MBAs have reputations for chasing the dollar and status. And questions are being raised about business schools churning out graduates lacking in important skills like teamwork, or listening to people.

That's what makes the work of MBAs Without Borders so fascinating.

Here is a Canadian organisation that sends MBA entrepreneurs to underdeveloped nations where they partner up with NGOs, local businesses and multinational corporations.

Areas they typically work in are health care, agriculture, financial, income-generation and climate change. They've been sent to such countries as Haiti, Nigeria, Mexico, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Rwanda and Vietnam. Projects include developing online educational tools in guatemala to helping develop a pottery industry in Rwanda with opportunities for business analysts, venture capitalists and business development managers. Issues are tackled using an e3 approach - enabling private enterprise, educating locals and engaging in the local community.

Average placements are for 4 to 6 months, and for as little as 1 month. MBAs Without Borders will pay for accommodation, transport, laptop, vaccines, health & travel insurance and visas. It also provides a $US1000 per month stipend, return airfare and, if necessary, an inter-cultural training course.

The conditions would be hard and the pay lousy. Balance that with the satisfaction of applying expertise to really important work that can help change the world. It also gives the MBA sorely-needed skills - like teamwork and listening - and makes the qualification relevant.

Besides, it looks good on a CV.