FAQ's

DESTINATIONS

Argentina

Brazil

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FAQ’S

1- Why should I volunteer with Original Volunteers?

2- Can I register if I don’t live in the UK?

3- What will I gain from the experience?

4- What do different Original Volunteers projects have in common?

5- What happens if I am not entirely satisfied with my placement?

6- Does everyone else go with a friend? I am worried about going on my own.

7- Can I apply to join more than one project?

8- What are the start dates or start days for the projects?

9- What about visas and jabs?

1- Why should I volunteer with Original Volunteers?

Because Original Volunteers offers you unrivalled flexibility for a one off registration fee of £125. With Original Volunteer’s registration system you gain access to a year’s worth of placements, flexible start dates and the option to combine different projects with no extra fee to pay. For most projects you pay the charity or coordinator your weekly contribution on arrival so your money goes straight to where it is needed most. Because weekly charges to volunteers are kept as low as possible this means you can afford to volunteer for longer, give donations where you feel they are needed and have extra money in your pocket to put back directly into the local economy from shopping to restaurants and activities.

2- Can I register if I don’t live in the UK? Must I be British to register?

Original Volunteers accepts applications from people all over the world regardless of nationality.

3- What will I gain from the experience?

Volunteering can be a life-changing experience, from increased self-confidence and tolerance of other cultures to specific skills such as teaching English, putting conservation methods into practice, team working skills and new friends amongst volunteers and local people.

4- What do different Original Volunteers projects have in common?

Original Volunteers has teamed up with grass roots organizations around the world which provide programs that are fun, rewarding, affordable, provide opportunities for learning and self-development, are meaningful for volunteers and are situated in or close to some of the world’s most incredible locations. The request for support always comes from the projects we work with so we are confident that you will be filling a gap and genuinely making a difference.

5- What happens if I am not entirely satisfied with my placement?

At most volunteer projects there is a degree of flexibility regarding what you can do or how you can be involved so we are confident that volunteers will find a gap that suits their skills, interests and local need. If you are not sure about volunteering, perhaps this will be your first experience of volunteering why not ask us about flexible placements where there is more than one area to work try after arrival.

6- Does everyone else go with a friend? I am worried about going on my own.

Almost all Original volunteers travel alone to their destination. Rarely do two friends share the same passion for volunteering and the same budget for a trip together! (If you are going with a friend/partner lucky you!). However if you are travelling alone in most cases the only time you will be on your own is during the flight there. At most destinations you will be met on arrival and there are usually plenty of volunteers to greet you once you get to the volunteer accommodation.

7- Can I apply to join more than one project?

Yes. Volunteers are encouraged to think carefully about the following when taking on more than one placement : do allow extra time and money for travel between the two and do not forget that there may be different requirements regarding visa and inoculations between countries.

8 - What are the start dates or start days for the projects?

For almost all the projects on our web site you can arrive at any time unless stated on the web page for your chosen destination. Your placement starts usually the following day after you have arrived.

9 - What about visas and jabs?

British passport holders do not require visas for Latin America or South Africa. For Kenya, Nepal and Thailand visas can be obtained on arrival. For Ghana, Tanzania and India visas are required in advance and we will send you visa forms once registered. If you are not a British Passport holder please consult the nearest embassy for your destination for a tourist visa.

For jabs please consult your nurse or nearest independent travel clinic and volunteers should usually allow at least 2-4 weeks depending on what is required for your destination.