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Frequently Asked Questions

What are IVS projects?

International Voluntary Projects are a unique form of doing voluntary work. They bring volunteers together from many different countries, cultures and backgrounds to live and work on projects of benefit to local communities. The projects are designed to support and encourage local initiatives that are often continued after the IVS project has ended. With a group of volunteers working together to “get the job done” you will be helping organisations achieve a particular task that desperately needs doing, as well as supporting their longer term goals and working for a more just and peaceful world.

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How much does it cost to do a project?

You must be a paid up member of IVS at the time you go on a project and pay a registration fee to IVS for each project that you apply to do. In addition, you just need to cover your travel costs (including travel insurance) and any spending money. Please check travel costs (through travel agents) before applying for projects in far away destinations. If you can’t afford to get to a project, then please don’t apply for it, but choose one in country to which travel is more affordable for you. If you are applying for projects in countries for which you need a visa, then you will also have to cover the cost of visa applications.

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Is that really all I have to pay?

For the vast majority of projects, yes. There are some projects in the NorthSouth Programme which ask you to pay an additional fee on arrival. This can vary anywhere between 30 – 200 US$ depending on the project. Projects only ask for these fees if they need additional funds to enable the project to take place at all. In essence, it’s a solidarity payment in support of the project and the hosting organisation while you are there. These extra fees are mentioned in the project descriptions, so you will know before applying whether an additional fee is being asked for. If nothing about an additional fee is mentioned in the project description, then you won’t be asked for one (which is generally the case). The fees are payable in cash when you arrive at the project.

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Is food and accommodation included in the project?

Yes. The project hosts will provide you with food and accommodation while you are taking part in the project. If you want to travel independently before or after the project, then you will need to make your own arrangements and cover your own costs during your travelling time.

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Where will I be staying?

Accommodation can range from mattresses in a school hall, to camping, to dormitories in a youth hostel or residential centre. There will be at least basic washing facilities and cooking facilities. As you’ll be living in a larger group than usual, you may not have as much privacy as you are used to. The group will usually share cooking and cleaning tasks on a rota basis so bring your favorite recipes with you.

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What languages do I need?

Speaking other languages always helps when living with an international group and can enrich your experience. Certain projects do have specific language requires (especially some in France, and those in Morocco, Tunisia, Catalunya and the South, or projects working directly with people). This will be stated in the project description. For the vast majority of projects, the main language is English.

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How do I get to the project?

As a volunteer, you are responsible for paying for and organising your own travel individually to and from the project. IVS does not arrange group travel, or have any access to travel discounts. We are also aware that fossil fuel is the main reason for global climate change. Travelling by air consumes 10–30 times more fossil fuel than travelling by train or bus. SCI campaigns for members and volunteers going on projects to use more sustainable ways of travel if at all possible so please think about it when making your travel arrangements.

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When should I arrive?

Once you have accepted your place on a project, you will be sent an Infosheet which will include detailed directions on how to get to your project from the nearest large town or city. Some projects may ask you to get to a ‘meeting point’ at a particular time, from where you will be picked up by the project hosts and taken to where you are staying. Other projects may ask you make your own way to your accommodation. The Infosheet will give you all the necessary information and contact numbers. Most arrival times tend to be in the afternoon or early evening and you should arrive on the day given as the start date of the project.

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What will I need to take?

Before you go you will receive an Infosheet which will give you more detailed information about the project including a list of what to bring. Usually these are a fairly standard items such as a sleeping bag/mat (not always necessary) work clothes, gloves, work boots, games and musical instruments etc. They may also ask you to bring information on similar projects from your own area to share and discuss with everyone. The most important thing is to bring plenty of enthusiasm and energy!

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What kind of work is involved?

The work varies greatly from one project to the next, for example you could do environmental conservation on beaches in Morocco; help at a centre for children with disabilities in Latvia or work with elderly people in mountain villages in Japan. The projects are always of some tangible benefit to the community and must follow certain criteria for example, projects should enhance rather than replace local initiatives, and they are not undertaken if the work would otherwise be done with paid labour. Naturally as a volunteer, you only need to work as hard as you are able. However, you should remember that many people have contributed a great deal of time and effort to make the projects possible, so you should feel a sense of responsibility towards doing the job well.

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Is it all work?

