Steps Of Application

We are happy that you have decided to join our volunteer abroad program and experience what it’s like to immerse yourself in another culture and devote your time and energy to a cause you truly care about. IFRE is committed to making your volunteer trip abroad a rewarding and memorable experience.

Step 1: Complete the Application Form and Submit a $99 refundable program Deposit

Book/reserve your project at least 1 month prior to your departure date (Though we allow for flexibility due to travel constraints).If possible, we suggest you apply a few months in advance to ensure availability at your chosen project, and to give IFRE and yourself plenty of time to make all of the needed arrangements and preparations.

You will need to download the application and mail it to us, or alternatively you can also apply online. Each application must be submitted with a $99 refundable program deposit fee. IFRE guarantees you a placement. If not, we will refund your $99 deposit. The program deposit is later deducted from the total program fee. The following refund policy will apply:

• Full refund if you cancel within 24 hours
• Full refund if we fail to give you a placement
• 50% refund if you cancel within 3 days
• 25% refund if you cancel within 7 days
• No refund after 7 days
• No refund for situations beyond our control like war, disease outbreaks, natural calamities etc.

Step 2: Notification, processing of application, acceptance, and details of project information

Once we receive your application with your $99 deposit, we will send your application within 24 hours to our in-country coordinator for processing. Our coordinator will carefully review your interests and experience, find the most suitable volunteer placement for you, and make all the arrangements for your housing, food, and other forms of logistical support.

Once all of this has been done, we will send you the letter of acceptance and all the full details of your project, host family, and other arrangements within 1-4 weeks. You can rest assured that we have carefully vetted all of these things so that you will have a safe, secure, and satisfying volunteer experience. You can relax and focus on the exciting adventure you are taking, and on working hard to make the world a better place.

Step 3: Preparation for vaccination, visa, tickets, and payment of program fee

Once you receive your confirmation and placement details from IFRE, there are a number of steps you will need to take to prepare for your volunteer trip abroad.

First you will need to book your flight. Do not wait to do this until the last minute, as you will pay more for your flight, and IFRE needs time to make the arrangements for your accommodations and airport pick-up. Once you have booked your flight, please fax a photocopy of your passport and your trip itinerary to our office.

All IFRE volunteers are required to purchase reliable travel insurance in order to participate in our programs, and you will need to do this before you depart your home country. If you need help finding and securing a reliable policy that is appropriate for you, IFRE can help you with this.

You should make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your upcoming trip. He/she will advise you on any and all health precautions you should take based on your destination, and let you know which vaccinations you will need for travel.  You should be up to date on your routine vaccines, and each country you are traveling to will have a different set of vaccines that you may need to get to protect yourself. Be sure to let your doctor know if you will be traveling to and working in rural or impoverished areas, and if you will be coming into contact with wildlife during your volunteer work abroad.

You will need to research the visa requirements based on your destination, length of travel, and your home country. Every country has different requirements regarding this, and these will vary based on your own nationality. Most often volunteers will need a tourist visa.

Although some countries may allow you to apply for a visa upon arrival at the airport, we advise you always apply for and acquire a visa prior to travel to avoid any issues. Visa applications can take up to a few weeks to be processed, so please do this well in advance of your travel to ensure you are ready and will be able to gain entry.

You will be traveling to a new country and immersing yourself in a new culture. Each culture has its own customs and expected behaviors, dress codes, etc. In order to deepen your understanding of the place you are traveling to, as well as the people you are working with, and to be sure that you are always respectful of cultural customs, we recommend you research the country you are going to be volunteering in before departing on your trip. If another language is spoken there, you might try learning at least a few key phrases to help you communicate while you are traveling.

Participants must make a full payment of the program fee at least 1 month prior to departure. You will also need to budget for extra activities and recreational travel to make the most of your free time abroad.

Step 4: Arrival, hotel transfer, orientation, start of program

After we receive your flight itinerary, this information will be passed to our in-country coordinator. Our airport representative will be informed at what date and time to pick you up, and they will be there waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it. The next day, your program starts with an orientation class. At your orientation you will learn all about your program, what to expect, your duties, your schedule, etc. You will also learn about the country you are volunteering in along with its culture and customs and be briefed on any safety precautions that you should be taking while traveling abroad.

After your orientation you will finally be ready to get started at your volunteer project! You will begin doing the wonderful service work that has brought you on your trip in the first place. During your time at your project, our field staff and coordinators are always available if you need any kind of services and support. IFRE will do everything we can to ensure you have a fully satisfying and meaningful volunteer experience abroad.