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Preparing Yourself for the Field
Online Resources | Print Resources
Taking on an international humanitarian assignment can be incredibly enriching. Field workers have the chance to contribute in some tangible way to the causes they believe in, they encounter cultural differences that expand their worldviews, and everyday situations become adventures as they learn to navigate effectively in an unfamiliar environment.
However, moving is tough—especially when it means adjusting to new cultures and taking on a job that confronts issues related to suffering, need, and violence on a daily basis. Whether a novice or an experienced field worker, if you're headed to the field, you owe it to yourself, and to those you'll serve during your assignment, to prepare yourself as thoroughly as possible before actually getting on that plane.
Good preparation goes beyond getting all your necessary immunizations, making sure your visas are in order, and making an effort to understand something of the cultural context you will encounter before you arrive. It also means thinking about issues like your cross-cultural adaptation and stress management strengths, how you typically handle change and deal with ambiguity, the ideals and expectations you have about the assignment, and how and why to take time to bid a temporary farewell to loved ones at home.
While there's a lot you can only learn on the ground, there's also a lot you can do to lay the groundwork for that learning and ensure that your transition and assignment are relatively smooth and successful. The resources in this section provide some guidance on things to consider as you prepare to embark on your assignment.
Online Resources
Travel Advisory, UK Government Website The British government lists travel security advisories and provides access to similar websites of key allied governments. The list of links the UK government provides are: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, The Netherlands, New Zealand, and the US. This website also provides general travel tips.
Travel Warnings, US Department of State
The U.S. State Dept lists travel warnings, consular information sheets, country background notes & public announcements. Consular information sheets are available for every country of the world. They include such information as location of the embassies or consulates in the subject country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties.
Working Abroad: Briefing, Careers Without Borders
This site provides brief checklists for pre-deployment, with a special section on food, water, and medical information. It also links to other helpful websites including a site for female travelers, travel safety reports, and medical clinics.
How to Volunteer Abroad, International Volunteer Program Association
This site provides an overview of the things to consider when volunteering abroad - from health and mental preparation to visas, insurance, vaccinations and what to pack.
Insights into the Concept of Stress, Pan American Health Organization (Manual, Handbook) Get a head start in understanding what stressors you may face in the field. This workbook walks the reader through a course aimed at helping aid workers identify and understand stress.
Aid Workers Network This is a comprehensive website, featuring active forums with many topics. There is some useful information on professional and academic humanitarian training programs, things to bring with you, and general tips for a good experience abroad.
International Incident Reports, Center for International Disaster Information Current information is provided about security in particular regions.
Being Prepared, RedR
Extensive practical information from health and insurance to pre-assignment checklists to advice on technical equipment and communication technology.
Sojourners to Another Country: the Psychological Roller-Coaster of Cultural Transitions, Dr. Nan Sussman
Cross-Cultural Psychologists refer to temporary visitors to another country as cultural sojourners. This article explores exactly what that means, why psychologists would care, and what's involved in the "sojourner" cycle — from the time you are getting ready to leave, to the time you are getting ready to come home.
Center for Humanitarian Psychology Information Sheets
This link provides a review and option to purchase John Fawcett's "Stress and Trauma Handbook." The book addresses how stress impacts human functioning, the signs of burn-out, and steps that can be taken to reduce the effect of stress and strain. Using real stories, a series of check-lists, stress indicators, and burn-out monitors, this book aims to help aid-workers track their well being. The focus is on finding a way to grow and thrive in these circumstances while continuing to work, build strong relationships and be proactive in life.
Stress and Trauma Handbook, World Vision
This link provides a review and option to purchase John Fawcett's "Stress and Trauma Handbook." The book addresses how stress impacts human functioning, the signs of burn-out, and steps that can be taken to reduce the effect of stress and strain. Using real stories, a series of check-lists, stress indicators, and burn-out monitors, this book aims to help aid-workers track their well being. The focus is on finding a way to grow and thrive in these circumstances while continuing to work, build strong relationships and be proactive in life.
Risks Associated with the Psychological Adjustment of Humanitarian Aid Workers, The Australasian Journal of Disaster and Trauma Studies
This article from Colleen McFarlane discusses risk factors that affect the way an international worker may react to trauma and survive it. Eleven specific areas of risk are explored.
Print Resources
The Humanitarian Companion
Chapter 4 discusses the causes and consequences of stress for field staff and lays out a strategy for reducing stress. The Resources section contains scripts for relaxation exercises.
Ehrenreich, J. (2004). The Humanitarian Companion. London: ITDG Publishing
All photos © Karl Grobl
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