Overseas Volunteer Research Articles

KNOU-UNESCO Cooperative Model for PCPD Region Development

This study aims to explore KNOU's potential for supporting international education programmes and to propose a cooperative model between KNOU and UNESCO for establishing an open and distance learning (ODL) system in the ‘post conflict, post disaster’ (PCPD) regions. Coupled with UNESCO's expertise in rehabilitation programmes, KNOU will be able to initiate an international ODL programme by transferring its experience and technical and media know-how to the respective developing countries. This study examines pedagogical usage of ICTs and a possible collaborative model among institutions in three phases: an introduction stage, a development stage, and a completion stage. To strategically effect an international cooperative model, four potential action plans by KNOU are suggested. First, KNOU and UNESCO should construct a team that will choose a PCPD country as a case study and consult specific strategiesfor the implementation of the KNOU model. Second, leadership seminars and training programmes should be developed concurrently. Third, networking and cooperative systems should be set up with local universities. And, finally, student exchange programmes and overseas volunteer programmes should be designed and operated. Utilization of its advanced and systematic DE cooperative model will allow KNOU, as one of the leading ODL institutions, to carry out a meaningful international cooperative venture with UNESCO.

Evolution to a Renowned International Journal

Evolution to a Renowned International Journal

Academic conceptions of a United States Peace Corps

Contrary to popular understanding that the United States Peace Corps stemmed from a spontaneous idea generated on the campaign trail to appeal to young voters, John F. Kennedy’s celebrated proposal for a federally sponsored, overseas volunteer training programme was drawn from models and theories circulated by American academics. This article examines the mechanisms by which academics attained access to federal officials to lobby for the creation of a programme that would employ educators to train citizens to aid the developing world in the aftermath of the Second World War and in response to the Cold War. It further explores the ideologies that drove four influential academics to call upon their universities to redefine their internationalist role by training graduates to perform voluntary service overseas. These four were Maurice Albertson, Samuel Hayes, Albert Ray Olpin and Walt Rostow, and they came from Colorado State University, the University of Michigan, the University of Utah and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The contributions of academics to the foundation of the Peace Corps have largely been unrecognised. This article contributes to a deeper understanding of the modernising goals of the internationalisation project and the relationship between policy‐makers and professors in a critical phase of American educational history as examples of cultural transformation. The examination of intertwined narratives in primary documents from scholars informs this perspective on the private policy‐making and social‐scientific thought that became embodied in the federal Peace Corps agenda.

Surgical Training and Global Health

Surgical trainees in the United States have a growing interest in both clinical experiences and structured training opportunities in global health. Global health training and exposure can be integrated into a surgical residency program. The global health activities of surgical residents and faculty in 1 department were evaluated from January 1, 1998, to June 1, 2008, using a survey and personal interviews. From January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2002, 4 faculty members made more than 20 overseas volunteer medical expeditions, but only 1 resident participated in global health activities. In 2003, a relationship with a surgical training program in a developing country was established. Ten residents and 12 faculty members have made overseas trips during the last 5 years, and 1 international surgeon has visited the United States. During their research block, 4 residents completed 1- to 3-month clinical rotations and contributed to mentored research projects. Three residents completed a university-based Global Health Clinical Scholars Program, and 3 obtained master's degrees in public health. A joint conference in injury-trauma research was also conducted. A faculty member is based overseas with clinical and research responsibilities, and another is completing a master's degree in public health. Global health training and exposure for residents can be effectively integrated into an academic surgical residency program through relationships with training programs in low-income countries. Legitimate academic experiences improve the success of these programs. Reciprocity with collaborative partners must be ensured, and sustained commitment and funding remain a great challenge to such programs. The long-term effect on the development of global health careers is yet to be determined.

