Your Questions . . . Our Answers
How much do the trips cost?
Why choose Volunteer Visions?
What's included in the program fee?
Are the trips safe?
Who volunteers?
Where do program fees go?
How much free time will I have?
How much extra money do I need to bring?
How many people will be in my program?
What are the program requirements?
Where can I find tickets & travel insurance?
How much do the trips cost?
Volunteer Visions is proud to offer some of the most affordable international volunteer trips. Our trip costs vary depending on location, and duration. If you have researched other volunteer organizations, you might have found that Volunteer Visions' program fees are typically 50-75% lower than other leading volunteer organizations.We are able to offer affordable pricing by operating in the same regions we service. This means lower prices for you and the chance to work with projects and volunteer coordinators who have a local presence in the communities we're helping. Volunteer Visions has managed to maintain low program fees without sacrificing the quality of the experience. It's our mission to make volunteering accessible to anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.
To find specific prices, explore our projects. The project fees do not include airfare. If you are interested in getting an idea for how much your will cost including airfare, search for flights.
Why choose Volunteer Visions?
Volunteer Visions understands that you have many choices when it comes to traveling and volunteering. Volunteers around the world consistently choose our service because we offer:
- :: A comprehensive package of services
- :: Responses to your e-mails within 24 hours
- :: Detailed pre-departure and orientation information
- :: Consistent and reliable communication with our volunteers
- :: Informed and knowledgeable staff and customer service representatives
- :: Some of the lowest program fee's
What's included in the program fee?
The program fee that you pay includes the following:
- :: Food
- :: Home stay or dorm accommodation
- :: Pre-departure Information (which includes visa info, vaccinations, packing list, etc.)
- :: Arrival pick up
- :: Skilled and knowledgeable onsite coordinator
- :: 24/7 emergency assistance and onsite support
- :: Safety and Health tips
- :: On-site orientation
- :: Social and cultural activities and excursions
Are the trips safe?
We recognize our responsibility to do the utmost to provide a secure and unthreatening environment for you during your trip.
Volunteer Visions has devoted excessive amounts of time to choosing programs, partners and locations that meet our high safety standards.
Part of assuring safety is understanding the culture of the communities we occupy. We make sure all of our volunteers get a comprehensive safety introduction upon arrival. Additionally we have established a safety network to assure the same feelings of safety and security, as you would have at home. We strongly believe in the concept that when at home, people are surrounded by friends and family members who are willing to assist them at a moments notice. By implementing our safety network, Volunteer Visions has re-created this feeling of being surrounded by friends and family.
Volunteer Visions Commitment to Safety:
- :: Safety orientations upon arrival
- :: 24-hour emergency phone service
- :: Accessible doctors and hospitals
- :: Safety network of friends and family
- :: 24 hour medical evacuation service and doctors consultation for volunteers traveling with Global Rescue memberships
Who volunteers?
We receive volunteers from all around the world. The common idea that unites every volunteer is that each person is willing to donate his/her time and money in order to reach out to individuals and communities in need.
International volunteers tend to be:
- :: Travelers who want to contribute to the communities they visit
- :: Around-the-world travelers who want to make a 'different and useful' stop on their journey
- :: Students on summer, winter or gap year vacations
- :: Graduates seeking experience in the field of international development
- :: Professionals on career breaks, sabbaticals or on leave from their professions
- :: Retirees seeking to do try something different
- :: Group and family travelers
- :: Individuals looking for a way out of the rat race
Where do program fees go?
We are continually working hard to provide the best service possible and keep our fees low. The chart below describes how our program fees are allocated.
How much free time will I have?
While participating in your volunteer program you will have weekends free to enjoy the area in which you are staying or to explore outlying areas. Volunteer Visions has partnerships with local area tour agencies and is happy to help you set up any tours you may be interested in. We also suggest reviewing a Lonely Planet and the internet in search of ideas of what you would like to do on your time off.
How much extra money do I need to bring?
It is difficult for Volunteer Visions to advise people as to exactly how much extra money they should bring. The amount of extra money you should bring depends on you as an individual. It depends on how much you want to eat out, any extra tours you would like to take, how much you intend to spend on social events, and the amount of purchases you make. These are all things you will want to consider when deciding how much extra money you should bring with you.
How many people will be in my program?
The number of volunteers varies throughout the year. If you apply and pick a specific date we would be happy to inform you of how many volunteers have signed up for that date so far; however you must remember we are continuously receiving applications for all of our projects. If you are concerned about being the only volunteer, or one of many, we have an on-site coordinator who works with all volunteers in order to make sure everything runs smoothly.
What are the program requirements?
The requirements for all of our projects are listed on the webpage for each individual project. In general there are not specific requirements. We simply ask that volunteers are open-minded, respectful of cultures and traditions, determined and motivated. Any special qualifications you may have are always useful. We like to tell our volunteers that whatever special skills or knowledge they have they should utilize it in a fashion they see useful and fit for the community.
Where can I find plane tickets & insurance?
We've gathered some helpful links for planning your trip here.
