How I did it: I'm now settled in Honiara, Solomon Islands, where I'll be spending the next 11.5 months.

I applied through an Australian Government program, of which there are several, and after the lengthy application process I was finally deployed.

First I selected the roles I would apply for, then arranged my references, wrote my applications ... and nervously waited. And waited. Repeat!

The selection process continued with a phone interview, reference checks, a medical and a week long training course. Meanwhile I also had to resign from my former job, pack up my apartment and "move" into storage, prepare for a new life and get myself to the airport far too early in the morning...!

Now I'm here I've been through an orientation program and language training, and I'm getting settled in at work. There was a lot to it, and yet, the whole experience is still just beginning.

Lessons & tips:

• Get started early on applications! Most programs, even short term ones, will require written references, an up to date CV, and a fairly lengthy pre- and post-acceptance process.

• Importantly, make sure you give your referees ample time to prepare your reference, and provide them with all the information they'll need to speak to your strengths. Ideally, ask someone you've worked for before, or who knows you very well - and provide them with up to date copies of your resume, transcript, details of the program you're applying for, and any key points you'd like them to cover. Don't forget that they're doing you a big favour, and a thank you gift (or at the very least, a follow up note) is a Very Good Idea.

• If you have an application and/or interview process, be sure to sell your strengths and what you have to contribute, but also emphasize that you are motivated to learn and that you know you will get a lot out of the experience as well. Be humble about your weaknesses and the things you still don't know - try to demonstrate that you are flexible and reflective.

• Don't stress too much about what you need to take and go overboard buying things. Most likely, you'll need a handy camera, lots of sunscreen and insect repellant, and a nice notebook. If you're travelling with a program they will let you know if you need to take anything specific (and in many cases will provide you with some things, like a medical kit) - just follow the list and you'll be fine. You can buy clothes, personal necessities and even electronics in every country in the world - and usually for much less than at home. 

• Once you arrive, make every effort to learn (at least a bit of) the language, to make local friends, and put your hand up for everything possible! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity - even if you volunteer or travel in the future, you'll never have *this* experience again. So make the most of it, and have a wonderful time!

• Finally, be kind to yourself. You'll have tonnes of expectations, hopes and ambitions - and you can be sure that many things won't go to plan. You might not save the world - you might have some tough days, or get sick, of find yourself in confronting and challenging situations. And you'll be human and make mistakes and that's all just part of the process. Live it, accept it.

Resources: For Australian Government supported programs, check out ausaid.gov.au - or just google "volunteering in development" in your area. Good luck!

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Nov 12, 2010, 04:54AM PST | 0 comments | 10 cheers