FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

You should find most of the answers to your questions on this page. However, if you still need assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Where can I volunteer?

We offer over 3000 projects in more than 100 countries around the world. Search our Volunteer Project List for available projects now!

When do the projects take place?

80% of projects occur between June and September, but there are also about 800 projects offered between October and May.

How long is a typical project?

Short-term projects are 2-3 weeks, medium-term projects (MTV's) are 1-6 months, and long-term projects (LTV's) are up to 1 year

How much does it cost?

For volunteers 18 years and older VFP's registration fee is always $350, regardless of the length of your program. Our registration fee is $500 for teens and we place families for $500 as well. The registration fee covers food, accommodation and work materials for the duration of the project. Some projects, especially those in developing countries, have an additional fee payable on arrival to help offset the cost of the program. Volunteers arrange and pay for their own transportation to and from each project. A VFP membership fee of $30 is also required for placement.

 

What is the registration process?

Once we have received your registration and $380 membership/registration fee, we will begin to process your registration. Placement typically takes between 3-5 business days for short-term projects and 1-2 weeks for MTV and LTV projects. If projects are full, we will consider you for your 2nd and 3rd project choices. Once we hear back from our partner organizations, we will inform you of the status of your placement. If you are unable to be placed in a project, the $350 registration fee will be refunded to you; however if you are placed in a project, that fee is non-refundable. Please read our Terms, Conditions and Cancellation Policy for more information!

Is there insurance provided?

Coverage is provided for accidents only at most, but not all, projects abroad. For additional information please visit our Volunteer Resources page.

Do I need to know a foreign language to participate?

English is the spoken language in the majority of projects, unless otherwise stated in the project description.

What type of work will I be doing?

Projects can be any type of work because they arise from the needs of the host community. Some examples are: construction or low income housing, renovation of community buildings, environmental, such as trail building and tree planting, sustainable agriculture, archaeological, historic preservation, social projects working with the elderly, the disabled, children and orphans, AIDS/HIV, and teaching.

What are the accommodations like?

Your registration fee covers room & board.  Living conditions vary greatly from project to project. Generally, 10-20 people from four or more countries arrive on a given day in a host community. You may be housed in a school, church, private home or community center. Living arrangements are generally cooperative, like a family, with volunteers coordinating and sharing the day-to-day activities such as food preparation and cleaning. Most accommodations are rustic and require volunteers to bring a sleeping bag and mat.

How do the Networks of IVS Organizations Operate?

VFP places volunteers on our partners projects abroad in exchange for receiving their foreign volunteers on projects that we offer here in the United States. Incoming foreign volunteers pay no fee to VFP. All projects abroad are managed by our partner organizations abroad.

Why is registration fee for a 2-3 week project only $350?

It may seem incredible that, through VFP, you can live in a foreign country for 2-3 weeks for as little as $350. The registration fee, which you pay to VFP, is used in part to help cover the costs of hosting and insuring foreign volunteers in the US. Likewise, foreign volunteers pay a registration fee to their local organizations. VFP then networks with its partner organizations and exchanges volunteers like you. Camp costs in all countries are low because housing is simple and often donated and the volunteers prepare their own meals. VFP also strives to keep administrative costs low.

Can I receive college credit for a volunteer project?

If you are already a student, the simplest way is to arrange an "independent study" through a willing professor/sponsor at your own school. Otherwise, feel free to contact Professor Steve Nash:

Professor Steve Tash can provide inexpensive college credit for your voluntary service. The credits cost $300.00 for five quarter credits (=3 semester); or $550 for 10 quarter credits (=6 semester). You should check with your home school/university and get transfer permission to take "off campus credits" in advance.

• Contact Professor Tash at:
• 23786 Villena
• Mission Viejo, CA 92692
• Tel. 949-916-1096 9am-9pm PST Fax. 949- 916-1499
• Web: http://westudyabroad.com Email: travelstudyREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@yahoo.com