How far in advance should we plan?
As always, it's best to plan well in advance. Try to give yourself at least a year to begin exploration of the programs. Smaller groups that join one of our pre-existing service programs can be arranged at any time, but sufficient consideration should be given to such factors as your group size, availability of chosen dates, visa or immunization requirements, and flight arrangements.

Will you arrange our group flight?
No. Global Volunteers makes no flight arrangements for individual or group volunteers, but we do ask all volunteers to arrive within our flight windows so that we may coordinate your group airport pickup.

Who volunteers in a group?
Anyone! While there are varying age minimums for participation on each of our service programs, anyone can take part in a group volunteer service project.

What are minimum age requirements for volunteers?
Global Volunteers age minimums vary by community. Refer to our minimum age checklist or consult with a Volunteer Coordinator at 800-487-1074.

How do I get started?
In your role as a group coordinator, you will be the primary facilitator between Global Volunteers and your group members. You will work with a Volunteer Coordinator to identify an appropriate volunteer service program that matches the goals and interests of your group, while also taking into consideration your group's available dates and budgets. Once you have identified a program, you will work with your group to collect their applications and deposits, while staying in contact with your Volunteer Coordinator at Global Volunteers. You will be the main point person and will collect all the necessary information for your group members. After that, we will prepare each volunteer with orientation materials.

Will our group be the only volunteers on site?
Groups of 12 or more may arrange for exclusive dates.  We can work with all sizes of groups to suit your special needs, depending upon the community you choose and the time of year you are hoping to volunteer. Exclusive groups require advanced planning and preparation. Smaller groups are welcome to become part of a non-exclusive team of other Global Volunteers from around the world. Non-exclusive groups will require less advanced planning and may be a more flexible route for your group, depending on its makeup.

Can we arrange our own date and program?
Yes. Should your group be of a sufficient size and can be accommodated in our host community, exclusive groups may be organized outside of our regularly scheduled service programs. If you would like to explore this option, your Volunteer Coordinator will guide you through the opportunities specific to your group.

Will a contract be required?
A contract between your university, department or organization may be required should you decide to pursue an exclusive group option, or if the service program fees will be paid by someone other than each volunteer individually.

What is the cancellation policy?
Group deposits are non-refundable, but may be transferred within a year of the scheduled program date without a transfer fee. If an individual volunteer from a group team cancels after having paid either the deposit or in full, another person may be added to the team in their place after paying a $200 transfer fee. Exclusive groups taking part in a scheduled service program have more stringent requirements that should be discussed with a Volunteer Coordinator.

What are the deadlines?
Exclusive groups who want to reserve dates must have their deposit, signed contract, and all signed applications to Global Volunteers at least 180 days prior to the start date of their program. Please consult with a Volunteer Coordinator.

What discounts can be arranged?
Group discounts vary by the type of group you will be organizing. For current discounts, check with a Volunteer Coordinator.

Can my group do fundraising?
We encourage you to use our web-based fundraising tools to call attention to your plans and to engage others in raising funds to support your group's efforts.

Will I be volunteering with my other group members?
Often, yes.  Because of the work project diversity, there are times you'll work alongside group members, and other times when you won't. Your on-site Country Manager will make work project assignments together with our host representative, and will take your preferences into consideration when determining how best to match your and your teammates' skills with the local needs.

Can I room with someone from my team?
Yes. Standard accommodations are double rooms for you and another Global Volunteers volunteer of the same gender. There are times when volunteers will stay in multi-person rooms, but if you are part of a group, you may request preferred rooming options. Single rooms are also available on a first come-first serve basis and at additional cost.

What are the safety precautions taken for a group?Your first question about any travel abroad should be: "Will I be safe?" Be assurred that Global Volunteers is serious about volunteer safety. Over two decades of mobilizing more than 22,000 volunteers on service programs worldwide, we've emphasized that "safety trumps everything." Global Volunteers strictly adheres to travel warnings issued by the U.S. State Department and follows precise procedures to protect your safety when you are in the host community, whether in the US or abroad. Our team leaders participate in annual comprehensive training, which includes CPR and first-aid certification, and protocols for managing personal and national emergencies. Volunteers serving outside of the U.S. are also covered by emergency medical evacuation insurance. Global Volunteers' headquarters emergency contact is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Further, all food, lodging and transportation arranged for volunteer teams are continually evaluated according to our high standards, and are provided in a manner to optimize your health and safety.