Frequently Asked Questions
We Are Here To Answer
Your 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.
Connie Poole ~ Thailand ~ 2008
"VFP work camps focus on creating a good mix of volunteers from all over the world (which in turn helps to promote peace and understanding)."
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Where
Over 3000 projects in over 100 countries in Western & Eastern Europe, Africa and the Americas.
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When
80% of projects occur June through September. There are about 800 projects between October and May.
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Project Length
Short-term projects (2-3 weeks); Medium-term projects (1-6 months-known as MTV's); and Long-term projects (6 months - a year-known as LTV's).
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Insurance
Coverage is provided for accidents only at most, but not all, projects abroad. For additional information please visit our Advice to Volunteers Section of our website.
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Language
English is the spoken language in the majority of projects, unless otherwise stated in the project description.
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Types of Work
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, teaching. Projects can be any type because they arise from the needs of the host community.
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Girls Dormintory at the Orchard Valley School in Vermont, USA.
Photo Credit: Jane Skakel ~ 2008 |
Accommodations
Your registration fee covers room & board. projects vary greatly in living conditions. 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, work projects and recreation.
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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.
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The Economics of International Voluntary Service Projects
It may seem incredible that, through VFP, you can live in a foreign country for 2-3 weeks for as little as $300. 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.
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Getting College Credit
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 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: travelstudy@yahoo.com
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