Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Projects Abroad , along with our answers. However, always feel free to email or phone us if you need to know anything more; we will email back very quickly - or we would be very pleased to speak to you.
These questions relate to the time before you go overseas as a volunteer. For questions relating to the time you are overseas, please see FAQs - While you're away.
Display allAfrica | Ethiopia | Ghana | Kenya | Madagascar | Morocco | Senegal | South Africa | Tanzania | Togo |
Asia | Cambodia | China | Mongolia | Nepal | Philippines | Sri Lanka | Thailand | Vietnam |
Eastern Europe | Romania |
Latin America | Argentina | Belize | Bolivia | Costa Rica | Ecuador | Jamaica | Mexico | Peru |
South Pacific | Fiji | Samoa |
In addition to these standard projects we run an initiative called Projects Abroad PRO, where we organise placements specifically designed for graduates, professionals, retirees and those on a career break looking to volunteer overseas.
If you are part of a school or youth club, or just looking to go away with a group of friends, you might also want to read about our tailor-made Group Trips.
Each project has a minimum duration and the easiest way to check this is to view our Prices page.
Most volunteers go for between 2 and 12 weeks, so these are the prices that you will find listed on our website. However, if you would like to go for longer then you can add on as many ‘Extra Weeks’ as you like.
In some destinations it is only possible to volunteer for up to 6 months due to visa restrictions.
Projects Abroad accepts applications on a rolling basis, so there is no fixed deadline for your application. However, we encourage you to apply as early as possible once you have decided what you want to do and when you want to leave. This is because:
• Some destinations and projects require at least three months to process an application, arrange for visas, and advise you properly on how to prepare. Other countries can be processed in as little as two to three weeks.
• Having more time to prepare makes it easier for you to fundraise, and for us to advise you on preparations for your trip. It also gives you time to talk to us about tailoring your programme to your interests and preferences before you arrive at your placement.
If you decide last minute, do give us a call to see how quickly we can arrange it for you.
See Money Matters for more information about how your money is spent.
We also run High School Special projects which take place on fixed dates during the summer and winter and are available for people aged 15-18.
The specific project pages will specify if any language skills are required. In many countries it is possible to take language lessons if you want to improve your language skills, see the Language Courses section for more details.
If you would like to visit our International websites then please click here.
In addition to this, all volunteers aged 21 and over (or 18 and over in Bolivia, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Fiji, Romania and Thailand) who are participating in a project that involves working with children are required to provide a criminal record check as part of the application process. We will contact you about this after receiving your completed application form.
These questions relate to the time you are overseas as a volunteer. For questions relating to the time before you go, please see FAQ's - Before you go.
Display allIt is their job to set up placements, check out your accommodation, meet you at the airport and provide you with any support you need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more details, see Safety & Back-up.
During your placement you will also have the support of your supervisor at your place of work. They will be on hand to give you help and advice throughout your time on the project.
We are in constant contact with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding stability and safety and, of course, we have the added security of our overseas staff in each destination.
In the unlikely event that you are seriously ill, all volunteers are covered by an insurance policy, which, if needed, includes flying you home and all of your medical costs until you get home.
Projects Abroad staff will be on hand to liaise with your family, the insurance company, and the relevant medical professionals.
If you want to extend your placement, just talk to our overseas staff. Each additional week you spend on a project will be charged at the ‘In-Country Extension’ price.
Many volunteers travel after the end of their placements, often forming small groups with fellow volunteers.
Depending on the destination you choose you may find mountains, beaches, jungles or great cities to visit!
You may often be placed in the same accommodation or workplace as other volunteers. We’ll try hard to meet any requests, please let us know if you have any preferences.
In some destinations, including Cambodia, China and Vietnam, volunteers live together in shared apartments. Volunteers on the majority of our Conservation & Environment projects also live together in a range of accommodation, from beach-side dormitories to wooden bungalows.
You should not expect western standards, but the accommodation is good by local standards. Although we cannot guarantee to meet all requests, please let us know if you have any preferences regarding accommodation or the type of area where you would like to stay.
In most destinations volunteers are able to buy a local sim card for their mobile phone. These are perfect for local calls to other volunteers and to keep in touch with our local staff in destination.
Generally, you should only use your host family’s phone in emergencies so the internet will be the best, and cheapest, way to contact home.
In terms of travelling, in general, women do not experience any more problems than perhaps the occasional curious stare. However, regardless of the country, it’s always a good idea to be careful and follow common sense advice. It’s worth having a read of our Women Travelling Alone blog.
Providing that you are aware of the possible dangers and prepared for the differences a foreign country will present to you, you should not have any problems. The two most important pieces of advice for a female traveller are to be aware of culture differences – in the way people act or dress – and always trust your gut instincts.