts about some of the places listed, even for competent, experienced operators. Africa, in particular, is very unpredictable. Even South Africa is very risky, even in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Some of the others aren't to terrific, either. Costa Rica is considered risky. Cambodia, I can tell you from information I've received recently, can be both dangerous and frustrating for anyone with any concept of human rights.
My basic concern is that the FAQ makes it quite clear that you're traveling on an itinerary, and if there are problems, the expectation is that those problems will be "resolved". The problem, obviously, is that if they're not resolved, they are instantly serious problems, perhaps in dangerous countries which have a lot of serious problems.
Meaning, trouble.
I'd say Greenheart has had a lot of experience, and that they're being truthful when they say they screen hosts carefully. This is actually a pretty well known exchange student model, and it does work well.
But problems can happen, and the fact is even the most dedicated hosts can't control all situations.
If you haven't done this before I suggest:
(a) Pick a country, then check out the local news.
(b) Do enough research to be pretty sure you know what you're getting into.
(c) Apply, but have a personal backup plan to get yourself out of any situations.
(d) Make sure you can contact your local embassy for advice and assistance.
(e) Local knowledge, particularly knowing how to find your way around, is always extremely useful. Get your hands on a map, or Google Earth, or both, and be sure you can navigate for yourself.
(f) Research the country, generally, and make sure you do have current information.
I'd be more positive if the selection of countries was a bit more informative about current conditions in those countries. Ghana, for example, could be quite tricky. This link is Google News Ghanaian news for the last week. http://news.google.com.au/news?pz=1&ned=au&hl=en&q=Ghana&as_qdr=d&as_drrb=q&cf=all
I wish you every success in your voluntary work. Just look out for booby traps. |
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pandora888
Senior Member
Joined: 06 Feb 2009
Posts: 55
Career Advice: +0/-0
Location: Philippines
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| Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 6:24 am Post subject: Re: Volunteering Overseas |
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| geriav wrote: | | At this moment I'm thinking of travel and work abroad, how is it if Ill volunteer overseas in Ghana or in other parts of Africa. There's any one here could give me an idea about this matter? Thanks in advance.... |
A volunteer job in Africa sounds really interesting. If your heart has fallen in love with the country and want to find a job that suits you then, its a good news that there are a lot of opportunities waiting for you there. You can find jobs that are open to foreigners. Most of the employers there usually require a skill or a college degree.
If you want to find jobs in Africa, you may visit http://www.jobsdb.com.ph for overseas job openings. 
All the best! |
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