Build homes for underprivileged communities in Kenya
Are you good with your hands and fancy putting them to good use?
Get your hands dirty building homes on projects in the stunning area of either Nakuru or Naro Moru. You may get stuck into building one of the community development projects we already work with in Nakuru, or you may be building simple yet necessary structures for economic migrants, also in Nakuru. You could also work in the Naro Moru area near Mount Kenya, helping to build a community church and dispensary with the local community.
Whichever building venture you embark on, this is a fantastic opportunity not only to live and work alongside the community who will benefit from your efforts, but to also learn something of the difficulties facing building structures in the developing world.
What do the building projects do?
If you are building in one of the established community development projects in Nakuru, you may be laying or repairing the foundations for the community projects with children (orphanages), which will provide an educational centre, accommodation and medical care for the children and community who make their living on the local city dump. You may find that you are asked to work in the community of Hilton, directly beside the city dump, to build shelters for the people living there, usually single parents, or grandparents caring for their orphaned grandchildren.
In the Naro Moru area of Mount Kenya, a community is starting to build a church, where they can continue their social programmes of supporting people away from offending behaviour, offer additional support to single parents, and other much needed community support. Churches in Kenya are much more of a community resource than you may be used to in your own country; here they are truly community projects, where the congregation fundraises, builds, and makes full use of the building for many social improvement reasons. You will learn much about the social circumstances of many of the poorest people in rural Kenya.
Why do the projects need volunteers?
The projects depend on the goodwill and donations from the local community and sponsors. They welcome additional labour (don't worry - strong muscles aren't a must!), and any particular skills you may have, such as building, organisational, engineering, etc.
Your role as a volunteer
You will get involved in many aspects of the building process, depending on the stage you join the project at. You could find yourself getting stuck into a number of tasks, ranging from helping to renovate established buildings, to finishing off work well under way, or starting a building completely from scratch!
The skills you need
You will need to have an appetite for hard work, be very hands-on, and willing to get involved with a variety of tasks. You should be an outdoors person and be prepared to work in different weather conditions. While building experience is not necessary, if you have a specific skill it will be welcomed! The ability to view the bigger picture and long-term goals on the project are essential to the understanding of activities that may seem repetitive and a little insignificant at times.
Very few community building projects have a set timescale for their construction, as local communities will raise some money, use it to buy materials and build until these materials run out. Then they will wait until they have raised more money to start on the next phase. For this reason, building projects in Kenya may change with quite short notice, so you must be prepared to fit in with whatever is currently going on.
You'll find there are many types of building processes in Kenya, ranging from traditional styles using locally found materials such as wood and stones, to the bricks-and-cement style you may be more familiar with, so you'll need to adapt to the materials you're working with.
Accommodation included
Whichever building project you volunteer on, you will be provided with local accommodation.
Nakuru
You will be living with a local family in a homestay. Nakuru is Kenya's fourth biggest town, about 160km from Nairobi, and is a fairly laid-back and modern town. Nakuru has a good transport system and is well linked to the rest of the country. Facilities are good, with several banks, internet cafes, tour operators, and hotels. Water and electricity may occasionally go off, but in general supply is reliable.
Naro Moru
You will be living at Batians view hotel, close to the community where you will be working. Naro Moru is a village in the foothills of Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest mountain. Water is freely available, with a boiler being used for heating it. There is electricity when the sun goes down, and there are plenty of power points to charge electrical gadgets. This is in a beautiful setting, where there are many birds, flora and animals to be seen! It's easy to arrange to climb Mount Kenya in four to five days, or just to take a day hike up part of this picturesque mountain.
Project resources and advice
You'll be provided with all the necessary resources at the project. Don't forget to pack old clothes as you'll be getting very dirty!
Food included
You'll be provided with two delicious meals a day which are vegetarian-friendly.
Airport pick-up included
If you time your arrival to one of the designated arrival dates then airport pick-up is completely free, you should arrive into Nairobi (airport code NBO). Should you require a different pick-up time, a charge of GBP£22 will required to cover fuel and staff time to come and get you. Any additional nights needed at the orientation accommodation, for example if you arrive a day or two early, will be roughly US$56 per night, payable directly to the accommodation.
