To make your assignment professionally
and personally rewarding -
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| Outline Clear Objectives |
- talk to people who
have done similar assignments
- talk to people from the host country
- know the lifestyle, history, infrastructure,
politics and resources
- realize that a foreign language, an adaptation period,
and local conditions may considerably slow your
work
- prioritize your goals.
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| Design an effective
project/program |
| Success will depend on your ability
to work within personal, group and cultural constraints. |
- Personal
Allow some flexibility. You may get sick, homesick
or just need time alone.
- Group
In a group project, define the roles
of each member, and be sure they understand their responsibilities.
Make the best use of the strengths and weaknesses
of each member. Keep your host or supervisor fully
informed of your activities. Maintain close communication
and encourage the development of ideas and thus
improve the efficiency and usefulness of your project.
- Culture
Consider any cultural differences that could affect
the results of your assignment, such as: gender roles,
language barriers, modes of dress. Shape your project
with input from local people. Be prepared to deviate
from your original plan as circumstances require.
You won’t be there forever. The project should
be able to sustain itself after you leave.
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