How long 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.
What about 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.
What about Health?
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.
What about Passport and Visas?
It is your responsibility to have a valid passport (some countries require a six months minimum validity or a special visa). GoEco will advise you if a visa is required and how to obtain it. In some cases, an invitation letter is needed and GoEco will arrange that such a letter is sent to you by the project management.
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.
What about flying arrangements?
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.
What about transportation to the project site?
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 about delays and 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.
Are there any requirements?
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 You should know that there are also projects that accept families with children.
Is there a participation fee?
Organizing and managing a volunteer project for ecological and humanitarian causes can be costly. Most organizations require a minimum participation fee in order to accommodate you and run the project. The participation fee varies according to each project and length of your participation period.
• The participation fee listed for each project does not include the cost of flights or other means of transportation to the project site.
• The overall fee is determined by the management of each project in consultation with GoEco. On several projects GoEco has negotiated special reduced fees for our volunteers.
• The major part of the fee is transferred directly by GoEco to the specific project to cover the expenses of your stay and to contribute to the viability of the project. The deposit is retained by GoEco in order to maintain the Internet site and to cover the administration expenses of your application (see below).
• 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.
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.
What about cancellation?
In the event of your cancellation, GoEco will retain your deposit. The following table explains our cancellation policy for the balance of the project fee:
No. of days before your placement Fees refunded
61 days & over 100 % of project fee excluding the deposit
Between 60 & 31 days before 50 % of project fee excluding the deposit
30 days & under 0 %
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.