Things that you will need to organize yourself
- Flights to Kenya: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
- Travel insurance: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
- Visa
- In-country transport (except your airport pickup on arrival date)
- Tours, trips and add-ons: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
- Extra food (approximately US$50 or GBP£25 per week)
US$ 1165.00 for 1 weeks, US$ 195.00 for every week thereafter
Not available.
Early airport pickup available: US$ 35.00
If you are arriving before your designated arrival date, we can arrange for an extra meet and greet service for you. For an extra supplement we will be there to meet you at the airport and take you to the orientation accommodation. Accommodation payment for any extra nights will then be made in country directly to the accommodation (approx 56 USD per night).
No. Enhance your experience with a TEFL course - Save 10% with our Combination Deals
Flights, insurance, visa costs and transport (except airport pickup on arrival date) Cultural add-ons optional - please contact i-to-i
Assist with the building of houses, schools and community buildings material collection and other duties as required
Varies but generally Monday to Friday 9-5 You will arrive day 1, your orientation will be held on day 2 and you will start your project work on day 3.
Basic but adequate
Shared homestays in Nakuru or shared hostel in Naro Moru
Two meals per day provided
Physically fit and enjoy working outdoors
What exactly do i-to-i provide?
It may seem like a strange concept to pay for your volunteer experience. You'd be right if you think you shouldn't and the truth is you actually don't! Your placement is free; it's the benefits around it that you pay for. It's important to note that i-to-i is a travel company and not a charity. We provide a professional travel service. We are responsible for finding and assessing worthwhile projects across the world, preparing you for the volunteering experience and supporting you whilst you're there.
Here’s some more information about what your placement fee covers….
Project sourcing and assessment
We work with hundreds of locally run partner projects around the world and are constantly sourcing new opportunities. We visit all projects to check that they are worthwhile and legitimate and we also conduct a thorough safety assessment before we'll send volunteers there. More
Expert help-desk
Almost everyone who works for i-to-i has traveled extensively or worked overseas. This means we're a goldmine of information; we're always available to offer support and guidance before, during and after your trip.
Thorough project briefing materials
Once you book on to a project you'll receive a Welcome Pack that contains loads of general information about volunteering, about your chosen country and project, and a DVD about how to have fun and stay safe. We'll also give you advice on visas and inoculations.
TEFL training
If you are volunteering on a Teaching or Community Development project then a 40-hour Online TEFL course is included in your placement fee. This is an internationally recognised and accredited certificate that will help you to make the most of your time overseas. More
Airport pickup
It can be pretty daunting arriving in a different country for the first time… especially after a long flight! If you arrive on your project start date, there'll be a welcoming face at the airport to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.
Arrival orientation
Soon after you arrive you will attend a thorough orientation with our in-country team. This is to cover important safety and security information. You'll also get some tips about sight-seeing options for your time off and maybe even learn some of the local lingo!
Accommodation and meals
Accommodation is included with all projects and meals are even included with some. We only use locally-owned and operated accommodation so that part of your placement fee is filtering back into the local economy. Most projects offer homestay, guesthouse or shared volunteer houses as standard accommodation, but some offer the chance to upgrade to a more comfortable living standard. More
Local in-country coordinators
Your in-country coordinator (ICC) will pick you up from the airport and conduct your orientation upon arrival. All ICC's are English speaking and are locals of your destination country. They won't be at your project every day, but will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need them. More
24/7 emergency support
Aside from the local support from your in-country coordinators you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line manned by i-to-i staff in case any problem should arise while you're overseas. We also hire crisis management professionals Docleaf to be on hand in case of a situation that requires additional expert support. More
Ongoing training
The safety and security of our volunteers is paramount. For this reason we provide ongoing crisis management and emergency response training to our local teams around the world. At the end of 2006 we flew all our in-country coordinators to the UK for thorough training to help them offer the best safety to the thousands of volunteers they support each year. More
Supporting our projects
We don't fund our projects directly, but once a year they are all invited to apply for funding for special projects or resources from our registered charity arm, the i-to-i Foundation. i-to-i funds the operation of the i-to-i Foundation and is the largest single donor. Along with the generous support of our volunteers, we have distributed over US$200,000 in funding in the last two years alone! More
Recruiting people like you
We make no secrets of the fact that part of your placement fee is reinvested in to recruiting volunteers just like you! The volunteers recruited in one week will typically deliver over 2000 man-days of service. The difference this makes to projects overseas is immeasurable. Many of our overseas projects rely on assistance from international volunteers, so it's necessary for us to put together brochures and websites to find the people who can support them. This recruitment process is vital to ensure programs have a constant stream of reliable volunteers.
