I had the pleasure of connecting with NGO Abroad and Ann during a career consult. I must say that my interaction with Ann was amazing. Ann is a woman of great knowledge and she knows her craft. Ann provided me with insightful and useful tips and ideas with regards to my quest to begin a career in international development. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone. It is practical and effective in its purpose. I think Ann again for her professionalism, insightfulness and knowledge. Anyone who is on the cusp of getting into the exciting career field of international development must first start with a career consult with Ann. She will provide you with much needed information and opportunities.
NGO Abroad
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9.1 / 10
after 30 Reviews
Based on overall, support & value average ratings
Program website: http://www.ngoabroad.com/
NGO Abroad offers consulting and placement services for both volunteers and job seekers in the humanitarian area. I opted for the volunteering placement, as I wanted to find a placement more tailored to my past experience in business, rather than a generic placement. I have a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Business and worked for a Management Consulting firm previously. Thus, my goal was to find an NGO where I would not be teaching English or teaching sports, since I imagine putting my efforts to use in a business context to be more useful.
I completed a brief questionnaire, uploaded my CV, and I was contacted within a few hours. Within in the same day I was on the phone with NGO Abroad. I was very much impressed by the processing speed.
I wanted to be placed in Asia, and after discussing my background, skill set and expectations regarding volunteering, I was offered the option to volunteer with an NGO in Sri Lanka. Quickly after, I confirmed my interest and got into contact with the organization directly to verify whether they offered projects that currently require volunteers with business experience.
Now that I am here for nearly 2 months, I must say that I am very happy to have been placed with a professionally run and well-audited NGO where I do not get to merely "play with children to feel good about myself", but do actual work and see results materialize very quickly. I get to work on similar business topics as during my previous job, but I know exactly that my efforts are aimed generating money for an NGO that uses its funds in a transparent and effective manner.
I highly recommend NGO Abroad to people with advanced degrees or working experience, especially those seeking long-term commitments. In general, I can only urge you to go volunteer for at least several months, since it takes some time to get used to the environment and understand the organization you will be working with.
As to my rating regarding "value". Obviously one can always expect to pay less for services and thus I cannot give a full score. Compared to other volunteering opportunities however, NGO Abroad is significantly cheaper.
Program:
Location:
Posted: July 18, 2014
Overall:
9
Support:
10
Value:
8
By: MartinHengst
Age:
26
I reached out to Ann at NGOAbroad for a career consultation and it was a very rewarding experience. She was very considerate in granting me a scholarship for my consultation. She took all of my interests and experiences into account and gave me an honest, insider view into the world of working internationally. Her advice was first-rate, and I feel much more confident in my job search after speaking with her. It seems obvious to me that NGO Abroad is a super reputable, reliable organization. After my career consultation, I am eager to look into their volunteer opportunities.
Program:
Location:
Posted: April 11, 2014
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: m0
Age:
I am a single female in her late 30’s. The idea to travel abroad was something I had dreamed of accomplishing for years. After researching a few agencies online I came across NGO Abroad. I gathered information from Cross Cultural Solutions too, but ultimately decided to go with NGO Abroad. After sending Ann my resume we communicated via telephone or e-mail, as needed. Since this was my first experience overseas there was some indecisiveness as to where to travel to and hesitation traveling alone. Ann was supportive of my concerns and responsive to my questions. Through the consultation process she helped me to select a volunteer experience that was “just right for me” by matching my skills to an agency in Cameroon, Central Africa. My volunteer experience was for approximately one month in June of 2013. Once I chose my volunteer destination I had an additional consultation with Mary Ellen. This consultation was specific to travel in Cameroon. I cannot overstate the wealth of travel expertise Mary Ellen possesses. After my consultation with a local travel clinic in Naperville, IL I realized Mary Ellen had already provided ALL of the information I needed… and then some!!!! If you are the kind of person who likes to be well prepared and do their own research, like me ;) , there will be a list of additional resources provided by NGO Abroad when you select your destination (ex: book list, travel web cites, etc). My experience at NGO Abroad empowered me to accomplish my personal and professional goals of making a difference in the world. I look forward to working with NGO Abroad again in the future!!
Karey
Program:
Location:
Posted: December 3, 2013
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: kmskinn
Age:
36
When my daughter and I were looking for a volunteer opportunity we had a number of specific requirements: we only had two weeks; we wanted to work in Latin America; we wanted to work in health care; and we wanted a program that could accommodate (a 48 year old physician) and my daughter (an 18 year old high school graduate).
Shortly after sending our information to Ann at NGO Abroad and completing the questionnaire, she called us and spent time making sure she understood who we were and what we expected. Within days, she contacted us with the name of an organization that fit all of our criteria perfectly.
We have just returned from two weeks doing meaningful, rewarding work in Bolivia. We both felt we made a useful contribution and learned a whole lot about Bolivian culture and way of life. The organizers of the NGO we volunteered with met us at the airport and took us to our host family, where we were welcomed and made comfortable.
We spent our days working with other volunteers and the Bolivian staff visiting street kids and homeless youth with a mobile school that we took with us and which allowed us to interact positively with some of the most marginalized and impoverished people I have ever met. While the lessons were being conducted, I had the chance to do some basic medical assessments and distribute basic medications and vitamin supplements. My daughter and I cleaned and dressed some of the wounds that are an inevitable consequence of life on the street. We also had the chance to do some health teaching, which was well received by the kids.
Aside from the sometimes harsh realities and difficult circumstances we witnessed, there were no surprises and nothing left to chance. We felt well looked after and left Bolivia with positive memories, feeling like we had had the opportunity to meet some remarkable and admirable people -- not just the volunteers and NGO staff, but the resilient, homeless youth that they devote themselves to caring for.
I would highly recommend NGO Abroad if you're looking to find a meaningful, unforgettable experience volunteering overseas that can make the best use of what you have to offer.
Program:
Location:
Posted: November 27, 2013
Overall:
9
Support:
9
Value:
9
By: AdamNoches
Age:
48
