feedback
call me back
Mature Traveler
Chat with me
Travel
call free
Discover
certified
Gallery
Tell a Friend
click here
News
Abroad
youtube
Responsible
Wordpress
My status
Link me
Useful links
 
 
 
Adventureus

Before you Volunteer and travel

Below are the most frequently asked questions, and answers, about A Broader View. If you do not find an answer to your question, please feel free to email or call us. We would be happy to discuss the details of our volunteer programs.

Why volunteer abroad?
Volunteering while traveling abroad opens the door to many new and exhilarating possibilities. Volunteering creates a feeling of personal satisfaction. It grants you a privilege not afforded to the typical tourist: a unique opportunity to experience local everyday life while making a positive impact. Volunteering abroad immerses you in a new culture which improves your language skills, gives insight of a culture from the inside out and hopefully broadens your view of the World.
Why choose A Broader View?
A Broader View offers customized program placements and provides one-on-one personalized experiences. We cater to the individual looking for a unique volunteer travel experience. Knowing that people often have a limited time frame, we offer both short and long term placements ranging from 1 week to 3 months. We know that people like choices. For our programs you get to choose where you go, when and for how long. We do not have fixed start dates; however, we recommend you arrive in-country on a Saturday or Sunday if possible.
Is volunteering abroad for me?
Only you can answer this question. Volunteering in another country can be both challenging and rewarding. Our programs are not summer camps. You will not have every minute of every work day planned for you. You must be an inventive, self-starter who can handle situations where schedules are occasionally non-existent and resources are scarce. Flexibility and patience are the keys to having a satisfying experience. Developing countries, in particular are not as obsessed with time as the US or Europe. Often schedules are ignored or appointments begin later than arranged. NGOs, international non-profits and volunteer organizations are almost always understaffed. If you are willing and able to except this, volunteering abroad can lead to an unlimited feeling of personal satisfaction.
Why should I pay to volunteer?
You are not paying for your volunteer work; you are paying for your local accommodation, your meals, airport transfers and arrangement for the program placement and other arrangments. As a non religious, non government agency, we receive 100% of our funding from the volunteer program fees.
Why choose a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization?
Volunteering with 501 (c) (3) organizations allows you, the participant to claim your travel expenses when you file your yearly tax return. Most of your travel expenses towards the volunteer trip – including airfare and the program fee – can be deducted. Our programs strictly adhere to the IRS requirement that you volunteer/work, on average, eight hours per day, 5 days a week. For questions on tax exemptions or charitable contributions, refer to the IRS publication 526. You can search for these types of 501 (c) (3) volunteer organizations at Guidestar.org.
Is A Broader View Volunteers a tax-exempt 501(c)(3)?
Yes, ABV is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3)
Is the program tax-deductible?
The program and all expenses related to your volunteer program, including airfare, are tax-deductible for US taxpayers. However, any monies given by donors for your specific volunteer program are NOT tax-deductible for the donors. Please consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation. A Broader View Volunteers is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
Do most Volunteers Fundraise?
Yes!  We know the cost of volunteering abroad can be extremely daunting. There are transportation costs, program fees, visa/vaccinations expenses to consider, then your everyday living costs while you're away.  After you submit your application and US$120 deposit, we will email you a fundraising guideline with helpful information.
Is there an age requirement?
We accept volunteers 17 years and older. We do not have a maximum age limit in place, as an increasing number of volunteers are retirees. As long as you are physically and mentally healthy with an open mind you shouldn't have any problems participating on our programs.
Do I have to be a US citizen to participate?
No. We accept participants from all countries.
How is my program fee being used?
We use a small percentage of the program fee for our US overhead administrative expenses and salaries, as well as on-going recruitment and new project development costs. The remaining 80% goes directly to the country where you are volunteering, in the form of salaries, your accommodations & meals, ground transportation, project coordinator expenses and volunteer materials and coordination. Our company goal is to be sustainable and offer professional support and services. We can not do this without the volunteer program fee.
What is the average length of a project?
We offer short term programs ranging from 1 to 4 weeks, as long term placements up to 3 months. Some projects can extend up to 6 months. Most volunteers commit to a 2 week program allowing enough time to acclimate to their new surroundings as well as complete orientation and still feel as though they made a contribution to the program.
Do I need a passport and visa?
Yes, you need a passport, with an expiration that is no less than 6 months from the time of travel. Visa requirements differ by country, based on the length of time and nationality of the volunteer. Please check the local embassy within your home country about specific requirements. You can find information on our News & Travel Links page.
Is there an application deadline?
Most people will sign up 3-6 months prior to traveling. You should apply no later than 30 days before your intended start date. Some exceptions can be made for last minute traveling, please contact us for more details.
Do I need any immunizations?
The only vaccination required for entry into our host countriesis Yellow Fever for Uganda, Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania & Ecuador (amazon Region). We urge participants to consult a travel doctor at least two months before arriving in the host country, to discuss any necessary immunizations and for advise on staying healthy while traveling.  You can find more information from www.who.int.
Do I have to book my plane tickets myself?
Yes, you do. We aim to be as flexible as possible and allow our volunteers to pick their travel dates, carrier and times of departure.
Is travel insurance included in the program?
ABV does not provide insurance for the simple reason that we think our participants should be able to decide on the nature of your coverage. Some insurance, particularly for students, is very inexpensive (ex. US$33 for 2 weeks). For students, we recommend STA International Travel insurance, Tel: 877-777-8717. More affordable insurance sources are Patriot Insurance and Mutli-National Underwriters.
It possible to combine countries, cities or programs?
Yes, you can combine the countries and programs. If you would like a multiple-city placement, there is an extra $200 administrative fee to cover the cost of your orientation, airport transfers and transportation costs. Please specify your plans on the application.
Can I volunteer with my sister/friend/husband/boyfriend?
Yes! We can arrange for you to live and work together in the same host family and placement.
What qualifications or skills do I need?
There are no qualifications necessary except for our medical programs. These programs are available for medical professionals or medical/nursing students. There is no TEFL or teaching qualifications needed for our teaching programs.
Do I need to bring my own supplies from home, or are they provided?
Most schools, clinics and orphanages which you will be placed in are very under resource. Supplies from home that would be of benefit to you should be taken with you. Or, as most volunteers do, buy supplies locally once they arrive in-country. Medical volunteers should bring their own lab coats and rubber gloves.
Do I need to know the local language?
No, although learning some key phrases will be helpful. Very few volunteers speak the local language before traveling abroad. Our teaching volunteers teach English in English. The only exceptions are the indigenous community and our rural placements in Chile, Peru and Ecuador where volunteers need reasonable Spanish.
How are volunteers selected?
When you submit the online application, we ask for a copy of your resume/CV as well as a personal reference. We review the details you sent to us, we speak to your contact reference and follow up with a phone interview with you to determine you are suitable for a placement.
What if I have more questions?
If you have any questions or would like to discuss our programs in more detail, please don't hesitate to contact us by emailing volunteers@abroaderview.org or calling us at: Toll Free: (866)-423-3258
How can I pay my program fees?
For the deposit of $120 we accept Paypal, money order or personal check.
For final payments made with Paypal we charge an additional 5% to cover processing fees. For International payment we only accept Paypal or bank wire transfer. Individuals are responsible for the $30-$35 wire transfer fee.