The intangible benefits
Volunteering through a company like i-to-i has a lot of intangible benefits to developing overseas communities and the individual projects that we work with. To find out more about our placements. click here
What we will do after you've booked:
- Once booked on you will instantly receive a welcome email confirming your booking with access to your online account
- We will send a Welcome Pack in the post containing further information and a t-shirt, the information in this pack should answer most things you need to know
- Community Development and Teaching customers will receive an email introducing them to their Online TEFL course
- Community Development and Teaching customers will be requested to complete a police check (where relevant) or send through a reference
- We will contact you if we require anything else e.g. CV/resume for some projects, doctors note for medical conditions etc.
- We will hound you to complete your forms and pay your final balance when they are due
- We are available for any questions you may have on 800 352 1794 or operations@i-to-i.com
- We will prepare for your trip and send you an email with final project and accommodation confirmation 21 days before you go
What you need to do after booking your place with us:
- Book your flights
- Arrange suitable travel insurance
- Fill out some extra details through our online interface:
- application from
- travel details
- insurance details
- medical information
- emergency contacts
- Complete your police check or request your reference (where relevant)
- Do your Online TEFL Course (where relevant)
- Make final payment at least 60 days before you go
- Make sure you have a visa for your trip if its needed
- Visit a nurse or travel clinic for advice on inoculations and malaria prevention
- Read all details and prepare as much as you can for your trip
- Take contact details of the in country team and where you're going in your hand luggage - just in case!
- Get on the plane!
Orientation Information
You will arrive on the Arrival Date - Saturday and will be met at the airport on that day (whether it is 12 in the morning or 11:59 at night). You will be taken to the Sandton Palace Hotel (see contact details below) where you will have the first day/night to recover from your flight. The hotel has a bar that also serves food and an internet terminal so that you can write home if you need to. It is located within walking distance of the main shops if you wish to have a wander - just ask at reception for directions.
Note: If youre arriving early we can arrange a meet and greet for you. If you require this please contact us to arrange this service. If you wish to make your own way please arrange to be at the address below on the arrival date:
Sandton Palace Hotel Taveta Road Nairobi +254 (0)20 217600/1/2/3Your orientation will take place the next morning and will introduce you to life in Nairobi as well as important information about staying healthy and safe. You'll also learn a bit of Swahili along the way! You will then transfer to your permanent accommodation on Sunday afternoon. The transfer will be arranged for you by the team; transfers in and around Nairobi will take about 1 hour and if you're going to Nakuru or Mount Kenya the transfer will be around 4 hours. Monday will be the first day that you meet your project and start working as a volunteer. From here on in you will spend your time with the project but the in-country team are there if you need them.
Insurance
It's important that you get adequate travel insurance for your i-to-i experience and as many of you will be working this often means standard policies wont work. The good news is that no matter where your coming from we have already found a policy to suit you.
The best time to get your insurance is when you book your project as this means you can get a fully tailored policy exclusive to i-to-i, just ask your consultant for further details at the time of booking.
If you have already booked but still need insurance then you may still be able to take our tailored policy. If, however it was more than a few days ago then try the links below:
Australian customers - find out more here >>
All other customers - find out more here >>
Flights
As with insurance we advise you get these booked as early as possible to avoid high prices and to make sure you arrive on the right day. The i-to-i team is right up to date with the best deals no matter where youre flying from; their insider knowledge could save you some time and money.
Country Guide
Kenya
A little bit of history...
