photo by philipbouchard

Organization: Cinterandes

Opportunity: Medical volunteering across rural Ecuador.

Organization Overview: Started as a health clinic on wheels by Dr. Edgar Rodas, Ecuador’s former minister of health, Cinterandes has served more than 50,000 of Ecuador’s poorest citizens since its inception in 1995.

Rodas, who was frustrated by the country’s lack of health care for marginalized people, decided to fix the problem himself by taking free care to the people instead of waiting for the people to come to the city for preventive and acute care.

Opportunity Overview: Although Cinterandes’ scope of service has extended far beyond the original goal of providing health care to those who formerly had little or no access to medical services, health care remains its central focus.

While many of the staff members are medical or nursing school students from abroad who gain academic credit while volunteering with Cinterandes, the organization does accept volunteers with medical, nursing, or family health care experience to provide direct care to Cinterandes service recipients.

photo by magnusvk

Ideal Volunteer Profile:

-An individual who possesses a strong professional background in medicine, nursing, or family health care.

-Spanish-speaking.

Expectations of Volunteers:

Volunteers who are able to commit to a period of service from two to six months are given preference. Volunteers should be prepared to work in limited resource settings in rural communities.

Learn More About Cinterandes:

-See Cinterandes in action in this documentary.

-Visit Cinterandes website.

Details: If you are interested in being considered for a volunteer position with Cinterandes, please send an e-mail expressing your interest to Dr. Roads at erodas@az.pro.ec.

Be sure to include your resume or a summary of your professional experience. If your resume suggests that your experience could be useful, a Cinterandes staff member will contact you.

Feel Good Story:

Articles about Cinterandes’s unique model of service and surgical successes have been published in a number of respected international medical journals, including The Lancet, World Journal of Surgery, and Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Matador Community Connection

Visit Matador to meet other community members living and working in Ecuador.

photo by Julie Schwietert

Organization: Sonidos de la Tierra

Opportunity: Long-term volunteering with youth in Paraguay.

Organization Overview: Sonidos de la Tierra was founded in 2002 by internationally recognized master musician, composer, and orchestral conductor, Luis Szaran.

Szaran envisioned providing kids in underserved and poorly resourced communities with the opportunities to learn how to play musical instruments and, on a more philosophical level, rescue traditional Paraguayan culture and improve the sustainability of local communities by teaching kids skills that can pave the way to higher education and a professional career.

Opportunity Overview: Since its founding, Sonidos de la Tierra (“Sounds of the Earth”) has offered training in the musical arts to more than 8,000 kids in 120 communities in Paraguay through workshops, their “conservatory on wheels,” and the establishment of music schools.

Although Sonidos de la Tierra has been featured on the television program “Frontline/World,” the organization is relatively unknown in the United States and Canada, and Sonidos de la Tierra would like to build stronger relationships with U.S. and Canadian volunteers.

photo by tp

Ideal Volunteer Profile:

-An individual who possesses a strong professional background in the musical arts OR who can assist in any of the following areas: publicity, fundraising, and website development.

-At present, the organization is in particular need of string musicians and orchestral and choral directors.

-Spanish-speaking.

Expectations of Volunteers:

Volunteers are expected to commit to a period of service that is at least six months in length, but is ideally one year or longer. In addition, program assistant Nilda Ubeda indicates that volunteers are expected to be open-minded, able to give the best of themselves, and willing to live with “people with distinct cultural and social realities.”

Learn More About Sonidos de la Tierra:

-View the Frontline/World documentary.

-Visit Sonidos de la Tierra’s website.

Details: If you are interested in being considered for a volunteer position with Sonidos de la Tierra, please send an e-mail expressing your interest to sonidos@tierranuestra.org.py.

Be sure to include your resume or a summary of your professional musical experience or your web development/fundraising expertise. If your resume suggests that your experience could be useful, a Sonidos staff member will contact you.

Feel Good Story:

-To see how Sonidos de la Tierra has instilled a passion for music in its young students, check out this YouTube video.

-To read more about the inspirational Luis Szaran and Sonidos, read this profile on the Skoll Foundation’s website.

Matador Community Connection:

Visit Matador to learn about other organizations doing amazing work in Paraguay.

4 days trekking into thick Colombian rainforest we came upon this village. –Ross Borden

People defined as “indigenous” are those with the earliest historical connection to the places they inhabit. More often than not, they are isolated from modern civilization, which has both positive and negative implications. Access to modern health care and education is limited, but their culture and way of life is most often, pristinely intact.

As a westerner, visiting an indigenous community can be among the most eye-opening experiences a traveler can have. After camping with indigenous people in Kenya, Thailand, Colombia and Peru, I have learned that the principles hold true regardless of where you are.

