Many people think working abroad is a glamorous career move, but often the most vital work in other countries is tiring, difficult and demanding. In north-west Pakistan, where the worst flooding in 80 years has swept away thousands of homes and killed at least 1,200 people, humanitarian aid workers are desperately trying to get medical supplies and basic items to people in need. Natural disasters are sudden and devastating events, resulting in death and destruction around the globe and countries can take many years to recover from the damage to economy and infrastructure. People working for non-governmental aid agencies and missionary groups have played a vital part in stemming the death toll caused by the Pakistan floods. Aid workers tend to work in developing countries suffering...

Spending an extended time volunteering abroad can be the most intimate way to discover a new country. Paid work is exciting, but ultimately the beneficiaries are businesses and you may find yourself spending more time working for the system than experiencing another culture. Working abroad for free, i.e., volunteering overseas, may not bring financial gains, but can broaden your mind and provide experience for a new or different career. That was Alex Quinn’s motivation when he left his home in Stretford and took six months out to volunteer in Uganda. The Manchester University economics graduate worked for a community based organisation called the Women’s Initiative for Prosperity, spending half a year in Kamuli, a small town in Busoga, eastern Uganda, and travelled...

By Alexia Waring Working abroad is an exciting prospect, but sometimes the jobs themselves can be a bit, well, boring. Serving tequila shots is great fun when you spend the days topping up your tan, but if you want to do something a bit more stimulating, why not try volunteering? Work with Sea Turtles Providing your services for free opens up a far wider range of vacancies in exotic locations, and best of all, you get to spend your days doing something enjoyable rather than just paying the rent. Take working with animals. Many people longed to be a vet or a zookeeper when they grew up, but without years of training, you are unlikely to secure this kind of paid work in another country. Swap “paid” with “voluntary” and lo! Hundreds of opportunities arise, as this piece about...

How’s this for a cool job? Ben, 22, traded his home in Brighton for one in Bermuda, where he worked as a dolphin trainer! Check out his great story. What job are you doing? I worked as a dolphin trainer. Work with Dolphins in Bermuda Why did you choose to work there? I have a friend who works here and she recommended their internship program to me. How did you find the job (website, paper, etc.)? Initially through my friend, and then the Dolphin Quest website www.dolphinquest.org. Can you describe your day to day routine? Assisting in the training, feeding and veterinary care of the dolphins. Running interactive swim programs with guests. Preparing fish, washing buckets and various other daily duties. Also helping in other areas of the facility including photography and guest service...