An archaeologist’s dream, Kenya is home to fossil finds indicating that human life existed over 2 million years ago, while excavations across East Africa show primates date back 20 million years. More recent history, relatively speaking, shows that the Cushitic-speaking people from Ethiopia were among the earliest migrants and settled around 2000 BC. Various tribes from across the continent flocked to what is now Kenya, including the Bantu-speaking people, while Arabs and Persians developed trading routes along the coast from the 8th century onwards. By the 16th century, the Portuguese had colonised the country and taken control of trade routes only for the Arabs to regain control of the coast by the end of the 17th century.
By the mid-19th century, the Germans and the British had turned their interests to Kenya and in 1920 it became a British colony. The spread of white settlement led to tribes like the Maasai losing land and escalating tensions which culminated in the Mau Mau rebellion in 1953; the Mau Mau’s aim was to drive the white settlers out of Kenya and by 1956 were defeated by the colonists. Jomo Kenyatta, a key figure in Kenya’s quest for liberation, became the country’s first president after Kenya gained independence in 1963 and the Kenya Africa National Union (KANU) held power for nearly 40 years; a one party rule mentality existed until 1991 when several political parties emerged. In recent years, the current government has been faced with corruption allegations, and together with one of the country’s worst droughts and the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the country’s journey to a socially and economically reformed future has so far been challenged.
Best time to go...
Kenya’s hot and dry climate is interspersed with periods of rain, from March to May (the ‘long rains’) and from October to December (the ‘short rains’). The most popular time to visit is January to February and July to August, which are also the best times to go on safari; during the rainy seasons accommodation prices are lower but it’s possible that there may be restricted access to some safari parks. To catch the migrating wildebeests from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, June to September is the time to catch the roaming hordes.
Getting Around...
Kenya’s skies accommodate a number of domestic airlines and private operators that jet to major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, as well as national parks and reserves such as Masai Mara and Amboseli. The main domestic flight operators are Kenya Airways and Air Kenya. It’s advisable to book in advance and reconfirm flights at least 48 hours before departure.
Kenya is well served by an extensive bus network. Matatus (minibuses) are a regular feature on the country’s roads, though they do have questionable safety records, are often crowded and it’s not advisable to use them at night. There is a selection of private bus companies to choose from including Eldoret Express, Stagecoach and Akamba that serve major routes and offer reasonable fares.
Although scenic, train travel is limited and time consuming; the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa takes around 13 hours compared to 6 hours by road. There are three classes to choose from but only classes 1 and 2 are worth considering due to better security. Locally and long distance wise, there are ample amount of private and shared taxis available and fares should be negotiated prior to travel. For more independent travellers, car hire is available but it is hard on the wallet and police permission is required for driving on certain routes in the northeast of the country.
Sights and Sounds...
Kenya is much more than a real-life jungle book of exotic animals and the string of safari hotspots that most visitors flock to. Its chequered history has given rise to a diverse population of tribal groups and swathes of agricultural land have remained untouched from the infringement of the modern world, culminating in a culturally rich and splendidly scenic country that’s often hailed as the crowning glory of East Africa.
The monumental Great Rift Valley runs the length of the country dividing east and west and carries a multitude of contrasting scenes from hot springs arising against the backdrop of steep cliffs to soda lakes graced with flocks of flamingos. At the valley’s northern reaches the climate is distinctly hotter and the elevation lower, with routes to the huge water expanse that is Lake Turkana (formerly Lake Rudolph); it is world’s largest permanent desert lake and alkaline lake. Wild and wonderful parks and reserves adorn the surrounding area, while various tribal groups including the Turkana, Samburu and Elmolo inhabit the land. Sibiloi National Park, on the north eastern shore, is a treasure trove of fossils and pre-historic finds; human, giant tortoise and crocodile fossils have all been found here. The barren setting is also home to abundant bird species, including flamingos and storks. Further south, Central Island National Park provides a refuge for breeding crocodiles and is located in the middle of the lake in the shadow of an extinct volcano. Loiyangalani is the main jumping of point for explorations in and around the lake and is equipped with an air strip, post office and campsites.
