The preparation

I hadn't realised how much work there is in preparing for something like this, and I've barely scratched the surface!

The ethos of VSO is to take experienced professionals and match them to a job in a developing country where they can transfer their skills and knowledge, helping organisations and people to develop and grow. I don't yet know where I'll be going or what exactly I'll be doing, but if all goes according to plan, I will be leaving London sometime in August for a project management or business development job (in an environmental capacity since that is my background) in East Africa or India. In reality I could end up in any of the 40-odd countries that VSO works in to fill a post wherever the need is greatest for my skills. But my heart lies in East Africa and India is such a fascinating place I would love to experience it properly, not just as a tourist.

The next step now is to complete the training courses - the first online one has already started and I have a residential weekend at the end of April - and get started on fundraising. Although four months seems like a really long time, I know it will fly by as I complete my training, finish off my work commitments, and sort through a decade's worth of things in my flat.