Eligibility

Our travellers need to be over 18 for most of our projects abroad, but there is no upper age limit. We have had volunteers aged 70+ so there really is no limit to what you can achieve on one of our voluntary travel programs overseas!

Alternative Travel Options

We understand that some of our travellers may want to bring family members and under 16s volunteers along when doing one of our international travel projects, which is why we offer family-friendly projects and travel options specifically for 16 to 19 year olds.We offer special group travel programs for travellers who want to make a difference as a couple, with friends, colleagues or anyone else!

Criminal Record check

To ensure the safety and credibility of our projects, from time-to-time it's necessary for us to complete a criminal records check, particularly for volunteer programs working with children.

Skilled Volunteer Programs

While many of our overseas volunteer programs don't require specific skills, we do offer projects that require particular skills, such as teaching English placements, which are readily available with a TEFL certification, as well as international internships, which could see volunteers develop careers in health work experience in La Esperanza, Honduras, among many other work experience abroad opportunities.

If a project is badly run, volunteers' hard work can be for nothing. Your fee helps to source worthwhile projects so you can be sure you're making a difference. Accommodation is included in the placements and often, so is food, and by staying locally your fee remains in the community you're there to help.

You will also be provided with thorough information about how to prepare for your trip as well as information on volunteering in your chosen country. What's more, if you are volunteering as a teacher or on a community development project, the 40 hour TEFL qualification will also be included!

Don't think we forget about you once you're out there. You'll be met at the airport and introduced to the local area by one of the in-country co-ordinators so there's no chance of getting lost!

We're very proud to offer real places to stay for real travellers. We're not for a minute suggesting that you'll be staying in a luxury five-star hotel in the well-trodden tourist hotspots, but you'll live life like a local and gain an authentic immersion into a new culture that will change your life forever. When you stay at the local accommodation, whether it's a homestay, volunteer house or hotel and guesthouse, you'll experience a new culture from the inside and meet friends from around the globe!

Local accommodation is offered with all the projects and here are the five different types, which vary according to each destination and project:

Homestay

When you stay in a homestay you'll be living with a local family in a home full of local traditions and specialities. You'll enjoy home-cooked meals, social interaction with the host family and a welcoming atmosphere which will prevent you from feeling too homesick! Homestays are a brilliant way to experience the real local culture and community from the inside – literally!

Volunteer House

You'll meet and share stories (and maybe even throw a few parties!) with fellow volunteers when you stay in one of our volunteer houses, which are, guess what, full of volunteers! Our volunteer houses are privately managed and some are run by our local coordinators, so friendly faces and support are always on hand.

Hotels and Guesthouses

Hotels and guesthouses are another great place to meet fellow volunteers and other travellers, as well as offering a safe and soothing retreat to lay your head. They are usually basic but comfortable.

Tented and Jungle Camps

If you're into the great outdoors and interested in getting in touch with nature in a unique way, you'll love our tented and jungle camps! You will wake up in the wild and really experience nature at its best. Naturally basic in its offering, this accommodation is an ideal way to sample outdoor life in a truly stunning location.

Accommodation Upgrade

If you're looking for a comfortable and relaxing place to stay, we can upgrade your accommodation at many of our projects, which guarantees a private room - the ideal solution after a hectic day out and about! You'll be staying with locals and will meet fellow volunteers and travellers, while experiencing a delightful location off-the-beaten-track. Our upgrade accommodation usually offers a few creature comforts including cable TV, en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning... not that we're encouraging you to stay in and ignore the stunning country at your feet!

So how will you benefit from our overseas teams?

• Face-to-face support

  The in-country coordinators are your first port of call if you have a problem. As well as sorting out the little things, they're available 24/7 to help you through any emergencies that you might encounter while abroad. They'll be right there by your side to provide a friendly face and a reassuring word when you need it the most.

• Airport pick-up

  The in-country coordinators will pick you up from the airport and make sure you get to your project without any problems.

• Orientation

  The in-country coordinators will give you a full cultural orientation on arrival. This will cover everything from health and safety to where you can get an emergency bar of chocolate.

• Local

  All of the in-country coordinators are local people with a wealth of information about the land and its customs. They'll be able to advise you on where to go, how to get there and what to do while you're there.

• Friendly

  Arriving in a new country can be a daunting experience but the friendly in-country coordinators will be there to settle you in and calm your fears.

• English speaking

  Language barriers can be a huge problem when travelling abroad. All the in-country coordinators speak English so you won't have any trouble communicating with them.