The valley’s central region is home to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake, which is located around one hour from Nairobi and is a popular retreat for city dwellers and tourists. The south shore boasts a host of day-trip delights and most visitors make their base at one of the lakeside hotels or guest houses. Elsamere is the former residence of conservationist Joy Adamson, made famous by the Born Free film, and today comprises a small museum, conservation centre and guest house. Further west lies a crater lake that is worth visiting, while the eastern side of the lake is home to the Crescent Island Sanctuary which teems with bird species, as well as small herds of zebra, giraffe and antelope. There’s freedom to roam to your hearts content at nearby Hell’s Gate National Park, which is one of the few places in the country where it’s possible to venture unguided among the game herds. Walk, cycle, skip or run, whichever mode you choose, there’s a high chance of spotting wildlife such as buffalos, zebras and baboons. Campsites are accessible within the park.
The remote southern sections of the Rift Valley are not as frequented by tourists but are no less astounding. Lake Magadi is the southernmost of the valley’s lakes and is a soda-encrusted stretch that supports a number of bird species, most notably flamingos. The Olorgasailie Prehistoric Site lies north of the lake, less than an hour from Nairobi, and is where excavations uncovered ancient tools and animal bones. Guided tours and a museum provide a wealth of information.
Western Kenya for the most part is off the main tourist trails but radiates an appealing charm, one that is characterised by equatorial rainforest, tea plantations and not a safari tour in sight. Its major draw is Lake Victoria; the largest on the continent, which also borders Uganda and Tanzania. The lake’s islands make for an interesting jaunt although getting to them isn’t plain sailing due to boat services dictated by unpredictable water levels. Mfangano Island is particularly worth the effort for its ancient rock paintings and rich culture; it is serviced by large wooden motorised boats (matatu boats).
The Swahili language and culture, together with Arab-Muslim influences enrich the country’s coastal stretch that has more than idyllic beaches to recommend it. The region is bathed in historical significance and ancient sites are a common theme along the coast, while its exotic waters are among some of the world’s best dive sites. Mombasa, the country’s second city, is the coastal hub but has much more going for it than a springboard to the rest of the coast. The city is actually an island connected to the mainland by bridges and is the biggest port on the continent’s east coast. The Old Town provides an interesting mix of architectural styles dating back to from as early as the first half of the 19th century and includes Indian and British influences. Overlooking the city’s historical heart is the Portuguese-built 16th century fort, Fort Jesus, which now stands as a monument to the past and houses a museum. The Tsavo National Park is only an hour away and is populated by rhinos, monkeys, buffalo, giraffe, antelopes and large herds of elephants.
Malindi, north of Mombasa, was once a centre of power for Swahilis and a Portuguese stronghold and has since evolved into a fully fledged beach resort town. The tourist tackiness, however, is redeemed by its protected coral reef-waters that mark it out as top snorkelling and scuba diving location. The nearby ruins of Gedi, a Swahili town that existed between the 13th and 17th centuries, is another fascinating highlight that includes the remnants of palaces, mosques and tombs.
For a taste of paradise, the Lamu archipelago off the north coast is a true contender. It has an army of winning attributes from tranquil white-sand beaches to the absence of motorised vehicles. But to keep things interesting, this largely Muslim enclave has a history and strong Swahili culture to keep it afloat. The island’s main centre, Lamu Town, is the oldest inhabited town in the country and boasts old Arab architecture, mosques, a Hindu temple and decent museums.
Highlight: Nairobi...
Kenya’s capital is one of Africa’s largest cities and the most modern in all East Africa. Nairobi is a colonial creation that sprang up from the construction of the Mombasa to Uganda railway in the late 19th century and has since developed in leaps and bounds to become a centre for international business and a worthwhile base for excursions to some of the country’s top-rated national parks and reserves. Crime has afflicted the city’s reputation but is not a reason to stay away, and adhering to common sense and not flashing your cash should ensure a relatively hassle free stay. Despite the proliferation of western influences in the form of American-style shopping malls and fast food restaurants, the city has managed to maintain a distinct character; one that provides a sense of the real Kenya of optimistic prosperity and stark poverty.
