Frequently Asked Questions:
General Questions - For All Volunteers
- What are the ways I can get involved with Amizade?
- Why do I have to pay to volunteer?
- How old do I have to be?
- What if I have to cancel my program?
- How can I stay updated about Amizade's future program opportunities?
- What are the accommodations?
- I am a vegetarian, will that matter?
- Who can help me make my travel arrangements?
- Do I need travel and health insurance?
- Do I have to speak a foreign language?
- How can I familiarize myself with the country I will be traveling to?
For Individuals
- Can I schedule my own volunteer service for the dates that interest me?
- Can I extend my stay beyond the program dates?
- Are there opportunities for long-term volunteering or study-abroad?
- How do I sign-up? What are the procedures for applying?
For Groups
- How large does a group have to be to customize a program?
- How do I get started in planning a customized group volunteer program?
- What kinds of groups do you work with?
- If some of our members are between the ages of 12 - 17 how many adult chaperones do we need?
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General Questions - All Volunteers
What are the ways I can get involved
with Amizade?
There are many ways to get involved with Amizade. We offer many volunteer
program options; domestic or international, short-term or long-term
volunteering, and dates throughout the year. If you are interested
in joining one of our volunteer or service-learning programs, please
review our program information posted on this website. Service-learning
programs offer the unique opportunity to receive academic credit and
can be arranged for college or university courses and students. Customized
volunteer programming is also available for groups of 6 or more.
Why do I have to pay to volunteer?
A program contribution is the fee you pay to participate in the program.
The contribution covers the costs of your room and board, project materials,
recreational, cultural and educational activities, transportation
while on the program in some programs, Amizade staff, and Amizade administrative
fees. Costs not included in your contribution include airfare or other
travel to the program site, passports, visas, travel insurance and vaccinations.
Volunteers often wonder why they have to pay to volunteer their time
and energy. We ask that volunteers contribute funds to the program to
lesson the economic burden placed on developing communities that host
our volunteers. Amizade does not offer any scholarships for individual
volunteers. Families of 4 or more and Amizade alumni may receive discounts.
Amizade is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Part of your Program
Contribution may be tax deductible.
How old do I have to be?
Volunteers 18 and older are welcome to join our programs. Volunteers
12 - 17 years of age must be accompanied by a chaperone. We cannot accept
volunteers less than 12 years of age.
What if I have to cancel my program?
If you have to cancel your program reservation, please contact Amizade
immediately. Program Contribution deposits are nonrefundable,
but the remainder of your Program Contribution refund will be determined
by the date and conditions of your cancellation.
How can I stay updated about Amizade's future program opportunities?
Amizade maintains an active mailing list for newsletters and program
announcements. You can join our mailing list by contacting Amizade (volunteer@amizade.org)
with your complete mailing address and email address or sign up now
on any of our pages.
What are the accommodations?
Accommodations vary depending upon the program. Volunteers may stay
in dormitories, community centers, homes, and tents.
I am a vegetarian, will that matter?
Meals are arranged by Amizade staff and we will try our best to accommodate
vegetarians and those with food allergies. However, at some of our international
sites, meat is the main food staple and vegetables are difficult to
obtain.
Who can help me make my travel arrangements? Who
can help me with passports, visas, and other needed travel documents?
Amizade staff members are available to assist you with your travel arrangements.
We work closely with a travel agent, Dukay Travel 800-899-0119, who
can help you arrange for flights or other travel to our program sites.
U.S. citizens will be notified regarding the necessary travel documents
and our staff is available to answer your questions. International participants,
those residing outside of the U.S., are responsible for determining
and obtaining the necessary documents for travel, as well as arranging
their own travel to the program site.
Do I need travel and health insurance?
All volunteers are required to provide their own travel and health insurance
while on the program. We recommend Travelex Insurance. See the link
on our application
page for more information on Travelex.
Do I have to speak a foreign language?
Volunteers on our short-term (2-3 week programs) do not need foreign
language skills. Those volunteers interested in participating on one
of our long-term programs will have language classes provided as part
of long term program fees. International participants, those residing
outside of the U.S., are required to have English language skills.
How can I familiarize myself with the country I will be traveling to?
Once you have registered for an Amizade program, you will receive a
volunteer packet that includes a short-introduction to the country and
region you will be traveling to. Other sources of information can
be found at your local library, bookstore, or on-line. Please visit
our links
page for great websites that will help you get ready for your volunteer
experience.
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Individuals
Can I schedule my own volunteer service for the dates that
interest me?
Amizade does not offer customized program dates to its short term
individual volunteers. We offer a variety of program dates and locations
that may fit your schedule and interests. Our long-term programs
are very flexible. You schedule your own volunteer dates. You are
able to extend your stay once you are in the country.
Can I extend my stay beyond the program dates?
Volunteers are
welcome and encouraged to remain in the country beyond the dates of
the program. However, volunteers are responsible for making their
own travel plans for those days, including room and board, transportation,
and activities.
Are there opportunities for long-term volunteering? Studying abroad?
Amizade offers opportunities for long-term volunteering and study abroad
at our Bolivia and Jamaica program
sites. Volunteers must commit to a minimum 1-month stay and are able
extend their volunteer stay once they are in the country. Amizade can
arrange for a volunteer placement that best utilizes your skills and
satisfies your interests. Additionally, classes and coursework can be
arranged through the local university and language institute. For more
information, contact our office at volunteer@amizade.org.
Or, consider a service-learning trip through the Amizade
Global Service-Learning Center.
How do I sign-up? What is the procedure for
applying?
Amizade offers many program options to choose from. Please visit our
website for more information about each program. Applications, medical
forms, and liability waivers can be downloaded. Your reservation will
be held once we receive your Amizade Program Application and deposit
($250 for all programs). If the program is full, you will be placed
in a waiting list in the order it was received. Amizade will contact
you regarding further application instructions.
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Groups
How large does a group have to be to customize a program?
Amizade will customize programs for groups of 6 or more.
How do I get started in planning a customized group volunteer program?
If you are interested in planning a customized group volunteer
program, you should review the information we have posted on our website
regarding the available program sites. Contact Amizade (volunteer@amizade.org)
with your site and dates of interest. We will work with you to confirm
your group and will send you the necessary paperwork and further
instructions. Amizade will make arrangements for your group's room
and board, project and necessary materials, on-site transportation,
recreational and educational activities, and Amizade staffing. We
are available to assist you in your planning of travel to the site,
recruitment, and fundraising.
What kinds of groups do you work with?
Amizade has worked with universities and colleges, other organizations
and clubs, church groups, youth groups, and families to arrange
for meaningful volunteer experiences.
If some of our members are between the ages of 12 - 17 how many
adult chaperones do we need?
Amizade requires a 3 to 1 youth to chaperone ratio. If you have
any questions about our age and chaperone policies, please contact
our office at volunteer@amizade.org.