Working overseas

Preparing to work overseas

Recommendations

This section is still being developed, and will take the format of 'frequently asked questions'. The aim is to provide therapists/students who are interested in working/volunteering in developing countries with some advice before they start. For example, the level of experience needed, personal characteristics required, and some idea of what is involved. If you would like to contribute to this section please contact us.

Travel can be a good way to learn about developing countries. For example try:

Community Aid Abroad Tours: www.caa.org.au/travel

Resources

The Canadian Guide to Working and Living Overseas by Jean-Marc Hachey (1998). Available through www.amazon.com
Jacqeline McGarry, a Canadian OT writes:"This book seems to cover both volunteer and paid working opportunities and gives lots of helpful tips for making your decision and also how to behave when there. Seems to cover everything and have oodles of contact information. A very helpful book for people considering international work. It is written from a Canadian perspective but I don't think this should deter anyone else from using it though as the principles are the same and it has such a lot of useful information which is not Canadian specific."

Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Fieldwork Programs

A number of Occupational Therapy schools are introducing students to the issues involved with working in developing countries. This often includes the opportunity to undertake fieldwork placements in developing countries. For example:Australia:

University of Sydney, New South Wales - Operation International http://www.ot.cchs.usyd.edu.au/services.html
James Cook University - Misima Visits
Curtin University, Western Australia

The Job Search

Volunteer Programs: international

United Nations Volunteers www.unv.org
The United Nations Volunteers program is administered by organisations in individual countries. For example, Australian therapists would apply to Australian Volunteers International. Visit the site to find the national organisation closest to you. As well as offering extended positions overseas, you can also become an 'internet volunteer'.

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) www.vso.org.uk
VSO is an international development charity that works through volunteers. It has positions for Occupational Therapists.

Interserve International www.interserve.org

The Leprosy Mission International www.leprosymission.org Nepal:
- United Mission to Nepal www.umn.org.np
- International Nepal Fellowship www.inf.org.np

Volunteer Programs: national

Australia

Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development www.ausaid.gov.au/youtham
Australian Volunteers Abroad www.ozvol.org.au
PALMS Cross Cultural Program www.homepages.ihug.com.au/~paulian
Youth Challenge Australia www.uts.edu.au/oth/yca/index.htm

Canada

World University Service of Canada www.wusc.ca
Youth Challenge International www.yci.org

United Kingdom

International Service (IS): e-mail unais-uk@geo2.poptel.org.uk

United States of America

The Peace Corps www.peacecorps.gov/home.html
Health Volunteers Overseas www.hvousa.org

Non-government organisations: international

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) International (Doctors Without Borders) www.msf.org
World Vision International www.wvi.org
Care International www.care-international.org
International Centre for the Advancement of Community Based Rehabilitation (ICACBR) http://meds.queensu.ca/icacbr/
ICACBR keeps a register of occupational therapists interested in working internationally in Community Based Rehabilitation, and contacts them when opportunities arise. Canadian residents are given priority. For more information contact ICACBR on icacbr@post.queensu.ca
International Save the Children Alliance www.savethechildren.net

Non-government organisations: national

World Vision Australia www.worldvision.com.auWorld Vision nominate health as an area they recruit to. They require a minimum educational qualification of Masters Degree, preferably in Public Health. A background in the areas of Community Health, Public Health or Tropical Medicine is helpful. Much of the work involves education, training and management.

General employment listings

One World International Foundation (Oneworld) One World International Foundation
An international network of non-profit organisations "dedicated to promoting human rights and sustainable development through the internet". They provide a listing of current vacancies and general recruitment.
The Guardian www.guardianunlimited.co.uk
Follow the links to Jobs International All Categories