The wide stretch of Kenyatta Avenue is a hive of activity and a useful navigation point. Amid the office blocks and conference centres, the tree-lined expanse is littered with safari touts, moneychangers and souvenir sellers. A useful aid, however, can be found at the New Stanley Hotel’s Thorn Tree café: a friendly pavement café with a message board used and read by travellers and may sometimes include details such as related to excursions outside of the capital. Further toward the centre at City Square, there’s the chance to catch a glimpse inside the country’s political system at the Parliament building. Visitors are permitted to sit and watch politicians verbally battling it out from the public gallery. The Square also reflects the country’s political past with a statue of Kenya’s founding father Jomo Kenyatta, and is also the site of his mausoleum. North of Kenyatta Avenue is one of the city’s most striking buildings, the Jamia Mosque. Though non-Muslims are not always assured entrance, the building’s exterior of green and white opulence is to be admired.
The city’s museums also make for an informed introduction to both the city and the country. The National Museum, which is set to re-open in mid-2007 following renovation, exhibits a wide range of artefacts from pre-historic fossils and some of the earliest human remains to contemporary East African art, while its grounds house a snake park and are a prime spot for bird-watching. The National Archives also provide a fascinating look into the city’s development and include photographs, contemporary art, cultural and tribal artefacts. Based at the former farmhouse residence of the Out of Africa author, the eponymous Karen Blixen museum is an interesting look at her life and the period she lived there (1914 to 1931).
The city’s parks bring a dose of light relief from the urban throng. City Park is the biggest of them all and is draped in tropical foliage and home to an array of birdlife and monkeys. To see a greater concentration of wildlife, however, you don’t need to travel too far away from the city’s sprawl since the country’s first national park is just a stone’s throw away. Herds of zebra, wildebeest and giraffe are just some of the animals to roam The Nairobi National Park, which also cares for sick and abandoned animals; the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, situated within the park, is a haven for orphaned elephants and rhinos. These wild plains set against tower blocks and traffic in the hazy distance makes for a surreal image.
The city is also something of a safari-central destination thanks to its relative proximity to some of the best-known parks and reserves. Masai Mara National Reserve (also known as the Mara), the country’s most popular park, is world-renowned for its sheer scale of wildlife and is also a haven for Masai communities. The best time to visit is from late June to September when the Great Wildebeest Migration roams en masse from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya’s lush grasslands. A popular way to see the herds of lions, cheetahs and other creatures of the wild is from the confines of a hot air balloon. The park can be reached in around seven hours by road from Nairobi. To catch sight of herds of elephants, Amboseli National Park is the place to go and is just a four hour drive from the capital. Situated in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, the park is an awesome panorama of grazing animals such as zebras and giraffes on wide open plains. Mount Kenya National Park, meanwhile, is located a two-hour drive away and boasts Africa’s second highest mountain and the area is home to the Kikuyu people, as well as diverse flora, fauna and landscapes including glaciers and thick forest.
Useful links
www.lonelyplanet.comLonely Planet are leaders in the travel guide sector and their website is a great source of travel information.
www.fco.gov.uk
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website provides up-to-date political news, travel advice and information on visas
www.airkenya.com
Domestic airline Air Kenya.
Why i-to-i
We do everything we can to be a truly responsible travel organisation and we believe that everything we do should minimise the negative aspects of foreign travel and make a positive contribution to the places that our travellers visit.
Our achievements
In the last year alone we have assisted over 6,000 volunteers to have a life-changing travel experience in 34 countries around the world. We are very proud of all the volunteer projects we work with, which are sustainable and produce a positive long-term impact and are equally proud of our volunteers who devote their time and efforts into contributing to the projects which continue to develop communities abroad. Click here to see some of our volunteer achievements.
Our benefits to communities around the world
All of our projects overseas are based in the local community and are local initiatives. When you travel with us, you will stay in locally run accommodation and travel on locally owned transport. In this way we can ensure that the part of your placement fee assigned for transport and accommodation goes directly into the local economy. That means that before you've even lifted a finger on your project, you've already made an important contribution to the local economy.
Our support for our volunteers
We appreciate how special our volunteers are and offer our full support every step of the way. Our in-country coordinators are on-hand for you while you're in-country, providing airport pick-up and arrival orientation while we also provide 24/7 support for all our volunteer travellers.
Against aid reliance
We do not give direct funding to the projects we work with. Many experts believe that the constant flow of financial aid into the developing world causes an over-reliance on foreign aid, which harms the long-term stability of developing economies. It is your time and effort (rather than cold hard cash) that makes a difference. We truly believe that by working together and forging relationships with the developing world, we can make a real and lasting difference.
