Long-term Volunteer Placements

EWB works in partnership with developing communities, helping build their capacity to carry out effective development strategies. This process involves building the trust of community members, integrating into daily life, gaining an understanding of local practices and culture—it therefore involves a long-term commitment. That is why EWB volunteers spend 13 months overseas. In 2009, we will send approximately 30 people on long-term placements, in three sending sessions (January, July and October).

Our Expectations

We have high expectations of our volunteers. It is an incredible opportunity—the cost of one local placement could hire 5 local engineers for 1 year—that comes with corresponding responsibility.

We expect our volunteers to be 100% committed to development impact while overseas. An EWB placement is not a 9-5 job with time off to travel.

Who Should Apply

We are looking for applicants who:

• have a drive for excellence
• are committed to having positive impact in overseas communities through all aspects of their placement
• welcome the fact that overseas placements serve a higher purpose of exchanging information, increasing awarenss and empowering the developing world through technology
• understand the ambiguity and challenges associated with development projects
• are committed to sharing experiences with others upon your return to Canada
• have strong leadership skills or potential

Please note that these positions are very competitive—we typically have over 100 applicants for every 10 positions. Many applicants have come through our chapter system and gained a deep understanding about development and demonstrated a proven commitment to building a better world. We have also sent volunteers overseas who have no previous involvement in EWB. These individuals have prepared by learning about development, already have extensive knowledge about development, or have experience working in development.

Technical skills also vary per placement. In most cases we do not look for one type of engineer for a particular placement. Almost all development work requires a multi-disciplinary individual with strong problem solving skills above specific technical knowledge. That is why we look first for people who will be good development workers and only then consider their technical skills. We have sent both engineers and non-engineers overseas on long-term placements.