FAQ

About the programme

About the volunteers

About programme support and logistics

About finances

About the programme

  • Why should I choose to volunteer with EIL?

    EIL knows the importance of:

    • Choosing volunteer projects that are worthwhile, safe, meet the needs of the local community and are conducted responsibly with regard to environmental, social and local issues.
    • Careful selection and preparation of volunteers, host families and host organisations.
    • Full immersion in the host culture through orientation, language training, homestay opportunities and host project selection.
    • Emphasis on the education and self-awareness gained through international community service.
    • Flexibility. Within a general framework, EIL will work with you to organise a programme that meets your schedule and your special skills and interests.
    • Experience. The participating members of Federation EIL bring to it decades of experience in the field of international education and exchange.

  • How long is the programme?

    A typical programme lasts 2-3 months. Depending on the country you choose, you may elect to participate from one month to one year. In-country circumstances and visa requirements often determine the maximum length of time permitted. Check the programme description/overview page for the country of your choice.

  • How far in advance do I have to apply?

    We suggest 3-4 months as a comfortable lead-time.

    The first step in the process is to complete the International Enquiry Form so that volunteer placement discussions can begin between you and your sending country office.

    The second step is to complete a EIL Application Form. Your application and a deposit of 50% of the programme fee should be submitted at least 60 days before your preferred start date. This gives your host country office the time needed to make arrangements for your arrival and to select an appropriate host project and homestay family.

  • Will there be an orientation?

    Yes. In addition to information you receive before your departure, each EIL programme begins with an orientation period designed to introduce you to various aspects of the culture and society of your host country. At this time you will meet the staff at the host country office, review health, security and travel issues, homestay expectations and procedures and details of your volunteer service project.

  • Can I choose my host family or select a specific project?

    No, your host country office will select your host family and service project. Working through a local representative in the host community, they will use the information you have provided about yourself and your interests to match you with an appropriate family and host organisation. If you think that the project is unsuitable for you, you can request an alternative prior to departure or once you have started, should it not be as advertised.

  • Do I need health and accident insurance?

    Health and Accident insurance is compulsory and you will need to show proof of purchase before departure. EIL can help to identify a good value provider of insurance. Please ask.

  • What will I do with my time?

    Each volunteer service project is unique but most will expect you to follow a schedule that involves working Monday to Friday. Evenings and weekends are often free for you to explore the region, plan excursions to nearby places of interest or just relax and get to know your community better. When living with a homestay family you will want to participate in as many family activities as possible, so be sure to check with your hosts before making plans to go off on your own.

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About the volunteers

  • Who can participate?

    Partnership Volunteers must be at least 18 years old (except for US participants who must be at least 19 years of age). EIL is looking for volunteers who are mature, flexible, open-minded, interested in others, tolerant, independent, resourceful and interested in learning about other cultures.

  • Do I need special skills or qualification?

    Some volunteer placements (i.e. healthcare, teaching etc.) will require special credentials. For more general placements your interest, enthusiasm and commitment will be the most important qualifications.

  • Do I need to speak a foreign language?

    Being able to communicate in the host language will help you get the most from your experience and help you be even more effective as a volunteer. Most programmes include basic language training on arrival to help the beginners get a good start and the more advanced speakers to improve their skills. After living with a family and communicating daily with co-workers and others at your host project, you'll be amazed at how much you can learn in a relatively short period of time.

  • Can we volunteer as a couple or with a friend?

    You are welcome to apply with a spouse, partner or friend. However, EIL cannot guarantee that homestay or host project placements will be at the same location.

  • Can I contact former volunteers?

    Whenever possible EIL will put you in touch with former volunteers who can tell you of their own experiences in the country of your choice.

  • Will there be other volunteers with me?

    Our programes are tailored to meet your schedule so this will depend on the country you choose, the time of year and the volunteer service project selected for you. In some cases you may have orientation and language training with others and then go separately to your host project. Whatever the case, you'll meet many local people who are looking forward to knowing you and helping you feel at home in their community.

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About programme support and logistics

  • Who will oversee my programme or help if there is a problem?

    Your Local Coordinator is the person at the centre of your programme. This is the person who will coordinate communication and activities between you, your host project and your host family.

  • Will I have access to telephone and email?

    Unless you are advised otherwise, access to telephone service will be available somewhere in the vicinity. This may mean traveling some distance -- usually not more than one hour from remote locations. Phone Shops and Internet Cafes are also generally available in towns and cities. These cafes can be good places to meet new people and it is better to use these facilities than to rely on your host family to provide phone or Internet access.

    Pre-paid phone and/or Internet cards can usually be purchased at reasonable rates.

    Emergency contact procedures and contingency plans will be reviewed with you during the orientation period.

  • Do I need a visa? How do I get one?

Visa requirements vary from country to country. Your sending office will provide you with information about these requirements. It is your responsibility to apply for your visa and to pay all costs associated with securing a visa or any other required travel documents. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the end of your programme.

  • Do I need any vaccinations?

    For the most current information on recommended or required vaccinations for your destination, consult the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

    Always follow your doctor's advice.

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About finances

  • What does the programme cost?

    Fees vary depending on country and length of programme. Check the programme description/overview page for the country of your choice.

  • What is included in the fee?

    Programme fees typically cover room and board, orientation, language training where applicable, in-country travel, materials and supplies, professional support staff assigned to your programme and other administrative costs. Check the programme description/overview page for the country of your choice.

  • Why do I have to pay a programme fee to be a volunteer?

    EIL's goal is to serve the world community by building partnerships between willing volunteers and carefully selected host projects. EIL sending and receiving offices are non-profit organisations and programmes are fully funded by participant fees. Host project organisations are never asked to contribute to or absorb the direct costs associated with receiving a volunteer.

    Your fee pays for your direct programme costs such as orientation, language training, materials, host family and project screening, local transportation, food, lodging and ongoing programme monitoring. To provide participants with a consistently high quality programme, EIL organisations must also maintain a proper infrastructure and cover general administrative costs including rent, salaries, record keeping, communication and information services.

    Some partial scholarships may be available. Contact the EIL office in your home country to inquire.

    Some grants may be available from TEIL Contact the EIL UK office to enquire.

  • What is the payment/cancellation policy?

View VIP Terms and Conditions

A deposit of 50% of the total programme price is due with your application. This  deposit becomes non-refundable when you are notified of acceptance to the programme. The details of your placement will be released to you upon payment of the balance of the programme fee.

20% of the programe fee is forfeited if you withdraw after acceptance but before notification of placement.

If you withdraw after placement, 50% of the total programme fee will be forfeited.

100% of the programme fee is forfeited in the case of a 'no show' or early departure.

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