Ann McLaughlin, Founder and Director


What inspired the birth of NGOabroad?
Upon return from work in the Balkans, friends and colleagues asked me how to find international work. I realized that many people dream of serving internationally but have no idea how to accomplish that goal.

I am well suited for this work: I have extensive knowledge of history and current events which is critical to preparing others for international service. I have traveled, most of it by bicycle - Ireland, Scotland, England, Switzerland, and France; Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala; Japan and China; India and Sri Lanka; Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Macedonia; Turkey and Greece; and South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. Since becoming director of NGOabroad, I have coordinated with colleagues in Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, Ghana & Sierra Leone...the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Honduras, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia & Chile. Like most world travelers, I am an adventurer: an avid mountaineer, bicycler and kayaker.

Most importantly, since 1992, I have been accumulating resources.
I am the kind of person who must know the "Big Picture" before I zero in. (You learn the usefulness of this as a counselor.) So I  researched future global trends, culture, history and current events & organizations of Eastern Europe and CIS (the former Soviet Union), Africa, Latin America & Asia. This research informs what I offer you.

As a Social Worker with 27 years of experience, I am deeply committed to humanitarian work. Social Workers have earned their reputation of knowing the resources. I am no exception. I know hundreds of international grassroots organizations and NGO's (non-government organizations). With NGOabroad, I serve as a career counselor matching your skills, interests and goals to humanitarian needs. The creation of NGOabroad is the integration of Ann McLaughlin, Social Worker, and my fascination with world cultures, history, and events. In my youth, I wanted to change the world. Now I want to enable many people to change the world; I want to harness your talents and contribution.  It is tremendously exciting work.  I look forward to working together.
 

NGOabroad team

Our Partners in our Volunteer Programs are an important part of our team. Many of our Partners are colleagues that we have already been working closely with and have come to deeply trust & respect. Specific information about the Host organizations and the Directors is given to you after you apply for a Volunteer Program.

Mary Ellen Waller,             International Advisor

We are lucky to have Mary Ellen on the team. She is a walking encyclopedia. She has touched almost every corner of the planet and she has a extensive understanding of world cultures and current events.




"Do you realize what a resource you have in Mary Ellen?" emailed Phillis Morgan after her Africa consult. "Yes! That is why she was recruited to be on the team."

I have been pushing travel preparation ever since someone got worms in their feet in Kenya. Many health problems can be prevented.

We educate you, rather than babying you, so you are a  Walking Encyclopedia too!


"Mary Ellen's obviously an expert on international travel & public health and keeps current. I previously worked in Africa but still found the consult was invaluable in preparing me for my new post. Mary Ellen's consult was well worth the time and money."        
                                                   Andy Seigman,   
                                                   Washington DC



Invaluable in Sorting Out Chronic Illness
"Mary Ellen helped me make all the right decisions in difficult circumstances. I have a chronic illness that I thought would prevent me from volunteering. Early in the planning process, I was shuttled from doctor to doctor, trying to decide where in the world I could go. Mary Ellen  translated a myriad of medical and technical information into on-the-ground travel realities. People are  not kidding when they call Mary Ellen an  encyclopedia. In helping me to address my particular needs, her wealth of knowledge proved both practical & invaluable and I would not hesitate to call upon her again in the future."

                                                    Caitlin Sweeney, US



To schedule a consultation with Mary Ellen,
talk to Ann at info @NGOabroad. com.

 

Behind the Scenes

Thanks to the team behind the scenes at NGOabroad!
Kim Johnson, Business Consultant
Jay Borseth, Webhacker

   
      
Links

Global Education
Africa Focus: news
Africa Institute of South Africa
allAfrica: news
Central Asia Pages
Community Organizing training
Culturosity: "Grow Your Global Mind"
Eastern Europe and Russia
Human Rights Watch: great coverage of current socio-political situations
India's History and culture
International Crisis Group
International Forum on Globalization
John Esposito's site on Islam
Latin American Network Information Center
Middle East Network Information Center
North American Congress on Latin America
Resource Center of the Americas
Vietnamese Culture

NGOabroad is a Limited Liability Company (LLC)