No! Working hours do vary from project to project but generally you will work 30+ hours a week, with evenings and weekends free. An important part of every project is how the group organises social activities. After the day’s work, there will be time to play, listen to music, cook, discuss, sing, learn local phrases and visit local haunts! Activities are generally decided by the group, so you can have your say.

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Do I need any particular skills or qualifications?

For Short Term projects you do not need any specific skills or qualifications, but individual projects will welcome your life experience and any particular skills you do have that can contribute to the work of the project (e.g. construction skills if the project work includes making a path; social care skills if the project is working with the elderly). The main skills you do need are the ability to live and work cooperatively with a group of other international volunteers, lots of enthusiasm and motivation and the willingness to experience something completely new. If you apply to take part in a project where the work is with children and vulnerable adults you will need to complete a declaration and supply references with your application. Some countries also ask for health screen checks (Russia).

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Are there any age restrictions?

IVS projects are open to everyone between 18 and 70 years of age. A handful of projects do have age restrictions on the volunteers they can accept due to the nature of their funding. This information is included in the project description so you will know before you apply for particular project. If project descriptions don’t state an age threshold (and the vast majority of them don’t) then they are open to all ages.

Volunteers applying for projects in the South (Africa, Asia, Latin America, North Africa and the Middle East) must be over 20 and preferably have already done a short term project in Europe or have similar relevant experience.

Volunteers aged 16 – 17 years can be placed on some short term projects taking place in Britain but are not eligible for placement on projects outside Britain. We require parental permission before we can place 16 – 17 year olds.

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Who can apply?

IVS has an Equal Opportunities Policy. We welcome and respect everyone who wants to join our activities whatever their gender, ethnic heritage, faith, ability, sexuality, age, nationality or socio-economic background. To apply through IVS GB, you must be a British Citizen or resident in Great Britain at the time of your application.

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What about visas?

Some countries require that you have a visa in advance of your travel e.g. Russia. In these situations IVS will provide invitation letters and supporting documentation to help you get your visa. However in all cases it is your responsibility to apply for and collect your visa. IVS cannot do this for you and has no control over immigration policies in other countries. It may be necessary to for you to travel to London to collect your visa from an embassy in person. You’ll need to make sure that you apply for visas in good time (at least one month before your project start date) and that your passport is valid.

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Can I meet up with other volunteers before I go?

IVS organise preparation days throughout the year to help you prepare for your experience on the project and allow you to meet other volunteers. Volunteers are expected to attend these events as part of our preparation and for you to receive practical advice and support in planning your trip. If you are going on a project in the South, then you should attend a selection day and preparation event before you go. The Prepartion Day will also include some Peace education.

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What do my fees cover?

Your fee contributes towards the overall running costs of IVS and supports our activities in Great Britain. This includes the costs involved in running international projects in GB, establishing the projects, publicity and recruitment, training and insuring volunteers, monitoring, evaluating and developing the programme. By registering with IVS, you are effectively supporting the whole network of like minded voluntary organisations working for peace and greater international understanding throughout the world.
Your fee does not go towards food and accommodation on your project. These costs are covered by the local project and local fundraising.

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Can I apply to do more than one project?

Yes. But you need to make sure that the project dates don’t overlap and that you have sufficient time to get from one project to another. As group work requires a lot of energy, we recommend that you give yourself a week or so in between projects so you don’t tire yourself out and have time to recuperate, relax and do things like sightseeing and washing your clothes!

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What happens if I don’t get a place on a project?

We will do everything we can to try and find you a place on a project given on your list of projects choices. If we can’t find you a place, then you will be entitled to a refund inline with our refund policy. In all cases IVS will retain your membership fee and you will continue to receive our Newsletter and information about events.

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What is it like to be part of an international group?

You’ll find yourself living and working together with people of different ages, values and attitudes, skills and experience, background and cultures. Sensitivity to the others in the group is very important and you should be willing to be open towards these experiences. Some projects have project leaders who help to co-ordinate group activities. Other projects prefer volunteers to make decisions and resolve any problems that might arise collectively. The success of each project depends largely on the active participation and equal involvement of all the volunteers and everyone’s willingness to get involved in group life.

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Who will the other volunteers on the project be?

You won’t know who the other volunteers are until you arrive at the project. Each project will have a mixed group of volunteers from different countries, so for example if a project has 10 volunteers, the other volunteers could each be from France, Finland, Ukraine, Turkey, Latvia, Spain, Switzerland, Romania, Japan – and you!

