How to Become a Foreign-Aid Worker

Foreign-aid workers provide aid, assistance and emergency relief to families and communities in other countries. These workers also provide support to people after disasters. Additionally, they teach people how to help themselves and others. Foreign-aid workers are employed by non-governmental organizations, such as the Red Cross.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Current driver's license
• Valid passport

1. Meet the minimum requirements by being at least 18 years of age and having a high school diploma or GED. You will also need to have current CPR and first-aid certifications as well as a valid driver's license and passport.
2. Pass a medical examination.
3. Obtain additional skills and knowledge in areas like public health, water sanitation and logistics. You should also be a highly motivated person.
4. Sign up to work as a volunteer for a disaster-relief agency or a non-governmental organization, such as The Salvation Army, Project HOPE, FEMA or UNICEF. You will need to gain experience as a volunteer and learn how these types of organizations provide assistance. Visit the Disaster Relief Agencies website to locate local agencies and non-governmental organizations in your area (see Resources below).
5. Decide which area of foreign aid you want to tackle. Foreign aid has several divisions, such as health, education, disaster relief, human rights, community development and agriculture.
6. Possess the skills required to become a foreign-aid worker. You should have the ability to remain calm and patient, be in excellent health and be able to work under stressful situations. You should also have strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
7. Locate a job. You can find foreign-aid worker positions by visiting disaster-relief agencies and non-governmental organizations in your area. You can also visit US Aid.gov for this information (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Use the fact that you are well traveled to your advantage when applying for this job. Foreign-aid organizations look for people who have traveled and lived in different areas of the world.
• In order to become a foreign-aid worker, you must agree to travel to different countries for extended periods of time. Make sure you have a flexible schedule with no other obligations that would interfere with your job requirements.

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