I'm looking for information technologies volunteer placements abroad, working for a charity or NGO.

I've completed 2 years of a 3 year degree (hons) in 'Design for Digital Media' at the Leeds College of Art and Design and I'm differing the third year, picking it up in a years time. I'm looking for potential charity groups and NGO's that work with IT training in foreign countries for placement. Such as the OLPC group who send laptops to children around the world, I'm sure they need technicians to help train the children in the use of the machines.

I've visited India before with my father who works with charities and NGO's who set up sustainability projects in rural communities and I would quite happily work on projects such as these. I am, however, looking at this point for organizations that work with IT schemes in rural areas.

IT connectivity is one of the greatest opportunities the world has for mass freedom of speech and education, I'd love to donate my skills towards this end. I'm sure there must be groups who take on college students and I'm looking for anyone's opinions and advice. Has anyone done a placement like this before that they could recommend? Or perhaps you could point me in the direction of someone who might know?

Thank you to everyone that helps. I look forward to reading your replies.

Jak

Sorry to be over poetic about the IT connectivity. It's worth having a little passion sometimes though, no? :)

Thanks for the reply Miranda, your right I did forget a few key details.

My details are:
DOB: 1987
Residence: UK
Languages: English (only)

I will check out those links dreckly. I'd never considered Macedonia, but S'Africa I certainly had. I've got a few contacts who work in the Gambia who also mentioned a few groups worth getting in contact with.

Hi! you didn't mention if you spoke another language but you were also a bit over-poetic about the IT connectivity.

There are tons of things you can do abroad with IT and Digital Media.

Assuming you are UK, why not consider doing some work in Eastern Europe, both EU and NON-EU. You don't need a visa for Macedonia and they could use your expertise!

Don't forget about South Africa. You wouldn't really worry about language barriers and can explore a a wonderful country often overlooked! You can also tell your mates during the next World Cup that you were already there! Or you could go during!

Check out the link below from Go Abroad.com. It has a lot of sources for you!