Engineer's Abroad/Volunteer Work

jiminho

Anyone here ever done any volunteer work abroad that uses your engineering training? I've heard of people building wells, small reservoirs, etc mainly water resources. Myself an my wife are mulling over potentially taking a year out and travelling the world but would love to incorporate some volunteer work during the trip.

I've done a quick search and I have found some sites but I'm asking for some experiences people may have on these forums.

Thanks,

Jim

mawk

There is a good ted talk by the head of engineers without borders about most volunteer projects being a waste of time. And from there leads into a discussion on failure reporting.
Worth a watch.

CatFromHue

I've never done it myself and would be of the teach a man to fish as opposed to give a man a fish brigade but you could always contact the Irish branch of the Engineers without Borders group

http://www.ewb-ireland.org/home

DenisOakley

The work that I have done in Malaysia with charities generally involved processes and skills that you need for engineering as opposed to technical skills. So stuff like clear specifications, good project management, testing and acceptance. These sorts of things.

i.e. how do you make the process of delivery better, and lest risky, as opposed to how do you deliver a better product.