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Can I join or leave a project early?

You should stay for the entire length of the project, arriving on the day given as the start date and leaving on the date given as the last day of the project. Late arrivals miss out on the crucial period of orientation and inductions at the beginning of a project as group members get to know each other and the group spirit builds. Leaving early erodes the feeling of solidarity in a group, and leaves those remaining with a sense of having been left behind for something more important.

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Can I get involved with IVS after the project ends?

Yes. IVS is a member organisation which relies very much on the involvement of volunteers and our membership base. We’ll ask you to complete an evaluation form about your experience which will help us to improve the overall coordination of projects. There’ll be opportunities to come to events where you’ll get the chance to meet other volunteers and hear their stories and to get involved with IVS working groups such as the Africa Working Group, the Asia International Working Group, SAVA (the Balkan region), MIDI (the Mediterranean region and Middle East) and Abya Yala (Latin American group).  We also have action groups on Peace education and climate  change. Whatever your interest in IVS there will be a place for you to get involved!

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Can my children come with me?

We welcome applications from volunteers wishing to bring their children, but you will need to be fairly flexible about which project you are willing to do and open to projects which may be offered to you. It’s best to check with the office before applying to be sure that the chosen project can accept children. Please note that under 16s are not covered by SCI’s insurance.

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Does my disability stop me from applying for a project?

No. You will need to tell us about the nature of your disability when applying to do a project. We’ll make every effort to accommodate volunteers on the project of their choice but certain projects may not be accessible for certain disabilities. Conditions do vary from project to project and so you will need to be flexible about the project you are willing to do and be open to projects which may be offered to you. Use the additional space on the application form to describe any particular requirements you may have.

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Can I apply to do a project with a friend?

It is possible to put in a joint application, but as many organisations prefer to have just one volunteer from each country on a project, it means that you may not have as many projects open to you as if you applied for a place on your own. Although we will do our best to find places together, we cannot guarantee it.

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How do I become a member?

You can become a member of IVS at anytime. You just need to fill in the membership form and send it in to the IVS office. As a member, you will receive a free copy of the Brochure, the Newsletter and information about IVS activities and events.

If you’re not already a member when you apply for a project, you will need to include your membership fee when you send in your application form for a project. Membership runs for 12 months from the date of joining.

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How do I apply to go on a project?

You will need to complete an application form and send it with a cheque for the appropriate amount to the IVS office. Application forms have to be signed by the volunteer and accompanied by a payment before we can start to place you on a project, which means we are unable to accept applications made by email or fax. Application forms can be downloaded from the website.

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Am I insured while working on the project?

SCI does provide insurance cover, but it only covers you while you are actually “working” on the project. You must therefore take out proper private insurance cover before going abroad. This is a condition of participation in the project. Your insurance should include full accident and medical cover for all eventualities. Ordinary holiday insurance is normally okay. If possible, it should also cover travel cost reimbursement, just in case your project is cancelled at short notice.

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Are there any projects which need longer term volunteers?

Yes. Long Term Projects need volunteers for anywhere between 2 – 12 months. They differ from short term projects as they usually just need 1 or 2 volunteers at a time and have specific job descriptions for which volunteers must have the relevant skills and experience. Your accommodation is usually provided for you, but it depends on the type of project as to whether food is also provided for you. Some long term projects offer volunteers a small amount of payment, but this is usually ‘pocket money’ rather than a wage. You will need to cover your own travel expenses (including travel insurance) and spending money. Long term projects usually require that you have already taken part in an IVS short term project or have similar, relevant experience. Details of current projects needing long term volunteers can be found on the Long Term Projects page of our website.

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Can I volunteer in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa ?

Yes. But you must be over 20 and have previous experience of doing an IVS/SCI project. Volunteers for West Africa must speak good French, or good Spanish for projects in Latin America. Projects running under our North South programme are short term but you can apply to do 2 projects in the same country over the summer. Projects in Africa normally last between 14-28 days, between 2 – 3 weeks in Asia, and 3 – 4 weeks in South America. Most of the projects involve some type of manual work, such as building extra classrooms onto a local school; tree planting and environmental work or constructing play facilities at a centre for disabled children. Volunteers should also participate in full preparation and orientation programme before they leave and on their return. For more information on volunteering in the South and details of current projects running under our North South Programme, go to the relevant web pages.
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