The placement fee doesn't just pay for your project placement,
it also provides you with support and services throughout your
trip, from airport transfers and rides to your project to
sightseeing tours on your orientation and free Internet
access.
In some cases, a part of your fee will go to the project you join
as well, allowing staff to purchase materials or pay salaries to
local, full-time workers. For most placements, your fee also pays
for your room and board, allowing your host family to meet your
needs without straining its own budget.
What is housing like?
Most placements place you with a host family in the community
you volunteer in. In some cases, you may live on the project site
with other volunteers or in private accommodation provided by your
project. On all placements, some meals are provided with your
accommodation.
Remember, you will be living in developing countries where
electricity and running water may not be available. Expect to use
drop toilets, to wash instead of showering and to do your laundry
by hand at many placements, especially those in remote areas.
Can I choose my placement?
We cannot guarantee you will work with a specific organization
or project during your placement. However, your skills, interests
and the type of volunteer work you wish to do is taken into
account, and we attempt to provide you with a placement that
matches your requirements as closely as possible.
Will I be placed with other volunteers?
Depending on your location and project choice, you may work or
live with volunteers from around the world. However, you may also
be the only volunteer at your project, depending on the time of
year and number of volunteers needed by the project.
Most programmes do give you a chance to meet other volunteers
during your stay. Some of our partner organisations plan social
events for their volunteers, and all of our programmes begin with a
group orientation.
How can I prepare for my project?
Before you head out of the country, try to do some research on
the place you've chosen to volunteer. Find out a bit about the
area's history, its customs and food and the situation there today.
Adapting to a new culture is much easier when you know a bit about
what to expect.
Vaccinations are required to volunteer in many of our countries.
Check tmb.ie for more information on what's required and consult a
doctor before you leave home.
What should I bring with me?
Many of our volunteer placements take place in areas without
laundry facilities, so don't bring anything you'll want to keep in
pristine condition. Read up on the climate of your host country
before you go, and try to pack for the weather. If you're going to
an area where mosquitoes are present, make sure your clothing
covers as much skin as possible.
In many placements, especially those outside major cities, access
to goods may be limited. Consider bringing from home:
toilet paper
wipes and sponges
mosquito repellent with DEET
bite cream
sanitary napkins or tampons
conditioner and moisturizer
first-aid kit and mirror
small gifts for local children and host family (paper, sweets,
crayons, etc)
Will there be a chance to travel during my stay?
On most projects you'll have weekends free to travel, and time
at the end of the placement to do more extensive sightseeing. Many
volunteers who meet at their projects end up traveling together at
the end of the placement.