1. Use sign language

Chances are, even if you speak the national language of the country you’re in, the indigenous people probably don’t. In Peru, many of the Quechua don’t speak Spanish; in Kenya many Samburu don’t speak Swahili and Thai is not commonly spoken in the hill tribes of Chiang Mai.

That said, you will be amazed at how much communication can be achieved with simple sign language and hand gestures.

2. Smile

Indigenous girl in her hammock, Sierra Nevada, N. Colombia

The most basic and important form of sign language, smiling, can break the ice of unfamiliarity, almost immediately. For a long time, especially in Africa, I was intimidated by the looks I got from people in the bush. But don’t make the mistake of interpreting a curious look for a dirty one.

Remember that you are unquestionably one of the strangest people they have ever laid eyes on; they don’t understand your dress, appearance, and may wonder how the hell you just landed in their village. Smiling and laughter is universal among all cultures and societies and, often it is the single most important trait to let them know you have something in common.

3. Ask before you take photographs

It’s understandable that people will feel exploited and offended if you just walk up and start snapping away with your camera. However since many indigenous people, especially children, are strikingly beautiful, it would be a shame not take any quality photos of the people you encounter.

The best policy here is to ask–which can be done completely in sign language. If an elder is present, even better to ask them if you can take a photo of his or her child.

4. Show them your photos

Two young brothers in a traditional house half way up a volcano, N. Colombia

Once you’ve taken a couple shots, include them in the fun. If you’re just taking photos and moving on, they feel like an attraction.

If you go over and show them how beautiful they are after every shot, it will bring them into the experience and they won’t be as shy. This is the beauty of digital photography.

Remember that many of the kids especially, may have only seen themselves in the reflection of water. A high resolution digital photo can be pretty exciting!

(Check here for more on travel photography and children.)

5. Get permission

When you’re a guest in someone else’s village it is best to be very aware of your own actions. I have found that asking permission or advice about where to set up your tent, or take a pee, goes a long way.

It shows them that you respect their space and you are grateful for their hospitality. It’s almost always a good rule of thumb to assume that the oldest guy in the group has the most authority, and is therefore the one to ask.

6. Accept invites and eat up

Curious brothers. Sierra Nevada, Colombia

Some of the best moments I’ve had with indigenous people have been experienced over meals. The chances are good that you’ll be invited into some one’s hut for some dinner. Make sure you bring whatever you have to eat as well so you can all cook together.

What you brought in your backpack is probably pretty exotic to them and since their diet is likely repetitive, maybe they’d appreciate a couple new flavors.

The only way you could offend someone in this situation is by denying their invitation to eat with them, so no matter how over-the-top their offer might feel, graciously accept and don’t take a big helping of something you’re not prepared to finish.

I once had to fire down an entire bowl of cow blood stew in Kenya. Lesson learned.

7. Take a walk

If you have the chance, find someone in the community that you can at least partially communicate with and ask them to take you away from the village and deeper into the mountains/jungle/forest. You will be amazed at their knowledge of their native environment.

They will be able to spot animals you never would have seen, and give you tips such as what plants will irritate your skin–as well as those that can be rubbed on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

8. Buy some of their goods

Cooking dinner for the kids. Hill Tribe, Chiang Mai, N. Thailand

Chances are some of the children in the village will approach you offering handcrafts. Whether they’re carved wood figurines or little bracelets, they’re never expensive and it will show your appreciation for their culture if you pack a couple souvenirs for friends and family at home.

In many cases this is their only source of revenue for purchasing goods on the rare trip an elder takes into civilization, so this very insignificant amount of money could go a long way for a family.

9. Come Prepared

A little planning ahead can go a long way. Here’s what to pack in order to foster interaction with the indigenous population, and create happy kids and thankful moms.

Trinkets and candy

Bringing some tiny plastic toys or some tootsie rolls into a remote village can create hours of fun and excitement for the kids. Remember, they are completely cut off from the rest of modern civilization and don’t have the access to even the most basic toys or candy. The Jolly Ranchers are a no-brainer, but pack a mini soccer ball or some little coloring books and some magic markers, and you will create fun for the kids long after you leave the village.

Medicine

Another thing indigenous people are usually short on is simple, over the counter medicine. Even the most basic types of medicine such as Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Pepto Bysmol will be greatly appreciated. Usually when westerners travel abroad, they pack some kind of prescription meds for dysentery, such as Cipro.

If you can spare a couple tablets and put them in the hands of the community medicine man, powerful medicine like this is invaluable when children get really sick in remote areas.

Feeding piglets. Hill Tribe, Chiang Mai, N. Thailand

10. Enjoy and Respect

Unfortunately, due to shrinking natural territories of many indigenous populations, societies that operate in complete isolation are disappearing.

