Hey puzzlers,

As some of you know, I am about to graduate from engineering school. My dad suggested that I look into doing some sort of volunteer work abroad. I have definitely thought about doing this, but usually as something in the distant future. Now I'm not so sure.

Since I don't really want to spend another summer as a CAD monkey (the typical mechanical engineering internship), and since I don't have enough product design experience yet to compete for internships at companies like Smart Design, it's likely I won't end up with a desirable internship. And since I'm already into grad school, this summer really doesn't have to be about furthering my career. This might be the perfect time for me to do some serious volunteer work.

I have started looking into volunteer organizations like International Volunteer HQ and Projects Abroad, which have programs all over the world. I think I am most interested in building projects and community development, but I would be open to other kinds of work too.

Do any of you have experience volunteering abroad? I would appreciate any advice you can give me.

Thanks

-Eitan

My boss's son joined the peace corps for 2 years. It looks great on a resume. They probably wouldn't have anything specific to engineering but they may. As far as I know it's always a 2 year stint.

-d

quicksolver did a summer stint in Mexico. You might ask him....