Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a major ethical concern associated with aid projects?
What is a major ethical concern associated with aid projects?
Which of the following strategies is recommended for staying healthy while working in a developing country?
Which of the following strategies is recommended for staying healthy while working in a developing country?
What type of risks should volunteers be aware of when planning to work overseas?
What type of risks should volunteers be aware of when planning to work overseas?
Which country has been highlighted as one of the most dangerous for civilian aid workers?
Which country has been highlighted as one of the most dangerous for civilian aid workers?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be the first step when planning a development project?
What should be the first step when planning a development project?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most common cause of death or injury for volunteers abroad?
What is the most common cause of death or injury for volunteers abroad?
Signup and view all the answers
Which health issue is considered the biggest risk for overseas healthcare workers?
Which health issue is considered the biggest risk for overseas healthcare workers?
Signup and view all the answers
What should a volunteer avoid if contemplating an aid project?
What should a volunteer avoid if contemplating an aid project?
Signup and view all the answers
How many people approximately apply for volunteer positions each year, according to the data?
How many people approximately apply for volunteer positions each year, according to the data?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one suggested preventative measure against mosquitoes while traveling?
What is one suggested preventative measure against mosquitoes while traveling?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended way to prepare for a trip abroad?
What is the recommended way to prepare for a trip abroad?
Signup and view all the answers
Which vaccination is specifically mentioned as being available for an STD?
Which vaccination is specifically mentioned as being available for an STD?
Signup and view all the answers
What is vital for ensuring effective communication in aid projects?
What is vital for ensuring effective communication in aid projects?
Signup and view all the answers
What common mistake do volunteers often overlook that can lead to dangerous situations?
What common mistake do volunteers often overlook that can lead to dangerous situations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the maternal mortality rate in sub-Saharan Africa compared to Canada per 1,000 births?
What is the maternal mortality rate in sub-Saharan Africa compared to Canada per 1,000 births?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Planning and Preparing for Overseas Development Work
- Planning for overseas development projects requires careful preparation, including understanding potential ethical issues and staying safe.
- Information on aid projects often lacks detail in media portrayals, which can lead to unrealistic expectations.
- Current project planning is inadequate in many cases.
- Volunteers need to assess risks, as demonstrated by attacks on aid workers:
- 287 volunteers were victims of attacks in 25 countries in 2015.
- Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Somalia are among the most dangerous countries for civilian attacks on aid workers.
- 2013 saw the highest reported harm to aid workers, mainly from international violence.
- Thoroughly plan the project, people, and funding before considering personal skills and safety needs.
- Cultural understanding and awareness are vital, as mismatched expectations can hinder project success.
- Understanding the country of operation is critical; research should begin a year before departure.
- Prioritizing health and safety is essential for volunteers' well-being:
- Common health issues include intestinal problems, mental health concerns, and dental problems.
- Road accidents are a significantly higher danger than malaria.
- Ignorance is a bigger danger than many disease risks.
- Illegal drug use abroad has legal consequences for foreigners, regardless of local laws.
- Common causes of death/injury include traumatic injury.
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a major risk for healthcare workers.
- Hepatitis B is a significant STD with a vaccine.
- Road accidents are a large global health concern—especially in developing countries, with pedestrians and cyclists being most impacted
- Mental health effects of aid work, such as chronic fatigue, culture shock, and PTSD, are crucial considerations.
- Poor planning decisions can lead to harm and undermine the mission.
Ethical Considerations
- Research ethics standards should not vary based on the location of the research.
- Ethical dilemmas may arise, demanding thoughtful decision-making.
- Openly confronting ethical topics before departure is crucial.
- Consider the ethical implications for volunteering in a foreign country if you are:
- Trying to quit substance abuse in a different country.
- Looking for a romantic relationship abroad.
- Unsure your surgical skills are competent enough.
- Trying to promote politics or religion.
- Doing it purely for vacation
Health and Safety
- Prioritize maintaining a high level of caution, including: staying hydrated, protecting against insects like mosquitoes.
- Essential supplies include water filters and adequate travel insurance.
- Knowing what to do if a passport is lost is crucial (e.g., notarized copies).
- Consult relevant government, health, and global organizations.
- Vaccination recommendations depend on the destination; some shots should be updated/received before travel.
- Avoid drinking milk unless it is pasteurized.
- Awareness of potential scams is important.
- Large numbers of applicants apply for a small number of positions.
- Financial knowledge is necessary.
Language and Cultural Considerations
- Hiring a proficient translator is highly recommended—especially to understand the nuances of the job.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers essential aspects of planning and preparing for overseas development projects. It highlights the importance of understanding ethical issues, assessing risks, and fostering cultural awareness to ensure project success. Volunteers must be well-informed about the countries they operate in and the potential dangers they may face.
