How can I become an aid worker?

Best degree for aid/ charity work?

• Hi I am a student who is currently deciding what courses to study at university- i plan to apply in 2013 The courses I am deciding between French and Japanese French and international development (year abroad spent in an french speaking country working as an aid worker Japanese and international development (year abroad is spent studying a university in Japan rather than working) I love French and Japanese and I know I would regret it if I didn't become fluent in both these languages. I want to become an international development/ aid worker when I graduate or work within the charity sector. So, naturally, I started researching courses on international development work. I know that experience in development work places you at an advantage when applying for jobs, and the development courses offer up to a year abroad with work experience in the sector. My dilemna is 1. I want to study both languages to fluency and see a universiy degree as my only chance of doing this 2. French seems more relevant in aid worker considering the poorer parts of africa, but I would definately regret badly not doing Japanese 3. Japanese seems much less relevent to the field of aid work apart from the tragic tsumani that occured earlier this year. They are one of the most advanced parts of the world so would they really need it. Plus, Japanese with international development offers no work experience so is there any point in applying for that course opposed to french and japanese together? 4. If I find out that aid work is not for me then I would have a useless half of a degree if I study international development Making the most money was never my top priority so I do not want to work for a business. I would much rather just help people. So what do you think I should do? Would love to hear from people who have worked in development. Thanks

• Answer:

  No question: French language skills will help you HUGELY in international development. Japanese won't. That doesn't mean you cannot pursue Japanese someday. But now you have to decide - how badly do you really want to work in international development? What is your *priority*? But a degree in French won't get you a job in international development. You need an area of specialization (urban planning, rural farming co-operatives, public health administration, etc.). How to Pursue a Job with the United Nations or Other International Humanitarian or Development Organization http://www.coyotecommunications.com/stuff/workabroad.shtml