Engineers Without Borders: Long-term Volunteer Placements
EWB works in partnership with developing communities, helping build their capacity to carry out effective development strategies. They seek multi-disciplinary volunteers - both engineers and non-engineers - with strong problem solving skills above specific technical knowledge. EWB believes that successful development work involves building the trust of community members, integrating into daily life, gaining an understanding of local practices and culture - and therefore involves long-term commitment. All EWB volunteers spend 13 months overseas. This organization has high expectations of their volunteers. The cost for one placement is the equivalent of 5 local engineers for 1 year - and that comes with corresponding responsibility. Volunteers are expected to be 100% committed to development impact while overseas. These placements are not a 9-5 job with time off to travel.
Listing Details
Organization Name
Engineers Without Borders
Organization Mandate
Engineers Without Borders helps people in developing communities gain access to technologies that will improve their lives. They believe that technology, when appropriately incorporated into each community's social, cultural, economic and political context, can drive extraordinary change.
Address
366 Adelaide Street West, Suite 601, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5V 1R9
Telephone
(1) 416 481-3696
Website
Non-profit organization?
Yes
Duration
- 12 months+
Age (min)
18
Age (max)
90
Price range
- n/a
Application process and requirements
EWB looks for applicants who: -have a drive for excellence -are committed to having positive impact in overseas communities through -all aspects of their placement -welcome the fact that overseas placements serve a higher purpose of exchanging information, increasing awareness and empowering the developing world through technology -understand the ambiguity and challenges associated with development projects -are committed to sharing experiences with others upon your return to Canada -have strong leadership skills or potential. Please note that these positions are very competitive - typically there are over 100 applicants for every 10 positions. Many applicants have come through the EWB chapter system and gained a deep understanding about development and demonstrated a proven commitment to building a better world. EWB has also sent volunteers overseas who have no previous involvement in EWB. These individuals have prepared by learning about development, already have extensive knowledge about development, or have experience working in development. Technical skills also vary per placement. Almost all development work requires a multi-disciplinary individual with strong problem solving skills above specific technical knowledge. EWB looks first for people who will be good development workers and only then considers their technical skills. Both engineers and non-engineers are sent overseas on long-term placements.
Student status required?
No
Qualifications required
None
Engineers Without Borders: Long-term Volunteer Placements
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