Before you go
Research where you want to volunteer
Learn the basic language
Check Health Vaccinations
Research Volunteer positions
Research other volunteers’ experiences
Renting your flat?/Selling your home?
Storing the belongings you want to leave behind
Do you need a Visa/ Permission to work for the country?
How long can you stay without a Visa?
Is there special permission to stay longer if you volunteer?
Currency:
What banking systems are available = Banks, ATM’s
Will Travellers cheques/ Currency exchange be easy to change?
(You need small notes/cash in villages. Some will not be able to exchange large currency)
What guide books/ travel books to bring?
Guide Books for the area (make sure they are up to date)
What will the weather be like? Which seasons are when?
Clothes
What mode of dress should you wear?
Do you need summer clothes, winter clothes?
Do you need mosquito repellent or nets, medications?
Accommodation
What will the accommodation be like?
Do you organise your own accommodation?
Can the organisation assist you with accommodation (budget or otherwise?)
or give you details of accommodation in the area?
Hostels/Hotels/ Apartments/ Host families/ Bed and breakfast/ Pousadas
Check: Air conditioning, fan, showers (hot or cold) dormitory, heating, internet, Wi-Fi, costs, TV
What is the average cost of living (accommodation, food) in that area?
Are there rules on Alcohol?
Special customs to be observed?
Facilities
What interesting sights/ clubs/ book shops/activities are nearby?
Will you be near the sea? Snorkel, swimming costume
Will you be in the jungle= Walking boots
Hiking/ Yoga/ Activities nearby
Books in your language/Libraries
Entertainment nearby Cinema/ Clubs/ Pubs/ Café’s
Restaurants or street food
Research: What is local life like?
Jungle/ Small Village= Bugs, no TV, no Internet, No Restaurants
Job Considerations
Interviews? Do you need one?
Minimum stay requirement
Language skills needed
Language classes available
What skills do you have to offer/ English lessons/ Dance Lessons/ Spanish Lessons?
Are references required?
What exactly will you be doing?
What hours will you work?
Any costs to volunteer?
Where do fees go?
What should you bring to the organisation (Pens Paper 2nd Hand Clothes)?
From Airport to Volunteer position:
Taxi, Bus, meet and greet?
Orientation?
Is there a charge for this?