Here is why paying to arrange a volunteer placement is necessary:
	The charities we help do not want volunteers that are a financial burden
	Feeding, housing and training you can be expensive, and somebody has to pay for it
	If the local authorities had money, they would hire someone locally
	It costs money to run Travel2help.org (rent, salaries, phone, website, etc.)
	Travel2help.org does not receive support from the church, the EU or any government

Also consider the following:
	With your contribution, we can provide sustainable, long-term assistance
	You generate income for local families & businesses
	You have the benefit of a local coordinator, who is there for you
	You have pre-arranged accommodation, meals and volunteer placement
	There is a safety net for you so that you can focus on helping and learning

Travel2help.org can help you if:
	You want to volunteer in an effective, sustainable way
	You want an appropriate, legitimate volunteer placement
	You want to avoid the risk of the usual tourist traps
	You want your time and money to be spent responsibly
	You want a flexible starting date and duration

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Why are flights not included in the fees?

Our volunteers come from all over Europe and the world, and it would be impossible, or very expensive to arrange flights for all of them. We find that most volunteers can secure cheaper flights from their home countries. However, please contact us should you need help in finding one.

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Is there an application deadline?

Yes and no. In the past, we have been able to accommodate requests at very short notice, but we can not guarantee a volunteer placement if you apply a month or so before you want to start. Please note that all fees are due 30 days before you arrive at the project, or immediately after we confirm a placement, if you are applying within that time frame. We accept volunteers year-round, with the exception of some school projects that are closed December – March.

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Do I need to speak Spanish?

For our Peru projects, you need to have at least some familiarity with the Spanish language in order to communicate with the people you help. Some project directors and staff speak English, but most of the people that the projects support do not. For that reason, all placements in Peru include several hours of Spanish language instruction, to guarantee that you have the skills necessary to perform your tasks well. If you do not speak any, we suggest you take Spanish classes before you start your project. You may do this in your home country, but it is a lot cheaper and more effective to do this in Cusco and immerse yourself in Peruvian culture. For more, click here to read all about our Spanish language classes.

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What can I expect to gain from a Travel2help.org project?

Make a real and direct contribution to local development.
Work in a project supporting those in need that will go on for the long term.
Ensure that the charities we work with will develop and be sustainable.
Experience for yourself what life in a developing country really is.
Learn to function in a completely different cultural setting.
Take initiative and ensure projects are both effective and enjoyable.
Motivate locals to work towards a better future for their community.

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How are the projects selected?

Our projects have been developed through consultation with local communities and our field coordinator to identify which ways foreigners that may not have any specific skills could be of benefit to them.

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How can I help in a hands-on way?

With a positive, constructive, flexible attitude. Just by speaking conversational English and being willing to go over there, you will be amazed at how much you can do to make a difference in the lives of others.

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How much work can I expect?

Volunteer work is never more than 40 hours a week and you can coordinate your schedule with our coordinator, the charity and fellow volunteers. Most schedules require around 20-30 hours a week of volunteer work, most often in the mornings Monday to Friday. Some projects have a minimum commitment that a volunteer must make in order to be accepted. Most accept volunteers for a minimum of 2 weeks. Note that schedules may change. Volunteers are expected to be flexible and understand the needs of the charities they serve.

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Do I need any special skills?

The english language is very useful to have to communicate and to teach it. Any other skills you might have are a bonus. Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and psychologists are sorely needed in medical projects, but some simple creativity and independent thought can get you through most of all the other projects. Knowing how to play a musical instrument or knowing how to draw are also fine skills to have.

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Will I be safe?

Your safety is a priority for Travel2help.org. We will take all necessary steps to ensure that you are safe. The areas we serve have all the infrastructure (hospitals, police, etc.) needed to take care of you in a time of need. Our coordinator has faced illnesses and minor incidents before and is ready to help you, should you need it. The host families have all hosted volunteers before and are also there to provide a cultural safety net. However, no trip can be guaranteed to be one hundred per cent safe, and each guest must recognize that travel to developing countries is, in general, less safe than travel to developed countries. You must also take all reasonable steps to minimize risk in everyday life abroad.

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What if I get sick?

We will prepare you for the conditions you will face abroad and advise you on the immunizations and vaccinations you need before you go. You will also receive detailed information on what food to eat and how to keep healthy while over there. We strongly suggest that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover the event that you fall ill. This coverage should certainly include all medical-related expenses, and emergency air evacuation if required.

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Will someone pick me up from the airport?

Absolutely. That is included in the project, and you will be met at the airport by either one of our staff or your host family. You will then be taken to your host family and then our field coordinator who will introduce you to your project.

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Can I arrive before or leave after my project or classes?

Yes, you can do that. If you let us know in advance, we can arrange for you to stay with your host family for a period, even if you are not volunteering or taking classes. Please contact us for more details.

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Are there special dietary arrangements for vegetarians, vegans, fruitarians, freegans, pescetarians, eggetarians?

Volunteers take meals with their host family and share the same food. Having said that, we will do everything possible to ensure that you are comfortable with your host family and your access to good food. Ideally, we would like you to be a “flexitarian” and understand that in some developing countries there is no strong tradition of not eating meat products, and that eating meat is a strong part of the culture. If we are not able to accommodate you, we will let you know well in advance.

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