While you are away

Who are your partners abroad?
Our local partners are NGO’s, private institutions and community organizations dedicated to the improvement of their communities. They are leaders in the community and social activists knowledgeable in the needs of their society and offer insight and guidance to our volunteers. They believe in the benefit of international assistance and value our volunteer's time, skills and knowledge.
Will I be met at the airport?
Yes, airport transfer on arrival and departure are provided. If arriving overland, transfer to/from the bus station will be arranged.
Will I be on my own or will I be with other volunteers?
Our programs are customized and individual based. This being said, you will never be isolated. Our hosting organizations receive volunteers year round, so you may have the chance to meet other volunteers. You also have the support of the Project Coordinator, the local staff at the organization you with at and the host family that you live with.
Will I have free time to travel when I'm there?
Yes, most programs are based Monday-Friday, with weekends free. Volunteers often take this opportunity to arrange weekend getaways to places of interest. Most volunteers travel extensively after the end of their placements, our Project Coordinators can give suggestions and tips for trips.
What is the typical work schedule?
For volunteers working in schools it is more or less the same working hours as you would find in Western countries. Hours for orphanages will be more flexible. Volunteers should expect to work 7-8 hours per day (5 days a week).
Is there any training involved?
We provide in-country orientation on arrival to help familiarize you with the city where you will be living. You will be shown how to use public transportation, where to exchange money, local restaurants and a general sightseeing tour of the city you will live in. In our Central and South America programs we provide a half day Spanish class to brush up on your basic phrases. Prior to your departure for your hometown, we will send you information on the project, health advice, what to pack, currency and visa etc.
Is there A Broader View staff in-country when I am traveling?
Yes, we have a local Project Coordinator in all of our host countries. The ABV Project Coordinator is responsible for the airport transfers, placement orientation, and introduction to the local accommodations or homestay arrangements. Our ABV Project Coordinators are natives of our host countries.  Our Coordinators are professionals, fully trained and enthusiastic about sharing knowledge and love of their country.
What are the local accommodations provided?
The majority of our volunteers live with a local host family. These families have a working relationship with ABV and are deemed suitable by our Project Coordinators based on sanitation, security and comfort. A homestay provides firsthand insight into the local culture and helps with learning the local language. It also acts as an additional in-country support network. In some locations, a local guesthouse or shared volunteer accommodations are provided. Although you should not expect western standards, the accommodation are good by local standards, clean and secure. Although we cannot guarantee to meet all requests, we will let you if there are accommodation options for your specific program location.
Do most volunteers become sick? What happens if I do?
Most volunteers do not experience any major medical problems. The most common complaint is an upset stomach as one's body is introduced to new foods. Elevation sickness is common in Cusco and the higher altitude places in Peru. If take sensible precautions and follow the guidelines we suggest on healthy traveling (such as using bottled water and avoid eating uncooked food) you should not have any major issues. There are several medical facilities in all the places we work. However, if you do have any serious medical complaints you are advised to contact our Project Coordinators for immediate hands-on assistance.
Can I stay longer than 4 weeks?
Yes, we can arrange long term placements. Please contact us for more details.
What about the security in the countries?
We choose our locations based on the stability of the government, low crime rates, security and the integrity of the hosting community. We have a local Project Coordinator on-site in each city for assistance. By taking basic precautions and knowing basic "street smarts" you should not have any problems traveling abroad.

WHERE DO PROGRAM FEES GO?
We are continually working hard to provide the best service possible and keep our fees low. The chart below describes how our program fees are allocated.

Distribution of Program Fees

grafico