As a traveler, visiting one of these rare and remote communities can be a truly remarkable experience. Enjoy this opportunity while it’s still available to you and as always, do everything you can to respect the local culture, environment and way of life.

Community Health Information Education Forum (C.H.I.E.F) in Nigeria. Photo by Lola Akinmade

While countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa provide volunteer opportunities from community building projects to wildlife conservation, the need for volunteers spreads across the entire continent.

When deciding to donate your time in Africa, consider the following organizations in less popular nations:

Togo

Sharing its border with Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso, the French-speaking Togolese Republic has an economy based heavily on agriculture. Protecting its natural resources is paramount. If your passion lies in environmental conservation, consider working with Jeunes Volontaires pour L’Environnement.

Jeunes Volonataires facilitates access to and protects natural resources as well as advocates for the rights of farmers. Active projects include its Sustainable Community Development program which focuses on poverty reduction and its Bio-Climate program which focuses on biodiversity, water, and climatic changes.

Volontaire Globalisation

Another volunteer org, Volontaire Globalisation fosters social responsibility through its numerous community-based activities. With “to make poverty history” its mantra, Volontaire Globalisation currently seeks volunteers to participate in its work camp initiatives and to help build community infrastructures in rural regions.

From water pumps for irrigation to high-quality fertilizers and new farming equipment, Young Development is helping provide local farmers with necessary materials and equipment through its “Africa Project” program.

Donations of materials to sustain agricultural development are always welcome.

Cameroon

Gaining the moniker “Africa in Miniature ” for its cultural and geological diversity, Cameroon is bordered by six countries: Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Chad, and Central African Republic, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.

Cameroon Association for the Protection and Education of the Child (CAPEC) works to identify the needs of children and youth while actively engaging parents and communities. CAPEC also works to protect children from exploitation such as sex trafficking and child labor.

Ways you can help are by sponsoring a child or assisting in the building of its school for orphans and underprivileged children.

Navti Foundation

The Navti Foundation located in Bameda continues to strive towards the development of rural communities and is actively seeking “teachers, farmers, managers, social workers, health educators, administrators, laborers, computer students, etc.”

Preserving biodiversity is what Green Cameroon is about. Forest rehabilitation, maritime pollution monitoring, and wildlife protection are just a few campaigns Green Cameroon seeks people to assist with.

Zambia

English-speaking Zambia situated in Southern Africa is known for its copper mining industry. Mining in Zambia marginally sustains its residents, of whom over 70% live in poverty.

ChildHope-Zambia

ChildHope-Zambia aims to reduce poverty through childhood education and seeks volunteers to counsel children, teach essential courses, as well as provide teacher training materials.

If you’re into sports, Beyond Sport Inc. provides great opportunities to volunteer through sports-based programs that empower local children.

Its “Global Exchange through Sport” program uses sport to facilitate international cultural exchange programs as a means of promoting community wellness and health.

Nigeria

Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria is an English-speaking West African country known worldwide for its oil and gas industry. A shortage of health workers and medical professionals exists within this densely populated country, and as such, nonprofit organizations operate on a grassroots level to raise HIV/AIDS awareness in addition to training peer educators who in turn educate their communities.

Offering healthy alternatives to harmful socio-cultural practices, Community Health Information Education Forum (C.H.I.E.F) provides primary health care services to children, families, and communities. It also aims to reduce infant morbidity and mortality by establishing primary health care clinics in impoverished communities.

Proposal writing and grant application skills, medical resources, and social welfare experience are just a few of the volunteer needs of this organization.

Sierra Leone

Bordered by Liberia, Guinea, and the Atlantic Ocean, the tiny country of Sierra Leone is a major exporter of minerals and gems. Unemployment remains a problem among its youth and former combatants of a longstanding civil war from which the country recently emerged.

Global Youth Network for Peace and Development (GYNPAD) advocates for the educational needs and vocational skills of youth within the country. The organization focuses on capacity building amongst youth and seeks to empower them with the skills required to be productive members of society.

Volunteers are needed to work with youth through creative community and individual building projects.

Another organization actively working with Sierra Leone’s youth is the Intelligent Quotient Club. Launching a sensitization campaign to promote peace, the Quotient Club needs volunteers to foster its nonviolence programs, social activities, and continually raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Most nonprofit organizations operate on donations and grants. If you can’t volunteer your time, financial and material resource donations are always welcome. Be sure to check out other organizations registered with the Matador community.

Photo by yewenyi

As someone who has lived in and taught in several Asian countries, namely China, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, India, and now, Turkey, I am often asked by Westerners who want to break into ESL teaching, “What do I need to know if I want to teach English in Asia?”

