Since returning home members of the January 2011 "Research Methods in International Development Expedition" to Peru have leveraged their UBELONG experience to help them obtain jobs at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), and to get admitted at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Participants have also joined UBELONG co-founders Cedric Hodgeman and Raul Roman in presenting at the IADB and United States State Department.

The next UBELONG Expedition will be to Phnom Penh, Cambodia from November 18 to November 28. It is entitled “Genocide in Perspective” and, under the guidance of UBELONG co-founders Cedric Hodgeman and Raul Roman, leading professors and development professionals, will explore the legacy of the Khmer Rouge on Cambodian society today. Learn more about the Expedition on the UBELONG site.

But in addition to investing in your career, what are other reasons you should join UBELONG in November?

Connect and become part of a team.
In any of the UBELONG Expeditions members are part of a close-knit team and develop lasting friendships working and traveling together. Fatiha Amar, a professional at a major multilateral development institution in DC, says about her experience on the January Cusco, Peru Expedition: “Spending time with the team and experiencing the challenges together was one of the most rewarding aspects of the Expedition”.

Apply your skills in the field
Expeditions allow members to apply their skills in action and gain first-hand understanding about the issues. “Fieldwork is essential in international development work. You cannot do this work at a desk. The Expedition was absolutely critical to developing a deeper understanding of the issues through fieldwork and volunteering”, says January Cusco, Peru Expedition team member Dave Kidney, a DC-based conflict management specialist.

Step out of your comfort zone
Most Expedition team members do not have previous research fieldwork experience in a developing country. Expeditions encourage them to challenge themselves personally and professionally. “This Expedition took me out of my comfort zone. It made me stretch my personal and professional limits”, says Kafi Jo, US Government consultant.

Please Contact UBELONG if you have any questions or apply now if you are ready to join.

About UBELONG

UBELONG offers safe and extremely affordable volunteering opportunities in Asia, Latin America and Africa. It is based in Washington, DC and led by volunteers and leading professors. You will not find a more affordable, professional and supportive volunteering organization.

For more information please call +1 202 250 3706, e-mail: programs@ubelong.org or view the profile below.