Has anyone volunteered overseas?

[MadJeffBarn]

I'm so tired of feeling helpless. My local mps don't listen, nor does the government, i dont feel like just donating money is enough. I've looked at the DEC and they have links to their partner charities. Anyone have any experience?

Yes i use to work with Engineers without Borders in my youth. Unless you have specific technical, medical or social training that are needed in a community you are effectively just a hindrance. If you can't make a difference in a first work country like the UK I would say maybe you won't be that useful in a third world country that requires you to be resourceful, intelligent, friendly and hard working.

Perhaps working at a local charity first would be good experience and take it from there?

*world

Yy to what true has said-specific skills are vital.

If you're in health care, try MSF or MercyCorps, for example; if you're in education, VSO is your best bet. If you've got logistical experience, a lot of charities will be interested - I've just seen the ICRC are advertising for logis today, actually.

Failing that, how about online volunteering through the UN? Organisations post their needs and you apply to assist -can be anything from writing educational materials to building a website to holding English classes through Skype. I do a little of English language editing via that portal, primarily for UN organs in the Francophone world, but there's all sorts on there. Or if you've got longer to give up, check out regular UN volunteering - it's full on usually, but can be great.

I'm in healthcare, probably should have mentioned that. Not a doctor though!

In that case, lots of organisations are your friend! VSO, MSF, ICRC - I've seen ads today from all of them for a variety of HCP roles