Volunteer overseas development workers: the hero's adventure and personal transformation

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide new information about overseas volunteer development workers undertaking projects in underdeveloped countries, specifically, their backgrounds, personalities, values and previous experience, motivations, experiences, learning and “transformation” gained, and possible impact on further career; the degree of fit of experiences to the archetypal “hero's adventure”.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a longitudinal study of a cohort of 48 New Zealand volunteers starting work on NZ aid organisation Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) assignments in 2001. This included structured interviews and administration of the NEO‐ PR personality inventory and the Schein Career orientation Inventory pre‐departure and on return and an e‐mail survey halfway through the assignment. Data analysis was largely qualitative using NVivo software.FindingsVolunteers had high levels of openness and agreeableness, and career anchors of dedication to a cause and pure challenge. The majority of volunteers fitted the main characteristics of the “hero's adventure” model, duplicating results for business expatriates by Osland and academic expatriates by Richardson. Key features were motivations of adventure and altruism, descriptions of trials and tribulations during the project, feelings of success, new skill and personal transformations in identity and values.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a mainly qualitative study of small sample from specific national location. Longer‐term follow‐up needed.Practical implicationsThe paper provides valuable information for potential volunteers, for aid organisations selecting and supporting them and potential employers of volunteers.Originality/valueVolunteer development work is increasingly common, is undertaken by thousands in third‐world countries, and is a potentially life‐changing experience, but research on it is very limited. This is the first in‐depth study, where findings paint a vivid picture of its nature and effects on the individual.

The Role of the Fellowship-Trained Pediatric Ophthalmologist in International Volunteer Ophthalmology

Introduction: Board Certified Ophthalmologists are frequently involved in overseas volunteer eye surgery trips to the developing nations. While the bulk of these missions involve the restoration of vision through sight-restoring modern cataract surgery, subspecialists, such as pediatric ophthalmologists, are taking an increasing role in these clinics. This presentation will discuss the various roles that the pediatric ophthalmologist may take. Methods: The role of the pediatric ophthalmologist in several different volunteer settings will be examined.

Surveillance of Life style and nutrition for Japanese senior overseas volunteer in Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Surveillance of Life style and nutrition for Japanese senior overseas volunteer in Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Success is in the bag for overseas volunteer Sarah

Follows the career development of handbag and accessory designer Sarah Clough. Focuses on the contribution made by her six‐year spell of Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) in Africa. Highlights the nature of VSO and the application process for volunteers. Looks at the importance of cultural awareness in creating projects and working with small businesses in the developing world. Discusses the service offered by Business Link.

Personal experiences with overseas volunteerism.

Orthopaedic surgeons often are unaware of the many opportunities and rewards of practicing and teaching as an overseas volunteer in a developing country. Opportunities include participating as a member of an American team under the auspices of groups such as Operation Rainbow; or, one can go alone and practice just with host country personnel through organizations such as Orthopaedics Overseas. Typically, the group missions are short-term assignments of 1 to 2 weeks and are more oriented toward doing surgery. The solo visits typically are 1 month or more and aimed more at teaching. The visits are as rewarding and educational to the visiting volunteer as they are to the host country. The volunteer must be open minded and willing to adapt frequently; he or she will be impressed by the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the host orthopaedists who generally work hard with limited equipment and basic supplies. In general, patients are appreciative and rather stoic. Surgeons from the host country also are grateful and eager to learn and share knowledge.

Overseas Volunteerism in Orthopaedic Education

We are entering a critical time in health care, when an increasing number of surgeons are becoming disillusioned with the practice of medicine. We are facing increasing patient-care demands with decreasing rewards. It has been shown that physicians who are involved in managed care, or who practice in areas with a high level of managed-care penetration, provide less charity care1. Encouraging early participation and decreasing the barriers are crucial to creating a culture of physician volunteerism5. At the University of California, San Francisco, a program has been established to expose orthopaedic residents to an overseas volunteer experience during their training with the hope that they will continue involvement in such experiences throughout their careers. In this report, we discuss the need for increasing volunteerism in orthopaedic surgery and review the history of the overseas volunteer program at the University of California, San Francisco. In a recent commentary, David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., United States Surgeon General, underscored the global nature of health care by pointing out that increased international travel and trade have made the world's health problems our own7. He stated that the United States, with its economic and technological might, has a moral duty to improve the level of health care throughout the emerging world. Similarly, in his 1999 First Vice-President's Address to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Robert D'Ambrosia, M.D., challenged us to broaden our approach to the profession of orthopaedics: “Our partnership with our patients must extend to our [foreign] orthopaedic colleagues and their patients around the world. We must include all patients in all countries. We have a responsibility beyond the borders of our country because of what we have learned and developed and because of the unique educational opportunities that we have to offer.”2 Dr. D'Ambrosia urged …

Mental health training for overseas volunteer service.

Mental health training for overseas volunteer service.