No.

Volunteers traveling without adult supervision must be 18 years or older. If you are under 18 and would like to volunteer, please contact our office for details. Families with children are also welcome to volunteer!

We welcome all international volunteers!

First we talk with you to make sure we find a fitting project and location that will let you make the biggest impact, and then we review your application and submitted background check.

We work diligently to find a place for all volunteers. We will turn down applicants that have an unfavorable criminal record as noted on the background check. W believe we all have something to offer!

In most cases, we can place volunteers without related experience in any project. For some positions in the healthcare field, however, we do require you to have formal medical training. Our prime desire is that you have a willing, open heart and that you want to work hard to make a difference. Talk with us about your goals, skills, and talents and we’ll connect you with a project that will let you give back in the biggest way.

Yes! We can place you and a friend, family member, or co-worker in the same project and accommodations, or you can choose to live in the same accommodations and work on different projects. Talk with us about your specific situation and we’ll make it work!

There is no limit. If you would like to volunteer with a group or family, please contact us and we’ll discuss your options. We can accommodate both small and large groups, sometimes even building a new project based on the needs of your group. So, if you have an idea for group volunteering, let us know!

We visit each lodging location and make sure to carefully interview the host family for our homestay accommodations. We require each host family to offer private rooms for our volunteers in a safe, clean environment. Some of our non-homestay project options have on-site volunteer rooms, or a volunteer house in which all volunteers live together.

The specific food options will vary in each location based on the local cuisine. No matter where your project is, you’ll be provided with three healthy, delicious meals each day. If you have dietary restrictions, let us know and we’ll be happy to make arrangements for you.

Fieldwork will vary in each location and project. When you’re choosing a project, our staff will explain the tasks for each project. And, prior to your departure, we’ll send you a placement packet that will include details of your daily work.

You can expect to have weekends and evenings free. There is plenty of time for you to enjoy the culture and visit local sites during your downtime.

That’s ok! In most countries, English is a second language and you’ll be able to communicate with most everyone this way. In Latin American countries, knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not required. A language barrier hasn’t stopped a volunteer yet! Let us know if you’d like some tools for learning the basics before you go. Your in-country coordinator can also provide useful phrases.

All communities are within a short driving distance from good medical care. Your country coordinator will make sure you receive the help you need should you become sick or injured while in your project country. We also require that you purchase international travel insurance that will be very useful in emergencies.

Yes of course! You have many communication options including email, social media, and Skype (internet cafes and wireless hotspots are common throughout our project countries). You may also be able to use your current cell phone (but be sure to check on international rates), or purchase a local SIM card for your phone, or even purchase a local phone when you arrive. Each country has many different options that we’d be happy to discuss with you.

We have a ZERO tolerance drug and alcohol policy. Any volunteer caught using drugs or alcohol will be dismissed from the program immediately and all associated costs will be at the volunteer’s expense.

You are not paying to volunteer, but you are paying for the assurance of safe and comfortable accommodations and a verified, community building and enriching project to volunteer with. Think of us as a volunteer travel agent who is setting everything up for you and supporting you in each portion of the experience.

A $350 non-refundable volunteer fee is due when you apply and your weekly program fee (as listed in e fees and dates ) is due in full at least 60 days before your start date.

Yes! We will be happy to work with you on creating a payment plan that will help you pay for the trip in full before you leave. Let us know if you want to discuss this option.

Yes of course! There are many options for fundraising. Check out our fundraising tips and contact us if you’d like to brainstorm more possibilities.

In some circumstances, travel and other expenses you necessarily incur directly because of your volunteer efforts with may be tax deductible. For more information, please read the IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions (available at www.irs.gov). Cultural Connections and Volunteers LLC cannot provide tax advice and encourages you to consult with a tax advisor regarding your specific situation.

Some vaccinations may be required depending on your project country. We suggest you visit the Center For Disease Control (CDC) for a full overview of recommended vaccinations, and for a suggested list of medicines to carry with you on your trip.

You will need a tourist visa to volunteer abroad, and it is your responsibility to obtain this visa. The process for getting a tourist visa differs based on your nationality and destination country. For Americans volunteering in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and South Africa, you will not need a visa in advance. In Kenya and Uganda, however, Americans will need to obtain a visa in advance. Check out our Helpful Tools page for more information on visa requirements and contact us if you have any questions.

Yes. We require every volunteer to register with Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Contact us if you have any additional questions! We’ll be more than happy to talk with you and address any concerns.