Your experience
When you travel with i-to-i, you'll experience a truly unique travel adventure which will change your life forever. We're all different, which is why we'll all experience a unique voyage. In addition to gaining a deep immersion into a new culture, you'll learn valuable skills for life which will open-up your eyes to the world and warm your heart in the knowledge that you're giving something real and lasting back to the places you visit.
Why Volunteer through a travel company?
The reason there are so many volunteer providers is not only because volunteering abroad is growing so popular, but because there is a genuine need for companies who can organise your trip for you. Volunteering on your own can be very difficult. Especially if you haven’t travelled very much or are a little soft spoken and arriving in a foreign country without a plan can be rather stressful. Volunteering with a company like i-to-i offers many benefits.
Pre-arranged
You can try searching for a volunteer opportunity on the internet, but you won’t find much that doesn't involve a volunteer travel provider such as i-to-i. Think about it: the places that need volunteers are likely to be poor and underdeveloped - they probably won't even have access to the internet. I’m sure if they had internet access they’d post a volunteer position, but that hardly seems feasible.
It’s virtually impossible to pre-arrange a volunteer opportunity abroad by yourself. Many people don’t want to take the risk of going overseas on their own, with no guarantees of work. An organisation has been there in person and worked out all the finer details for you. They've checked that it's safe, made sure that it's worthwhile and taken the time to make your arrangements for you.
Support
Most organisations offer you support both before and during your trip. Even though you probably won’t have any problems on your trip, it’s reassuring to know that someone is there if you need them. This is particularly comforting for younger volunteers’ parents.
Something as little as meeting you at the airport can really mean a lot. Those first few hours in a foreign country can be really disorienting, and having someone there that can speak the language, knows where they’re going and can help you with your bags is will take a huge weight off your mind.
Time saving
If you decide to just go to Ghana and see what comes up, you could - and probably will - spend a considerable amount of time wandering around looking for volunteer positions. This is not very effective and you could waste a lot of time and money this way. By travelling with a volunteer organisation you avoid all the confused and aimless wandering, and can get straight to work.
Information
If you volunteer with an organisation, they’ll provide you with information about the country you’ll be going to and the project you’ll be working on, as well as general pre-departure information. Some organisations, like i-to-i, provide an in-country orientation. This is a good way to learn about an area and get answers to any questions you might have.
Guaranteed Placement
If you decide to jump on a plane and look in you could find yourself spending hundreds of pounds without actually doing what you can to do - volunteering. Going with a volunteer organisation guarantees you a volunteer position when you arrive, so you won't go home disappointed.
Can I really make a difference
There are good reasons why you pay a placement fee when you volunteer with i-to-i. As a travel company our responsibility to you is wider than if we were a charity. Our focus is not only on the benefits to the project but also on your safety and satisfaction.
The common question and the understandable doubt on the lips of every volunteer before they choose to embark on a volunteer trip is: "Will my contribution actually be worthwhile?" The answer when you volunteer with us? Yes, it definitely will! Whether you volunteer for one week or six months, you will make a difference to communities abroad. After all, what is the point in making the effort to volunteer overseas if you can't be assured that your contribution will really make a difference and have a profound effect on the communities and environments they are aimed at benefitting?
Experts in providing overseas volunteering projects
As an international volunteer organisation with over 12 years experience in sending volunteers abroad to work on vital overseas community and environmental development projects, we are experienced volunteer travel project providers.
Long-term impact
The trouble is that many 'short-term' volunteers can't see the bigger picture or the difference their contribution is making. When you volunteer with i-to-i, you are part of a much greater picture and can rest assured that your work will be continued by future i-to-i volunteers as we make sure all our volunteer projects are sustainable and worthwhile.
Your help is appreciated and really does help!
When you volunteer with i-to-i your contribution will make an immediate and lasting difference which will be thoroughly appreciated by overseas communities.
Why is there a Placement Fee?
There are good reasons why you pay a placement fee when you volunteer with i-to-i. As a travel company our responsibility to you is wider than if we were a charity. Our focus is not only on the benefits to the project but also on your safety and satisfaction.
