We want the whole experience, from choosing a project to flying home, to be as simple as possible, so we’ve put together a set of questions and answers that we think you might be interested in. For ease of use these questions have been grouped into four categories:
- General questions about travelling with i-to-i
- Questions specific to i-to-i Ventures
- Fundraising questions
- Why pay to volunteer?
General questions about travelling with i-to-i
Who can travel with i-to-i?
Anybody between the age of 18 and upwards, regardless of background, nationality or qualifications. To teach English, however, you must be a native or near-native speaker of the English language.
Are there any restrictions at all?
You must be eligible to enter the country in which your project is based on a tourist visa or its equivalent. If you are not eligible for these, you shouldn’t apply.
Can I travel with i-to-i if I am under 18?
Yes. If you want to travel alone and you are under 18 years old you can take a range of our trips. See below for a full listing. If you are aged between 16 and 19, you can travel as part of a group of people all your own age, click here for more information.
Projects for people aged 16:
South AfricaHands-on work with endangered wildlife in South Africa
Projects for people aged 17 and above:
Argentina
Community work with orphans and underprivileged children in Posadas, Argentina
Teach English in Posadas, Argentina
Sports: Coach soccer in Posadas, Argentina
China
Community work with children around Xi'an, China
Panda conservation near Xi`an
Costa Rica
Sea turtle conservation on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica
Sea turtle conservation on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica
Build homes for underprivileged families in Costa Rica
Ecology conservation near the Tenorio volcano, Costa RIca
Ecuador
Conservation work on the Galapagos Islands
Community work with children in the Amazon, Ecuador
Kenya
Building with underprivileged communities in Nakuru
Community work with children near Mt Kenya
Ecology conservation in Kenya
Malaysia
The Malaysian Orangutan Experience
Nepal
Community work at child protection homes in Nepal
South Africa
Hands-on work with endangered wildlife in South Africa
Live with lion cubs in South Africa
Help raise Lions and Tigers in South Africa
Vietnam
Community work with orphans in Ho Chi Minh City
Build homes for underprivileged families in Vietnam
What do I do on an i-to-i project?
You’ll be working with a locally run project to make a real difference to the community or ecosystem in the area. Your duties will vary depending on the project but you can find information about exactly what you will be doing on the project details page.
Can I go on a project with a partner?
Yes! Couples and friends are welcome. You must book early though, so we can arrange joint projects and accommodation (where possible). Contact your nearest i-to-i office for availability. If a project is full, we can arrange suitable alternatives.
Click here for i-to-i's contact details.
How do I get a Visa?
We will give you directions for obtaining your visa, but you will need to apply and pay for it yourself. We will provide the embassy contact details, visa application form and invitation letter from the country itself (if required). Our In-country team will also help arrange an extension to your visa whilst volunteering with i-to-i, if required. If you don’t have time to organise it yourself we recommend Travcour.com in the UK who can arrange a visa on your behalf. Visit www.travcour.com to find out more.
When are the projects available?
Most of our projects have arrival dates throughout the year but it is important that you check availability. Either check the ‘arrival dates’ on the individual project pages or contact the i-to-i office.
Do I need to learn a language before I travel?
On some projects it is vital you know the local language. On others it is preferable. And on many you will be fine with English. In Latin American countries, in particular, it is useful to know the language and i-to-i can help you learn with our language add-ons in some destinations - contact i-to-i office for further details.
How late can I apply?
The minimum booking deadline is two weeks for i-to-i travel experiences. We usually recommend six months or more on particularly popular projects. Some our projects fill up a year in advance! The longer you leave, the more time you have to plan, arrange inoculations and get fundraising - with expert advice from i-to-i all the way.
Where do I book?
There are two ways to book a project:
- Simply choose your project and clicking the 'Book now' button
- By calling your nearest the i-to-i office
Speak to one of our expert travel advisors and they will help you choose and book your project.
How does the application process work?
Once you have had a look at our brochure or website we suggest you call one of our travel advisors to get advice on projects plus availability and discuss your travel plans. A deposit is required to secure your place on the project. You can either pay the final balance on application, or the total is due up tp 90 days before your arrival date. If your project requires a CV/resume, you must send this to us immediately. Straight after you have booked we'll send you've booked we'll send you an email with access to a personal online i-to-i account where you will be given step-by-step advice on how to prepare for your trip including obtaining visas and inoculations and even what to pack for the trip.
Questions about i-to-i trips
Is it possible to combine projects?
Absolutely. You can choose to do two different projects in the same country or multiple projects across any number of different countries. Some people choose to volunteer around the globe taking advantage of round the world flights.
Are flights included in the project fees?
No, but by arranging your own flights you have much more choice and flexibility as to your departure date and travel plans before and after your project. So long as you arrive in time for your project start date, your other travel plans are entirely up to you.
Can I travel before my project starts?
Yes, but you must ensure you meet the in-country team on the designated arrival date. Your accommodation will only be ready for you on this date.
Will I be met at the airport?
Yes, our in-country team will have your flight details and will be at the airport when you arrive. If you are travelling overland, we will provide directions to a designated rendezvous.
Will I be able to work closely with a local community?
Yes, we have carefully selected our projects to give you maximum exposure to local cultures. As well as sharing skills with the community, volunteers often learn the language and local customs, and come away with far greater cultural understanding as a result.
What if I get sick during my project?
Our In-Country Teams are trained on how to handle medical emergencies and will ensure you are well cared for. We strongly recommend you obtain a good insurance policy and we have recommended policies, just ask us for more information. We operate a 24/7 support system so that if you do encounter an emergency while you’re away you will always be able to get in touch with a member of our crisis support team. Take a look at our Safety and Security page for more information.
Can I extend my project whilst on an existing project?
It is best to decide exactly how long you would like to volunteer before you depart. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to extend your project once you are abroad since there may be other volunteers going to the project, or your accommodation may not be available. However, if it is then you can definitely extend!
Can I arrange another project whilst on an existing project?
Yes, since all the correspondence can be completed by phone and email. As long as you book outside the two-week deadline.
Will I be able to travel during my project?
By booking an i-to-i volunteering trip you are committed to working hours requested by the project, but in your free time you can explore the country. Your in-country team will be happy to advise you on where best to go.
Can I travel after my project?
Yes, once you complete your project you are free to travel independently. Many i-to-i volunteers choose to continue their travels with their fellow volunteers.
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Fundraising Questions
What can I fundraise for?
You can fundraise for two things. Firstly, you can raise funds to cover the cost of your project, flights, equipment, insurance and vaccinations etc. Secondly, you can raise funds for the project itself. This could be in the form of resources, like pens and books, or a direct donation.
How much time should I allow for fundraising?
The longer the better, but most volunteers allow six months.
How much can I realistically raise?
We have had volunteers raise £3000 in three months before, but it depends on how much time, dedication and support you have.
How do I go about fundraising? Who do I approach? What are the best ways to raise cash?
You can get the answers to all these questions in the free i-to-i fundraising guide.
Why Pay to Volunteer?
i-to-i's volunteer programme supports good causes worldwide by matching volunteers' skills with worthwhile projects abroad. This programme is not supported by external funding but by the volunteers themselves. The fee you pay covers a number of key services, and means that i-to-i never pass any costs onto the projects themselves. You can find out more about where the money goes by clicking here.
With i-to-i, you are guaranteed a worthwhile work project and a professional support network to guide you through it. This means you spend less time organising your trip and more time making a difference in the real world.
