My future is Africa! But how?

I want to work in Africa. I want to save lives, improve lives, and make an overall impact. What kind of college degree would I need? I'm using Rosetta Stone Software to learn Swahili. I'm even going so far as to planning my future around it. I'd even give up a family, the whole children and husband, settling down bit; because to me, even if I save only one person, it'd be enough for me to say it was worth it. First, I want to stay with my parents and do the college from home thing until I'm about 24-25 y.o. Then, I want to sign up for the UN, Unicef, the Peace Corps, or some other poverty/HIV/AIDS centered foundation. Then just live out my life from there. My mom seems fully supportive of the idea! But I don't know where to start. Knowing which college degree to get would be helpful...argh. I'm just frustrated that I can't figure this out on my own. Will you please help me out. It'd be so appreciated!!!

I also hope to work in the African Development/Relief field. Though I'm currently in the process of gaining enough training, education, experience, etc. to make this happen, I'll let you know what's been beneficial for me so far.

I just graduated with a degree in international studies with concentrations in African Studies and International Development. Though I feel like I have a much better understanding of these topics because of my degree, I lack technical experience. As you may already know, having technical knowledge is very important for working in developing nations. A good way to see who development/relief organizations are seeking is to look at their job announcements. (Try the International Rescue Committee.) Some of the most needed skills deal with health/sanitation, agriculture, and education. There are many other needed abilities, but these are a good start. So, if you decide on a liberal arts degree, know that it may become important to gain that knowledge either through a graduate degree or other formal/informal training. Another good thing to keep in mind when choosing a career path is to pick one that will allow you to work in your home country (and that you would like in your home country) if for some reason you are unable to work overseas anymore -- for health reasons, etc.

It looks like you have a good plan -- get a degree then volunteer. (Living with your parents is a great idea too -- it's hard to volunteer overseas with huge loans, although some of these are taken care of if you volunteer with the Peace Corps.) Many of the jobs I've looked at require a minimum of 2-5 years working experience in Africa. Many also require fluency or at least a working knowledge of French (for any francophone country) and sometimes Portugese and German. Learning Swahili is also a great idea!

While I was in college I went on a short term volunteer assignment doing community develpment work in Namibia. I highly recommend doing something like this since it will give you more experience and a greater understanding of development/relief.

Though I've discovered that there are no clear paths to working in this field it looks like you have a great start. It is easy to get frustrated with this process, but there are many other people out there who have been where you are and can offer advice and support.

You can also use your passion to volunteer in the US with international organizations while you work on getting a degree. Try volunteering/interning with an organization doing what you would like to do overseas.

A great place to ask this question over again would be the
Aid Worker's Network. This site is great bc it is for people doing what you want to do in the field...they offer great advice!

Africa is in dire need of Civil(construction) Engineers, teachers, Doctors, Horticulture specialists(agricultural techniques). I plan to go to Africa too.

sounds like your on a hard road, you may be able to help but when you get there then you may find that it is not like you thought it would be, especially in Africa. I know something of the third world as I have travelled extensivly and it's a biter and hard place. you may understand when you get there but I would have a back up plan just in case.

Sincerity, committment and the ability to take the rough with the smooth are far more important than any college degree. A person with ten degrees still might not have what it takes to do what you are planning to do because it is what is in your mind and your heart more than what is written on academic certificates that determines whether you are able to persevere and stay for the long term. Perhaps the Unicef website will be able to advise you. Although Swahili is a major African language, it is far from being the only one. Good luck.

Check with who.org. Look at their job listings and take your cue from there. Good luck; I admire you!

The idea of helping others is very rewarding. Why is it that so many people think this help is only needed in other countries?Why not keep it right here?There are plenty of people right in or close to your own community that have no where to turn,through no choice of their own,and would appreciate your ability and the concern you have for others.Community service should stay in the community.After our people aren't hurting ,then we should turn our concern to other countries.