One of the biggest myths for social workers just starting out is there are a wide variety of international humanitarian jobs for the taking. The reality is that getting paid work abroad is often very difficult, even if you're applying for basic entry-level jobs. One of the reasons is that many grassroots organizations try and mine the local population for talented workers. According to the Guardian, 75 million young people in Africa are unemployed and unemployment in many of the Asian and South American nations where humanitarians work can reach 40 percent - hence it makes sense why government agencies employ their own people.
However non-governmental grassroots organizations can employ people from all around the world. The competition is steep, but earning a position at one of these organizations can change your life.
1. Volunteer Work
There's no denying that the single best way to launch an international humanitarian career is to start as a volunteer. The Peace Corps offers opportunities in 139 different countries, plus a living stipend, vacation days, and a transitional payment after your two years of service have ended.
But it's far from the only organization where you can find volunteer work. If you're planning on competing for paid positions later on, cultural experience puts you ahead of the game.
The contacts you make as a volunteer can lead to paid work, especially if you're volunteering with a smaller organization. Most international aid workers begin as unpaid staff, and the work can be incredibly rewarding. When you apply for a paying job in the future, they will specify how much international experience is required, and volunteering is by far the easiest way to gain it.
2. Develop Your Skills
The most meaningful skill you'll need in international work is understanding - understanding a culture, and understanding the nature of extreme poverty. It's important to maintain a level of humility and willingness to cooperate as you assess the particular needs of a certain region. Usually, social work abroad involves a lot of mentoring and teaching valuable skills to locals, and expatriate workers need to be able to do that without talking down to local people or trying to do everything for them.
Other jobs include managing a budget, grant writing, and fundraising. There's very little demand for the counseling side of social work in countries where people are just struggling to survive. The roles of social workers are more managerial, which is part of why they can be extremely competitive.
3. Looking for Work
If you have the experience and credentials to look for work abroad, you have to be prepared that it might take a long time to find the right opportunity. Researching organizations and forming contacts is key. Your resume and cover letter should be humble but also highlight your specific skills and how they can apply to the position. It's worth it to look for smaller organizations that applicants aren't necessarily flocking to, as long as these organizations are reputable.
The growth of grassroots citizen groups provides a wealth of opportunities for expansion, and you might have a more fulfilling time in that environment than competing with candidates from many different countries for the flashier jobs.
Social work is a very broad industry. Though people often talk about the stress and depression associated with being a social worker, humanitarian aid workers are most likely to have the exact opposite experience. Even if you spend years volunteering before you land a paid job, you won't regret it. The international community needs the skills of professionals who are open to addressing humanity's most basic needs. Who can say no to literally changing the world?
In conclusion, embarking on an international humanitarian career is a challenging yet profoundly rewarding path, especially for social workers. Despite the myth of abundant paid opportunities, securing such roles is highly competitive due to local employment preferences and high unemployment rates in many regions. Volunteering is the most effective entry point, offering invaluable cultural experience and essential networking opportunities.
Organizations like the Peace Corps provide structured volunteer programs with benefits that ease the transition into international work.
Developing key skills, particularly cultural understanding and managerial capabilities, is crucial. Humanitarian roles often require mentoring, teaching, budget management, grant writing, and fundraising, rather than traditional counseling. These competencies, coupled with humility and cooperation, are vital for effective international social work.
Finding paid work abroad demands patience, thorough research, and a strategic approach to job applications. Smaller, reputable grassroots organizations might offer more accessible and fulfilling opportunities than larger, highly competitive agencies.
Ultimately, the journey from volunteer to paid humanitarian worker, though potentially lengthy, is immensely fulfilling. The impact of addressing humanity's most basic needs and contributing to global well-being makes the effort worthwhile, allowing professionals to truly change the world.
