FAQ

These questions relate to the time before you go overseas as a volunteer. For questions relating to the time you are overseas.

1. What types of programs are available?
You can get involved in teaching, care &community, medicine, journalism, veterinary & animal Care, information technology projects, sport coaching, fashion & design, law & human right, business internships.

2. How long do placements last?
You choose how long your placement lasts. Apart from our 2-Week Specials, placements are flexible and most last from one month upwards. Most volunteers go for between two and six months.
Our projects runs throughout the year so you can choose to volunteer with us anytime of the year you want; you can volunteer for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of one year.

3. Can I combine placements?
Yes you can combine placements. Apply now to book your placement

4. When can I start? When should I apply?
You choose when your placement starts and finishes. Placements run all year. There are no definitive deadlines for application. Please apply as soon as you've decided what you want to do. The longer the notice, the more we can tailor a program. If you decide last minute, do give us a e-mail or call to see how quickly we can arrange it for you - we sometimes only need a few weeks’ notice.

5. What are the costs involved?
All our Project placements are totally free including accommodation, transportation from the airport (our drivers and project coordinators will pick you up from the airport), orientation and 24hour support from our staff. The only cost involve in this project is your food, we have a cook in the volunteer house who prepares three meals a day for all the volunteers, If you are a vegetarian or have any allergies this is taken into account when we arrange your placement. Volunteers pay $300 a month for three meals a day; the cost also covers your laundry, drinking water, toiletries and we also have 24-hours wireless internet access in the volunteer house so that you can keep in touch with friends and family back home, Our aim is to provide cheap and affordable volunteer opportunity to people like you so that you can help make a difference in the life's of the less fortunate in Africa.

6. Can I go with my friend/boyfriend/girlfriend?
Friends are most welcome and, if you like, we can arrange placements where you can live and work together.

7. Will I need injections?
As we are not medical experts we cannot give out official advice - so talk to your doctor, who will be happy to advice on what you may need. Don't let injections put you off - you'll be glad you had them once you are enjoying yourself abroad!

8. What age ranges take part in these projects?
Volunteers are welcome between the ages of 16 and 75. Many of our volunteers are between 18 and 25 years old, but a rapidly increasing number of career breakers and retired people are now taking part too. This has led to a stimulating mix of people in all our programs.

9. What qualifications do I need?
No qualifications are necessary - just reasonable spoken English. No TEFL or teaching qualifications are needed for our teaching programs (although you are very welcome if you do happen to have them).

10. Do I need to be an American or Canadian citizen?
No. We accept volunteers from all over the world - in fact we actively recruit in much of Europe and the USA. We like to have a multinational mix - that's what cultural exchange is all about.

11. What do I gain from this program?
The program is an excellent opportunity to combine adventurous foreign travel with a worthwhile job as a volunteer. As well as gaining experience that looks brilliant on your CV, you will improve your transferable skills such as team-working, presentation and communication.

12. Can I fundraise for this project?
Of course you can, although we certainly don't say that you have to. For tips

13. What if I have more questions?
If you have any questions or would like to discuss our programs in more detail, please don't hesitate to contact us.

14. Flight to take
Here are numerous flights; from which you can select the one that best suits you
KLM, Kenya Airways, British Airways, Delta. You can also start your search at opodo.comor cheapflights.com.

15. What to bring
Rucksack: Also a smaller medium sized bag if you wish to do weekend or other traveling trips. There are not many places to buy large rucksacks so would advise a good quality one.
Mosquito Net: This is optional but those volunteers who do bring them can find them useful especially those who move to a village in the rainy season.

16.Things to pack
Laptop, Digital cameras, Torch, lamps, soaps, walking boots-trainers
Candies and Chocolates for children, Sandals, sneakers, one pair of nice shoes
Sunhat, Sun glasses and sunscreen, Flashlight & spare batteries, Watch, Money Pouch
Towels, Insect repellent, Mini First Aid Kit, Beach wear, IPOD, MP3 etc.

17. What vaccinations will need for Ghana?
In Africa, malaria is the major problem; volunteers are highly encouraged to get a malaria vaccine before leaving for Ghana. Empowerment for Sustainable Livelihood suggests that you consult a travel doctor from your country before you depart.