Information about gap year volunteering

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iGapyear put some frequently asked questions to several volunteer project companies so that you can find out more about volunteer companies and what you can expect from your volunteer project. Our questions cover many of the key worries and areas of interest that you have.

If you want to find out more about what to expect from volunteering, read our case studies and interviews of previous volunteers.

What support will I receive from your company once I get out there?

GREENFORCE: Greenforce always has support staff in country who will either be with you for the duration of your expedition or offer support and guidance when you need it.

CCUSA: Once in the USA there is a FREEPHONE number for any questions or problems you may have. We believe in offering a support network from the initial application all the way through the program.

CCC: From the moment you arrive at a CCC project site you will be immersed in all aspects of expedition life. If you are not already qualified, CCC's diving instructors will train you to PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and Emergency First Response during the first week of your expedition, and you will also receive extensive training in safety and the techniques required to participate in your project.

Real Gap: For many participants on our gap year programmes it's their first time away from home for any significant period of time. Whether you are participating in a four-week volunteer project or backpacking round the world for a whole year, we take your gap year safety equally seriously - wherever you are travelling.

Unlike some other companies our service doesn't stop the second our clients step on a plane. Our gap year packages provide a 24/7 emergency service. Beforehand clients are assigned their very own travel advisor who helps with the design and plan of their gap year programme and offers any support they can.

What will the accommodation be like?

GREENFORCE: This will depend on which expedition you choose, but it will always be clean and comfortable. On some of the expeditions volunteers camp, where as on other expeditions volunteers stay in hotels or guest houses. On our Fiji expedition volunteers stay in traditional grass ‘buries’ which is they way the locals live.

CCUSA: The accommodation will vary from camp to camp. Some camps will have nicely decked out cabins whilst others will be slightly more rustic. Some camps may even have high rise tents. However every camp will have electricity and hot running water so you won’t be roughing it wherever you are placed.

CCC: They vary between expedition locations. Either they are very near the sea, or at a nice place in the forest. Volunteers can expect basic conditions including shared dormitories and shared washing and sanitation facilities. Some CCC expeditions may be located on remote isolated tropical islands or in uninhabited forests areas, whilst others may be located within or adjacent to existing communities.

Real Gap: The accommodation is very much dependent on the country you travel to and the type of programme you take part in but you can be sure that it will be clean, comfortable and safe. In some cases you might be in a hostel or guesthouse in others staying with a host family.

What will happen if I don’t like the position and want to leave early?

GREENFORCE: All volunteers can leave if they don’t like their expedition. Greenforce can also assist in arranging transport.

CCUSA: If you leave the position early you will owe money to CCUSA as we still have to cover your camp fees and flights etc. Your visa will also be terminated and you will have to leave the country immediately. However CCUSA go to great lengths to ensure that we find you the perfect job. Our Placement Coordinators in the USA take their times finding the job that best suits each individual.

CCC: It is possible to leave the site earlier, but you will not get any money refunded.

Real Gap: Although it is rare that anyone decides to leave a programme, however, if you do really want or need to leave early, please contact our offices and we will be happy to assist you in arranging this. You should always make sure you refer to the terms and conditions of the programme you are on with regards to claiming your money back.

Will there be much opportunity to see the area around where I’ll be working?

GREENFORCE: This will depend on your expedition, but generally the answer is yes, you will have plenty of time to explore the area, and sight seeing is included in your expedition too.

CCUSA: During your time at camp you will get an average of one day off per week. This is your free time to go and explore the surrounding areas (which will be beautiful). After camp the visa allows you to travel and remain in the country to go and visit anywhere you desire. This is a massive part of the program and we recommend participants travel and enjoy the amazing country which they will be living and working.

CCC: Once you arrive at an expedition site, you cannot come and go as you please! Volunteers who spend 7 weeks or more on expedition have the opportunity to leave the project base for a Long Weekend in order to explore some of the country's other highlights.

Real Gap: There is always free time built into our programmes to allow you to explore the country you are travelling in for yourself. This is dependant on the type of programme but our travel advisors can give you more information about this and even give you tips on where to go and what to do.

Do you have any advice on how to choose the project that is right for me?

GREENFORCE: The right expedition would depend on what you’re interested in and which country you have always wanted to go to. This is your opportunity for a big adventure so make the most of it.

CCUSA: We have a range of programs across the world so you are bound to find one which is best suited for you. If you have any questions then we have a office full of staff members with experience of the programs ready to answer any questions that you may have.

CCC: That is an individual choice, and depends on whether you prefer the rainforest or the sea. The Philippines project is a marine project which has been active since 1995, whilst the Papua New Guinea project is a really back to basics project in the rainforest. The Tobago project is a new marine project started just this year!

Real Gap: This a classic question and one that really depends on you and what your interests are. Think about how much time you have to spare. How much money you have to spend. Maybe jot down a few notes. Perhaps you have a particular activity in mind? There are so many programmes to choose from there is something for everyone. Give us a ring and we can help you find the perfect trip.

Where does the money that I pay you go?

GREENFORCE: For each expedition we can give a breakdown of where the costs are going. As Greenforce is a non-profit organisation, the majority of the money goes to the country you are visiting.

CCUSA: The fees cover your international flights, 3 months insurance, placement at camp, food and accommodation for 9 weeks and also all the administrative side of the program.

CCC: Your contribution accounts for over 80% of the funding CCC uses to run its programmes and there is much behind-the-scenes work done to support these projects. (Expedition logistics & field expenses (59%); Volunteer recruitment, marketing and PR (20%); Administrative overheads (12%); Insurance (2%); Education (7%))

Real Gap: Costs vary from programme to programme depending on destination, duration and programme particulars. Your money is used to cover the costs of developing and managing the REAL business, services on the ground, such as food, accommodation, local transport, and coordinators, and of course, project donations.

What is included in the cost?

GREENFORCE: Everything except for flights and insurance. Money is also need if you want to buy souvenirs etc.

CCUSA: As above

CCC: The expedition fee includes UK briefing sessions, field accommodation, food, BCD's and Regulator hire (dive trainees), tanks, air, weight belts, expedition & research training and field staff supervision. The fee does not include international flights, transfers, in-transit accommodation, PADI manuals and dive certification, insurance, airport departure taxes, your own diving or trekking equipment and other items of a personal nature.

Real Gap: The cost includes your programmes fees, meals, accommodation, airport transfers, pre-departure information, project transport, and orientation when you arrive.

Do you have any advice on what to pack?

GREENFORCE: This would depend on which expedition you are going to. For hot countries cotton is always better than synthetic fabrics, a full list of what you need to take is give in your welcome pack.

CCUSA: We supply detailed packing lists in our international staff handbooks. Once accepted onto the program participants will be given these lists and of course if they have any further questions there is always someone at the end of the phone and help out.

CCC: We have a Marine Expedition checklist , and a Tropical Forest Expedition checklist.

Real Gap: You will receive a pre-departure pack with all the information you need on what to take with you. If you have any questions though, our travel advisors will be happy to help. They’ve all travelled extensively so they will be able to give you advice from first-hand experiences.

Contributing to this article were the following: Greenforce (The non profit adventure specialists); CCUSA (Volunteer adventures in the USA and around the world); CCC (Coral Cay Conservation expeditions - projects on coral reefs & in rainforests); Real Gap (Providing adventure, travel and volunteer work around the world) .