How it works
One program structure. No surprises.
Every placement, every destination, every focus area includes the same core, so you always know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Every placement
Always included
One price covers the essentials, in every destination.
Shared volunteer accommodation
at or near each project, from village bases and homestays to small hotels and hostels
All daily meals
Daily transport
to and from the project, including boat transfers where the project needs them
In-country orientation
run by your host partner
Language lessons and cultural events
basic language lessons, cultural events and community activities
Role-specific training
where the project needs it
4 to 6 hours of supervised work
a day
Local emergency contact
and in-country support from our NGO partner
Your path
From application to arrival
- 1Step 1
Application and qualification
Tell us your project, dates and length. We review your application and confirm eligibility, including visa eligibility by nationality, age, and length of stay.
- 2Step 2
Requirements and add-ons
Upload your travel documents, insurance, background check and health information through secure forms, and choose optional add-ons such as travel insurance or an eSIM.
- 3Step 3
Program Deposit
Once your requirements are complete, the once-only Deposit secures your place. It can be transferred to other dates or destinations up to 60 days before departure.
- 4Step 4
Handoff to partner
Your partner organization receives your file and arranges your accommodation, project and arrival.
- 5Step 5
Final payment and introduction
Pay your Program Fee 60 days before your start date. It goes directly to our partner NGO for delivery of your program.
- 6Step 6
Partner introduction and arrival
You’re introduced to our partner NGO by name 30 days before departure, and they welcome you when you arrive.
The honest answer
Why does it cost money to volunteer?
The Program Fee is how the project benefits.
It covers your accommodation, all your meals, your daily transport to the project, your in-country training and language programming, project materials, and the staff time and supervision your placement requires.
The Deposit funds the work that gets you there ready.
It secures your place and pays for application review, visa and eligibility checks, requirements management, pre-departure orientation, and a dedicated Placement Coordinator. It is charged once and can be transferred to other dates or destinations up to 60 days before departure.
How long should you stay?
2–4 weeks
Our minimum. A real introduction to the work and the community, honest about what a short stay can and can’t do.
4–12 weeks
The standard range. Long enough to take on real responsibility and see a project move forward.
3 months or longer
EncouragedExtended stays, including 6 and 12 months, are where the deepest impact happens. The Deposit is charged once, so the cost per week falls the longer you stay.
Questions first?
Applying doesn’t commit you to anything. Ask us the hard questions.