FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s some extra bits of information that may be useful to you…if something is not answered get in touch with us!

Pre Arrival:

To apply you simply fill in the application forms online www.volunteeringjourneys.com/apply-online. You need to pay a $199 deposit with your application form. This is non refundable. Once we get your deposit with the application form we will email you a confirmation and block your spot on the program. You will be emailed a pre-departure brief specific to your destination that will help you with your planning and preparations for your upcoming volunteer experience

We have a range of programs from teaching, medical placements, social work to animal conservation. We work in India, Thailand, SriLanka, 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.

We do not require you to have any specific skills unless you are joining our medical or healthcare programs. We expect that you have an interest in the project that you applying to. For instance if you are applying to teach children we hope that you enjoy being around children! On arrival we give you training and necessary resources that you may need for your program. Our local staff are also around for you to give you support at all times.

Health & Safety:

This depends on which country you are traveling from. You should visit your local travel medical clinic at the local GP centre and take vaccinations they suggest. You should consider the following vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B; Diphtheria; Tetanus; Yellow fever; Rabies; Tuberculosis; Malaria

Our pre-trip information pack will provide you with how to minimise the risk of falling ill, and our guides will also brief you on hygiene. Additionally, we strongly encourage you to take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover the event that you fall ill. This coverage should certainly include all medical-related expenses, and emergency air lifts where required. All program locations have several good private hospitals, nursing homes and health clinics available. We will give you information to the nearest doctors and our staff will be there to help you in case you keeping unwell. We keep a basic medical kit you can access at home and when you are on site.You will get the numbers of local doctors, hospitals and our local staff who you can contact 24/7 in case of any medical emergency.

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 centres and police. However, no trip can be guaranteed to be one hundred per cent safe, and each guest must recognise that travel to developing countries is, in general, less safe than travel to developed countries.

Arrival:

We give sufficient information so you feel comfortable and confident to travel to your chosen destination.

Pre-departure Preparation You will receive your country relevant pre departure guide that covers all the basics on what to bring, culture and project related information. This will also have the contact of your local contact in count
On arrival and during the trip You will get an area orientation and program specific training. A health and safety briefing is also included where necessary.
Staff Support All our programs will have a local Country Manager who will be your main point of contact amongst others staff members who will be supporting you on the projects at all times. Although you will work independently, we will support for if you are feeling nervous untli you feel comfortable.

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 hello@volunteeringjourneys to schedule a meeting.

Cost & Other Bits:

You will have to pay for your DBS Check, airfare, medical and travel insurance, vaccinations and your Visas. You will also need some extra money for your personal expenses and excursions in country.

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!

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