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Volunteer Work Abroad?

Posted by Cliff on from the travelling-good-samaritain dept.

MKalus asks: "Looking at what is going on in the world right now and realizing that computers are not everything (yes, there is more than that) I was considering for quite some time now volunteering in an international project. I was looking at institutions like Casa Alianza and Doctors Without Borders but the problem I am facing is that all of these organizations mainly seem to search for volunteers in medical fields and not so much in High Tech Areas. This is, of course, understandable as I don't really think anybody needs a server farm if they don't have enough to eat at the end of the day." Update: 12/03 15:19 GMT by C :MKalus has been reading the comments sent in so far, but had this bit to add: "I am NOT from the US, I am german living in Canada, as such things like the Peace Corps for example are not a viable option."

"Now I am aware of several organisations where you can go for two weeks in a developing country and help on a farm etc. I also remember the Geekcorps but as nice as it sounds to bring the internet in parts of the world who don't have it I don't quite see the sense in it when at the same time thousands of people die everyday.

So here's the question: Is there a geek out there who managed to volunteer for a longer period (6 months to a year or maybe even longer) in a project abroad, something along the lines of those I've mentioned abobe?"

11 of 225 comments (clear)

  1. Scott MacNealy on Linux by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Quote from this article:

    We have Linux extensions to Solaris. We just don't think a Linux partition on a mainframe makes a lot of sense. It's kind of like having a trailer park in the back of your estate.

    hehe what a doofus.

  2. Re:Geekcorps by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    I'm glad you read the full post instead of posting quickly.

  3. Try the embassy by imrdkl · · Score: 3, Offtopic
    If you just want to travel abroad, there are perhaps better ways to do it. Marry a foreigner, for example. Or join the Navy. Otoh, if you really want to help people, then my suggestion is that you contact the embassy or consulate of the country of your preference, to get some suggestions for local organizations which could be contacted directly, or possibly with their help.

    Get started on your shots, too. Thats loads of fun.

  4. Fucking hilarious too bad it didnt get a 5:Funny by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    this is good shit man

  5. muaahah! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    poignant, yet tempered by grammatical correctness. (+1, Wryly Funny)

  6. me on your mom by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    since we're on the subject of trailor parks....

  7. Re:What use is the net? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    the net is also good for staring at a gaping anus in the privacy of your own home, douchebag.

  8. Re:Fuck abroad help people at home first by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    unfortunately, lynching niggers is now illegal.

  9. Re:Classic problem by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    You are a fucking idiot, or a manager. A "good project leader" that knows jack shit about something can't guide people through it.

  10. Re:Yum yum taco-snotting! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Dear SLASH crew - this post makes it clear why you need to add a new category - "tell it like it is (+1)"

  11. Good way to get yourself killed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    BOOM.