Published Oct 12, 2016
Agmedina
1 Post
Hi everyone,
I am an experienced emergency department nurse looking for new opportunities volunteering abroad. I'm looking for any information anyone can give me about reputable companies that they have volunteered with in the past. Thank you for any tips or information you have!
Sifty
48 Posts
Unfortunately, I do have to play of the devil's advocate a little bit here:
This is a repeat of a previous comment I have med in regards to volunteering overseas. I currently live and work in Cambodia. A lot of people want to come to places to help which is awesome but it is not as easy as showing up with a first aid kit.
You really need to do your research on this. It is not easy to just come over here and help even though the need is high in some areas.
If you don't speak the language or understand the culture it is near impossible. Often by starting to help then leaving it causes more harm than good unless you are helping to empower the locals and make the project/organisation sustainable.
Look into places that get you to come and teach/train staff instead of trying to help the local people yourself. By increasing the knowledge of local people that are already doing good work you will help a lot more.
If you do decide to volunteer with an organisation make sure it is reputable. Don't volunteer at orphanages, most of them are shady.
Have a look at this video.
At the end of the day, if you want to come to these countries it often is better to come and have a holiday and spend your money on organisations and places that already have a good sustainable structure in place. There is a lot of them around that are doing really good stuff. So by you buying their products or services this actually makes more of a difference.
vittp123
3 Posts
Hi Agmedina,
I have volunteered in Tanzania, Africa with a company called IVHQ - International Volunteer Headquarters
Volunteer Abroad Programs with IVHQ - Most Affordable & Trusted
They offer many different programs across the globe!
RN1991US
Hello Agmedina,
We volunteered as a nurse group in Guatemala and we enjoyed every second, we did out reach to schools, orphanages, senior care centers, community clinics and the local hospital we did a 10 day mission with A Broader View Volunteers Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Volunteer Overseas Abroaderview other Bridgeport University nursing students have traveled to other locations they offer always with incredible feedback.