How do you become involved with the Red Cross overseas?

Question

Hi, I'm interested in work with the red cross once I'm finished with school but I'm unsure of what to study (I'm starting college). What skill is most needed by the red cross? Is it a good idea to become an RN and then apply to the red cross? would I have a good chance of being sent over to any country to work? Im only interested in working in third world countries or where they need help the most. I really want to make sure that I don't make the mistake of studying the wrong thing and end up not getting accepted to work for the red cross after college.

If anyone can give me information on any of these topics I would appreciate it sooo much. thanks! =]

Answer 1

You need to volunteer with the Red Cross or free clinics (like Planned Parenthood) locally, and take every training that's offered. If your local IRC is working with refugees (many are doing such work in the USA), get involved as a volunteer, to acquire skills working with people for whom English is not their native language, who need to navigate government bureaucracy in order to have basic needs met, etc. This will greatly increase your marketability for overseas work.

Being an RN is an excellent choice, but you need much, much more to work for the IRC.

IRC is focused on emergency aid and temporary aid. They are looking for people who can respond to emergency situations, rather than economic development initiatives. They need specialists in logistics, emergency telecommunications, emergency housing, emergency WatSan, healthcare, security, preventing gender violence, emergency nutrition, etc.

You also need to be able to work in a language other than English. French is highly sought after but really any language makes you more marketable (and will make it easier for you to learn even a third language).

http://www.theirc.org/jobs/