FAQ Volunteering Abroad

FAQ Volunteering Abroad

Volunteering Abroad Answers & Guidance

Here are answers to common questions about volunteering overseas. If you don’t find what you need, just get in touch — we’re happy to help.

Pre-Departure Questions
(Before You Volunteer Abroad)

To apply, simply fill out our online application form. A non-refundable deposit of $299 is required to confirm your place. Once paid, we’ll send you confirmation of your placement and email you a pre-departure guide specific to your destination, helping you prepare with packing tips, visa info, arrival logistics and connect you to the local team.

We have a range of programs from teaching, medical placements, social work to animal conservation. We work in India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Philippines and Peru. We make recommendations based on your interests and skills and where you can contribute and learn from. For our first time volunteers we always recommend our well supported and popular programs in India, Cambodia, or Peru where you can meet many other volunteers. Its best to talk to us if you are unsure of what destination or program to apply for.

The social aspect of any program is always important. We get volunteers on all our programs however some are more popular than others. If you are looking to be with others volunteers its always good to ask us how many will be joining on your start dates. We also have programs that are more independent and where you won’t need fellow volunteers as the project are fairly busy.

We get all age groups from 17 years upwards. Our oldest volunteer has been 68 years old! Age is no bar when it comes to volunteering and we welcome everyone on our programs. On average you can expect volunteers between 21 to 25 years old.

Due to our privacy policy we can not share information of our past volunteers. We however do have our Facebook page where you can join and interact directly with volunteers who have left reviews or past volunteers from our Facebook groups for each destination. Get in touch with us if you are interested to know how to connect with others via social media.

For most volunteer abroad programs, you don’t need prior experience. If you’re joining medical or healthcare placements, specialized skills or qualifications may be required. For teaching, child-care, wildlife work, etc., enthusiasm, openness to learning, and passion are more important. Local staff will provide training and support.

Health, Safety & Support Overseas

You’ll receive guidance on vaccinations (e.g. Hepatitis A/B, Malaria, Yellow Fever etc.), medical precautions, and health insurance. Every program has local staff contacts, access to clinics or hospitals, and emergency protocols.

All our programs offer 24/7 local support. We maintain a basic medical kit in program accommodation. For serious issues, we help facilitate access to private or public medical facilities. Travel insurance is mandatory for unforeseen situations, including medical evacuations when necessary.

Travel advisories are monitored Copies of all passports, medical and travel insurance, emergency contact information, dietary and medical requirements are collected Staff have up-to-date first-aid training and carry a comprehensive first-aid kit at all times Local hospitals and local doctors are able to handle any minor or major medical situations All travel occurs during the day and under the guidance of facilitators Full training given to participants for any health and safety hazards Access to filtered or bottled water is available at all times.

Overall most countries we work in are peaceful and local people are very friendly and supportive. We ensure all possible measures regarding safety and security of our guests. We will give you health and safety training, culture orientation as well as emergency contact numbers of local staff, medical centers and police. However, no trip can be guaranteed to be one hundred per cent safe, and each guest must recognize that travel to developing countries is, in general, less safe than travel to developed countries.

Most of our locations have WiFi at home. Please bring an unlocked phone from home for local mobile connections.

We highly recommend you carry your iPad or laptops so you can connect with family and friends at home and also stay connected. Most locations are safe but we do not guarantee safety. All electronic devices must be kept locked when you are not at home.

Travel, Arrival & Orientation Abroad

Upon arrival, you’ll get a cultural orientation, project briefing, safety training, and meet your local coordinator. We also offer ongoing support throughout your time abroad so you feel confident, safe, and well-prepared.

Yes — in almost all locations, we include airport transfers to your accommodation. In places like Phang Na, Thailand, this may differ, so check your destination’s details.

You will be picked up from the place of your residence and dropped at project site. At the end of the day you will be picked up from the project site and taken back to place of residence at the set timing. Logistics are managed by our ground staff. We use local transport such as Tuk-tuks, buses or local taxis. In some locations bicycles are provided.

  • We are not affiliated with any University College credits however we can sign off any documents from your university to state that you have completed the program with us. If you’re a course tutor and would like further information about how one of our programmes could meet the placement requirements for your degree course then please contact us directly on

We make regular donations from the program fees that goes back into a project already. We do not recommend giving out cash to anyone directly. If you wish to donate please get in touch with us by email hello@volunteeringjourneys.com and we can advise you on how best to donate.

On all our programs weekends are free for your excursions. If you want to travel mid week than please get in touch with us or inform our local team directly. We recommend you not to travel during project days and travel only on weekends or after your program finishes.

Costs, Payments & Extra Expenses

Our volunteer program fees cover accommodation, meals, local transport, orientation, project supervision and 24/7 local support. They typically do not include flights, visas, vaccinations, personal insurance, personal expenses, or travel to/from destination beyond what’s specified.

We always encourage you to travel with your loved ones. This makes an experience even more special. If you are traveling with your boyfriend/girlfriend, friend or family member we can give you accommodation together. Please let us know on when you apply.

A lot of volunteers want to combine multiple destinations. If you are thinking of more than one location you can get in touch with us or tick the appropriate countries and program on the application form we send you.

You will be sent a pre-departure guide highlighting what to bring. You will be able to buy basic essentials like soap, shampoo or toothpaste close to your accommodation in most locations. You may want to bring medicines, sun cream, mosquito repellents and personal hygiene products from home.

A lot of preparations goes behind each program and we have to prepare for your arrival. To ensure that our efforts are not going to waste and so we don’t give your spot to someone else a full payment is required before you arrive. We require the full Program Fee to be paid 6 weeks prior to arrival. You can not pay in cash in country. All payments must be paid as per the invoice stated. Please read the Terms and Conditions before you sign up!

We require full payment of the program fee at least 6 weeks before your start date (for most programs). The non-refundable deposit is required on application. We accept online bank transfers or other secure payment methods; we do not accept payment in cash once you arrive.

Social & Miscellaneous Questions

That depends on the program. Many volunteers join in groups, but in less popular destinations or during certain dates, you might be among a smaller group or working more independently. If being with others is important to you, please let us know so we can suggest locations/dates with higher volunteer numbers.

Yes! If you’re traveling with someone, we can often arrange shared accommodation. Just indicate this when you apply so we can organize accordingly.

We aren’t affiliated with specific universities, so programs don’t automatically carry credit. However, we can provide letters of participation or documentation that some academic institutions accept. Check with your school or university beforehand.

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