Microfinance vs. Humanitarian Volunteering

Hi all,

I have a limited opportunity (3-4 weeks) this summer to do some volunteer work. With such a short time frame I'm wondering if it would be beneficial to try and find something in micro-finance/business development. Is this too short a time frame - at least in the eyes of bank recruiters - to benefit from volunteering in a business related field? Or should I just enjoy helping people for the time I have, and not worry about the "how?"

Also, is all grassroots micro-finance created equal? While I'm sure there are some programs out there that are more "prestigious" than the rest, on a grassroots level is there anything to avoid? Any types that could be viewed negatively on a resume?

Does anyone feel that micro-finance = humanitarian volunteering, or that any type of volunteering is viewed approximately equal?

3 Comments
 

I don't understand the "enjoy helping people" part. Is that something new?

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Well just to throw it out there, my uncle used to be a VP at this nonprofit called Sustainable Harvest which teaches farmers sustainable/organic farming practices in Latin American and greatly increases their income per year. They offer a bunch of trips and the like that you go down on a mini vacation but also help in the communities and learn about things ranging from beekeeping to making cocoa, coffee, etc... was interested in going down myself

http://sustainableharvest.org/news-articles/smaller-world-schedule

 

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