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Volunteering abroad is not for everybody. While it may sound exciting and different, it can also be difficult for even the experienced traveller. As a rule, the projects we serve work with individuals who need help in many ways. It may be very stressful for a unprepared and insufficiently motivated person. The environment is neither a luxury resort or a carefree summer camp, and you must be prepared to sacrifice some personal comfort (but not safety!) in helping your fellow human beings. You must also be able to function independently and not depend on tour leaders that guide you from tourist traps to overpriced restaurants to souvenir shops. Furthermore, you must be ready to speak passable Spanish for our Cusco projects, or be ready to learn it before you start your volunteer placement. You are expected to agree to the host family's rules and avoid disrupting their family's daily life. For example, you must agree to not come in after a certain time and respect their “house rules”.
Not everyone who applies to our programs is accepted. In our evaluation of your application we are looking for a creative, enthusiastic and independent personality and a flexible mentality when dealing with challenging environments and situations. We must be selective because of the nature of the projects we work with, and we reserve the right to reject any application.
Culture shock. It is inevitable that as a person going to live in a culture that is perhaps vastly different than your own, there is a possibility that you will have issues adjusting. Once more, we must insist on mentioning the flexibility that is necessary when undertaking a project such as this. We aim to prepare you for it as much as possible, and we might want to talk to you before we accept you. A phone interview is mandatory for all applicants under 18, along with parental permission.
Code of conduct. You are expected to agree to and follow our volunteer code of conduct. Among other things, it states your obligations as a volunteer abroad and tries to guide you in the way that you behave and work with the local people and organizations in the field.
Medical issues. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have followed all appropriate medical advice from your doctor regarding this project and the country of your destination. You must arrange to receive all the appropriate inoculations, vaccinations and treatment in respect to that country well in advance of your arrival. You should also keep yourself in good health by taking prescribed medications and not taking part in high-risk activities. In applying, you confirm that you are in sufficient physical and mental health to participate in the project and do not have any physical or mental conditions that could affect your ability to participate.
At the end of your application, you will be asked to confirm that you have read and agree to the following policies: |
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