FAQ

• Who is eligible to volunteer?

Anyone who wants to volunteer will not be rejected! However each of our trips are developed with a specific focus and have specific requirements so it is important to check.  If you have any questions, just email us at info@theworldisourvillage.org

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• Why is there an application/Sign-up?

The application was created more as a “get to know you” as apposed to an actual selection process.  We use it to learn more about you and make sure that we create our Pre-Departure orientation that will help you be better prepared. 

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• Why should I pay to volunteer?

Our Village prides itself of the development of “low-cost” volunteer missions with the intention that anyone who wants to volunteer should have the opportunity.  Finances should never be an issue when you want to contribute towards international relief.  But the reality is that it is not free for an organization to host you.  We need to collect fees in order to cover costs like lodging, transportation, and meals. It is also important that we budget valuable staff time to support and manage volunteers.

The good news is that there are a lot of resources that are made available to you through Our Village including a Fundraising guide that will help you every step of the way.  On average, every year volunteers usually fund-raise the entire amount of their fees and flights. 

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• Why are the fees so low with Our Village?

Our Village prides itself on the development of “low-cost” volunteer trips without sacrificing any aspect of the trip.  By focusing on sending smaller groups and working with grassroots organizations overseas, we are able to keep the costs low.  Since Our Village is a small organization itself, we can insure that the finances are used in the most effective, responsible and efficient ways possible.

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• I want to volunteer but I don't have the money - What can I do?

Although Our Village fees are already considerably low, Our Village does not want anyone with financial restrictions to think they can’t volunteer.  Our fundraising guide will give you all the tools you need to fundraise and we will help you every step of the way!  In the future, we hope to have “Volunteer-ships” which will be awarded to individuals through an application and interview process.

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• What do I get when the mission is completed?

On top of the life changing experience, the new attitude on life, new found maturity and international experience, all participants will receive a letter of conformation, a letter from the founder of Our Village and of course, the “Gold Start Volunteer Certificate”

• Is the orientation mandatory?

No it is not, but it is highly recommended.  If you can’t make it – please do inform us ahead of time.

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• Can I book my own ticket?

At Our Village, we believe that it is important to get best price on everything including your flights.  We recommend you purchase your own ticket from anywhere so you can get the lowest price possible and save your money!

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• Can I stay longer in the Country?

You sure can stay longer – in fact, we highly recommend you stay longer and do some traveling around the country.  Every country has unique characteristics and it would be great for you to have the opportunity to explore them all! 

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• Can Our Village help organize a vacation afterwards?

We can introduce you to local travel agents who can help, but we highly recommend you do your own research to insure you are getting the most “bang for your buck” when traveling. 

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• I’m not Canadian – Can I still Volunteer?

Of course you can!  Each year Our Village takes a number of American and British citizens on our volunteer trips.  If you come from a different country but would still like to volunteer, just email us at info@theworldisourvillage.org and we will help you as much as we can.

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• Who does Our Village work with?

Our Village partners with local NGO’s in developing countries in order to insure beneficial volunteer placements and logistics are taken care of in the most efficient ways. We only work with an NGO after we have got to know them and been able to build a trusting relationship. 

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• I am a Muslim Woman who wears Hijaab - Can I volunteer too?

You sure can! We take pride in creating volunteer trips that really meet the needs of specific demographics, including the Female Muslim population. The Female Muslim volunteers will be placed into very safe homes, communities, and work placements.  We will also make sure that they have adequate space for prayers and dietary restrictions are handled properly. In some cases, we will take all the Muslim volunteers to meet the local Muslim community at the Mosque and show them where all the good Halaal restaurants are!

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• What should I take with me?

The general rule is “take only what you can afford to lose” but in the pre-orientation (or the orientation package if you can’t make it to the Orientation) we will provide you with an extensive list of what you should and shouldn’t bring as well as the “do’s” and “don’ts” of a country.

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• Do the Volunteer programs include language training?

Our Village prides itself in the development of “low cost” volunteer trips and we value language training as an opportunity to break down barriers.  However, to keep costs low, we have made language training an optional part of your experience. 

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• Can I use this towards my Education?

You sure can!  Each year we take Medical School Students who are doing their internships, we take Faculty of Education candidates to do practice teaching, we also take International Development students who are looking for international experiences. 

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• The MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION: What makes Our Village different?

With over 80,000 NGO’s around the world facilitating and hosting international volunteers, Our Village stand out in four specific areas: 

1) Our Village and the commitment to educating our volunteer before hand and debriefing afterwards so your trip can be as successful as possible in all aspects including spiritually, physically and mentally. 

2) Our Village and the Student-Budgeted, Low-Cost Volunteer trips that make it affordable for everyone to Volunteer and know exactly how your money is being used!  But we are also committed to helping our participants fund-raise so volunteering does not have to cost you or your family. 

3) Our Village and the commitment towards creating meaningful and mutually beneficial volunteer experiences where you are not only helping those in need, but you are also helping yourself, your own development and learning about the impact you can make as an individual around the world. 

4) The best part of Our Village is that we are a small, locally grown, NGO and we are not only trustworthy, but we are REAL!  No automated responses, no being put on hold, and we even make our mobile phone numbers public anyone can call or SMS us at anytime.  Our Village is run by a group of passionate philanthropists who have volunteered enough to know exactly what you need before, during and after your trip. 

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