NGO Abroad

I used NGOAbroad in 2010 when I was looking to use my professional degree abroad. I was very satisfied with the experience. Like everyone I was skeptical about paying, but it definitely has paid for itself.

I had several long phone conversations with staff and together we made a plan for what I needed to bolster my resume.

I told them where I wanted to volunteer (a specific African country)and they found a 3 month placement for me that really suited my skills and geographical preferences.

I worked for this small NGO for 3 months and really enjoyed it. In the course of working there I made a lof of contacts, one of whom eventually offered me a job with a UN agency. Another volunteer who was with me also found paid employment at the end of her volunteer stint.

I think this organization would suit people who are career-oriented and pretty serious. Humanitarian/development work is often difficult physically and emotionally, so people who need a lot of hand-holding or flattery might not like the advice they receive. But, for people who really want to break into the field, it is definitely money well spent. Yes, you can probably find somewhere to volunteer on your own, but it will probably not be very connected to what your specific skills are.

Last year I traveled with NGOabroad and it was nothing but fantastic! From the very start, Ann was very informative and gave me the necessary information about different countries to help me decide where to go. Her devotion to NGOabroad is evident as she wanted to make sure that I was going to a country where my needs and desires could be met, while also helping children in need. I volunteered for two weeks with my sister and we enjoyed every minute of it. We are one day hoping to do it again!