Am I eligible to volunteer with GoEco?
Volunteer projects usually require the following minimum requirements:
• Age 18 and above (for most projects)
• Reasonable standard of English
• Good physical condition
• Flexibility to live in a different environment with changes in diet, living conditions, weather and with people from all over the world, etc.
• Meet the basic conditions listed in the Project Registration Form
What will I need for my Passport/ Visa?
It is the traveler's responsibility to have a valid passport, and in some cases an entry visa for the country to which you are traveling. Some countries require that your passport not only be valid for the length of your stay, but for 3 to 6 months after your departure. We recommend renewing your passport 9 months before the expiration date. If the acquisition of an entry visa requires additional measures, GoEco will inform you how to obtain it. In some cases an invitation letter is needed for entry, and GoEco will arrange for the project management to send such a letter directly to you. All visa and passport expenses are the responsibility of the traveler. For a comprehensive list of country-specific information on entry procedures, visit:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
What is the duration of each project?
Certain projects have strict date requirements, but many projects are quite flexible and often can accommodate your timetable. We therefore suggest that you read as much as possible about the country that you are going to and ask for guidance from the GoEco team and the project managers.
Do I need travelers insurance?
The projects themselves do not offer any comprehensive insurance. Therefore, it is the obligation of each participant to purchase suitable medical and personal insurance before travelling to the project. Neither GoEco nor the project will be responsible for any damage, loss or claim such as delays, theft, loss of personal belongings, injury, death and terrorism. GoEco recommends World Nomads Travel Insurance.
Do I need vaccinations?
Occasionally, when travelling to foreign countries, vaccinations or medical precautions are recommended prior to travel. All necessary information can be obtained through a trip to your local doctor or travel medicine provider. Be sure that you are up to date on routine vaccinations (influenza, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, etc.), in addition to any specified injections you may need. For certain countries it is recommended to acquire preventative medicine prior to your departure (eg: Malaria medication for certain regions). Feel free to visit the CDC Destinations page for more destination-specific information: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx , but your local doctor or travel medicine provider will have the most up to date information. We recommend making an appointment at least one month in advance of your departure. To find a Travel clinic near you, or for an additional information resource, visit www.istm.org , and search for registered travel clinics by state.
What if I get sick during the project?
Like any other tour to remote areas and to projects that deal with wildlife, it is advisable to consult a doctor with regard to inoculations and medicines before you commence your trip. It is recommended to travel with a typed list in English of medicines taken regularly or any chronic illnesses. If you plan on a long stay at a project, we suggest visiting your dentist before you leave. In either case, we require volunteers to come prepared with full Travel Insurance, so that you will be covered for any emergency that may take place on site.
Are flights included in the project fees?
Flights to and from the nearest airport closet to the project site are not included in the fees mentioned on our website. GoEco can quote you on a flight through our partner travel agency.
Will I be met at the airport?
If it is relatively simple to reach the project site, each volunteer should arrive independently. GoEco can advise on the best way to get there. Some projects provide transportation from the airport to the site. In order to use this service, you should advise GoEco well in advance of your itinerary to enable us to make the necessary arrangements.
What if there are delays or extra costs?
Additional costs as a result of delays or events which are beyond the control of GoEco or the project will not be covered by either party. The project fee doesn't include personal expenses (e.g. shopping, bars, telephone, restaurants, etc…).
To be effective, you should allocate the suggested amount of time for each project. The minimum time varies from project to project, from one week to several months.
What happens if I don’t like the project?
In all projects that are not tourist oriented, the project management is focused on the goals of the programme. Your opinion is always valued but it is only one opinion. If you arrive at a project and you are not satisfied with the work, living conditions, working hours, etc., we suggest that you first bring your concerns to the management on site. From our experience, most problems can be solved with a little good will, sense of humour and flexibility. They, as much as you, want your experience to be a positive one. GoEco carefully check the conditions and suitability of each project that it recommends. However we are unable to oversee the management of each project. Therefore, we always ask our participants for detailed feedback about your experience, once you return home. Your opinion is important to us and allows us to correct or improve the project experience for future volunteers.
Why pay to volunteer?
GoEco partners with admirable organizations across the globe that are dedicated to supporting poverty-stricken communities, at-risk animal populations, and ecological efforts in their local regions. Such efforts incur a variety of expenses when taking on volunteers, towards which the entire project participation fee, (excluding the deposit) is sent. Expenses include food and housing for volunteers, training, supervision and safety precautions, as well as certain costs included in running the projects successfully. Know that without your physical and financial help, these organizations would not have the power necessary to continue the fabulous and worthwhile work they commit themselves to. The participation fee varies depending on the location of the program.
In addition, GoEco has the unique and difficult job of finding meaningful, and most of all, reliable volunteer positions worldwide. We continuously evaluate various work environments, and maintain ongoing relationships with each project supported on our website. Your deposit fee is retained in order to maintain our Internet site, advertising and marketing for the organizations that we support, and to cover the administration expenses required to process your application. It also allows us to be available to you in an emergency situation, and to answer any questions you may have regarding your project and the work you are about to undertake.
* Personal expenses during the duration of the project such as drinks, laundry, telephone, e-mail, etc. are not included unless otherwise specified on the project page.
What if I need to cancel my placement?
In the event of cancellation, GoEco will retain your deposit fee. The following table explains our cancellation policy for the balance of the participation fee.
No. of days before your program arrival date:
- 61 days & over 80% of participation fee excluding the deposit
- Between 60 & 31 days before 50% of participation fee excluding the deposit
- 31 days & under 0% of the participation fee excluding the deposit
The reason for the reducing scale of refunds is to allow GoEco to refer committed volunteers to its partner organizations and thus maintain a good working relationship. In the event that you do cancel, GoEco will try to find a suitable replacement volunteer to carry out your placement, and the less time left before the placement is due to start, the more expense and difficulty we will have in recruiting this person. Alternatively we may decide to make a financial or other contribution to the relevant organisation to compensate them and ensure their future goodwill. Please note that in cases where you have already changed the start date of your placement, cancellation fees will be applied with regard to the original start date of your placement.
What are the rules of behaviour during the project?
Each project has its own rules and regulations which are binding on all participants. You can read them on each project page. Generally, you have to integrate and to adjust to the existing working environment with volunteers from all over the world. You will also have to adapt to the customs and lifestyle of the local population. The participants on a project are expected to be sensitive both to the cultural context and natural environment of the area where they volunteer. It is difficult to advise a uniform code of behaviour. For example, in some places the definition of ‘time’ is very flexible. In other areas, the local population may frown on the consumption of alcohol. Mannerisms that you may regard as ‘funny’ or ‘cute’ may be interpreted quite differently by the local populace. It is important to keep an open mind, your sense of humour and a readiness to cooperate.
How can I become a GoEco member?
You can sign up to GoEco's web site free of charge and request updates on new projects and latest news and events.