Having endured everything on my way to paradise, from wild bouts of culture shock to the wrath of mafia bosses, I have produced several practical suggestions.

Pre-Departure Tips: Choosing a Country

This is perhaps the most crucial part of the planning process – it can make or break your teaching and living experience. While asking your future employer questions, you must also make several inquiries into yourself.

For those with their eye on a job in a third world country, it helps to be realistic about what living conditions you are able to tolerate. If residing in a place where things don’t always work would have you running off stage screaming, then living in a developing region is probably not your best choice. Hot water, heating, and washing machines are not always available in these areas, and neither is comfort, although for me, the feeling of being on an adventure always makes up for it.

Keep in mind that in many Asian countries, most communication is indirect. In many places, emotions such as anger, sadness, and frustration are not openly expressed, and are seen to cause embarrassment to one’s self and others if they are aired openly. For a Westerner, communicating under these circumstances can be extremely challenging. If you are an expressive person, choosing an Asian city where people interact a lot with foreigners, or a Mediterranean country, such as Turkey, may be most satisfying for you.

Certainly, there is a great variation in how people are everywhere, but in my experience, in most of Asia, this is how communication functions. Remember that while we can change ourselves, we can never change others, or an entire Eastern culture, which has spent thousands of years building itself on respect for those in positions of authority.

Finding a Job in Asia

photo by yewenyi

The most essential step for the soon-to-be English teacher is to ask as many questions as possible, and to resist accepting the job and buying the plane ticket until they are answered satisfactorily. You should also have some teaching qualifications, as a bare minimum, a TESOL or DELTA certificate, and in Korea and Taiwan, a university degree in any subject.

Be sure to watch out for “desperation vibes” – a needy tone given out by schools with high turnover rates that promise the moon and the stars, and are likely to give you neither. For example, if you send a prospective employer an email, without any questions being asked of you, and the person writes back, “You’re hired!” common sense should dictate that this is not a good school to work for.

Check the teacher testimonials on ESL job websites. If twenty teachers have written that it is not a good place to work, then one can assume that they’re right.

Don’t hesitate to ask for detailed descriptions of work hours, scheduling, benefits, and compensation, and carefully review the contract before signing. Should the company violate the contract on several counts after you get to your job, and you have done everything possible to peacefully try and rectify the situation, you can always pull what English teachers refer to as “a midnight run” (leaving unannounced in the middle of the night), but this is never a teacher’s first choice, and it should be avoided at all costs.

If you get a bad feeling from a school at the outset, trust that instinct and move on to better prospects. While a great many employers in Asia are wonderful, some, as in any country, are not. Do your homework to help avoid negative situations.

In For The Long Haul: How to Make the Most of a Long-term Stay

photo by KONNO,dai

After you have arrived at your new placement, you may be going through anything from minor, to major, culture shock. Asia is, in many places, highly populated, and very different culturally. Some Westerners find it difficult to fit into the social fabric of the society and to interact with local people. Westerners may also find products from home difficult to find. Even a trip to the grocery store can seem deeply overwhelming when you can’t read any of the signs, don’t know where to look for what you want, and can’t ask for things in English.

Finding a language exchange partner is a great way to get to know and help a local person, who will in turn, assist you in your cultural adjustment. There will be scores of local people, some of them your students, who will be lined up to trade languages with you. It will save them money, and is likely to enrich your life abroad.

While talking to locals may seem intimidating at first, particularly in that communication is sometimes a struggle, a few minutes of silence is no big deal, as are the small misunderstandings that sometimes come up in this type of relationship.

In addition, the local staff at your school can usually be of help, and most will enthusiastically welcome your questions and concerns. Try to get to know them, and avoid joining “The Expat Club”, an unofficial organization in which foreigners who come to experience life in another country tend to do just the opposite, only hanging around with themselves. While it’s great to become friends with other Westerners, this shouldn’t be the only form of social interaction you have.

Finally, enjoy your stay. Try to embrace the differences you share with other people. Though you may find things to criticize about your new country, try to maintain a positive, respectful and proactive attitude. Living and working in Asia can be a magnificent experience. While it is not without its difficulties, it has been a rewarding and enlightening journey for me, and one that has lasted five consecutive years so far.

Feel free to consult some of the websites below for teaching jobs and other teaching resources:

www.ajarn.com (Thai teaching site)

www.tealit.com (Taiwanese teaching site)

www.eslcafe.com (for teaching jobs all over the world)

Many people choose to go with a recruiter (one I have gone with is Footprints at www.footprintsrecruiting.com) to arrange their teaching placement for them. It’s sometimes helpful for a recruiter to negotiate their job and other details with the school, to avoid misunderstandings and disasters with disreputable teaching companies in the future.

Happy Travels!