If a project is badly run, volunteers’ hard work can be for nothing. Your fee helps us to source worthwhile projects so you can be sure you’re making a difference. Accommodation is included in our placements and often, so is food, and by staying locally your fee remains in the community you’re there to help.
We also provide you with thorough information about how to prepare for your trip as well as information on volunteering in your chosen country. What’s more, if you are volunteering as a teacher or on a community development project, we will include our 40 hour TEFL qualification!
Don’t think we forget about you once you’re out there! You’ll be met at the airport and introduced to the local area by one of our in-country co-ordinators so there’s no chance of getting lost! As well as providing you with all the support you need, the self-funding nature of i-to-i means we can continue to support more and more worthwhile projects in the long-term.
In-country Coordinators
We have in-country coordinators in every single country we operate in. They’re there to make sure you're getting the most out of your travel experience by introducing you to the country, answering your questions and dealing with any problems that might arise while you're away. They’re on hand 24 hours a day so, in the unlikely event of an emergency, you know there will always be someone beside you to help you through.
So how will you benefit from our overseas teams?
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Face-to-face support
Our in-country coordinators are your first port of call if you have a problem. As well as sorting out the little things, they're available 24/7 to help you through any emergencies that you might encounter while abroad. They'll be right there by your side to provide a friendly face and a reassuring word when you need it the most.
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Airport pick-up
Our in-country coordinators will pick you up from the airport and make sure you get to your project without any problems.
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Orientation
Your in-country coordinators will give you a full cultural orientation on arrival. This will cover everything from health and safety to where you can get an emergency bar of chocolate.
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Local
All of our in-country coordinators are local people with a wealth of information about the land and its customs. They'll be able to advise you on where to go, how to get there and what to do while you're there.
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Friendly
Arriving in a new country can be a daunting experience but our friendly in-country coordinators will be there to settle you in and calm your fears.
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English speaking
Language barriers can be a huge problem when travelling abroad, but not when you travel with i-to-i. All our in-country coordinators speak English so you won't have any trouble communicating with them.
International conferences
From time-to-time, we hold international conferences designed to encourage global understanding within the i-to-i team and improvement from our in-country coordinators, to ensure our travellers receive the best possible support and service while on a project with us.
The conferences are attended by our in-country leaders, who pass on the knowledge they have learned to their in-country teams. Our global conferences are the perfect opportunity for training and offer quality training sessions on topics including extensive customer service skills, to help raise the level of service across the global i-to-i network.
Our international conferences are vitally important because they allow our in-country coordinators and global staff to share their experience and help to build on our success in answering and fulfilling the changing needs of our volunteers.
Crisis Response Plan
With the help of Docleaf, our crisis management specialist, we have developed a comprehensive crisis response plan to prepare for and guide us through any emergency. We operate a 24/7 emergency support service so that this plan can be put into action immediately no matter what time of the day! Our crisis response plan covers:
Our crisis response plan covers:
- Emergency support
All travelers are issued with the UK based emergency support number in pre-departure literature.
Duty officers
The duty officer is the first point of contact. They deal with any incoming calls and initiate the appropriate response to the crisis. In more serious cases the duty officer will then call a senior officer (a member of i-to-i management) for advice, assistance and support. Should the situation require it, they will activate the full global response team.
- In-country coordinators
We regularly bring our in-country coordinators to the UK for crisis response training, so you can rest assured that your in-country coordinators are well versed in our emergency protocol and will know exactly how to react in the unlikely event of an emergency.
- Crisis response teams
All UK staff have been pre-assigned specific roles which they must take up in the event of a major crisis. Should their services be required these staff will be called into the i-to-i office to take up their role in the crisis response team. The team will co-ordinate the emergency response, advise in-country coordinators, contact insurance providers and organize assistance.
- Emergency travel teams
Should the situation require it, we will mobilize an emergency travel team to assist in-country.
- Global communication
We’ve create a 'triangle of confidence' between the UK response team, the in-country coordinators and the traveller.
- Crisis training
We carry out regular training sessions to ensure all staff are fully informed about our crisis response procedures.
- Docleaf training
Every year i-to-i Staff are fully briefed and simulation trained by DocLeaf.
- Monitoring systems
All i-to-i staff are fully informed of any changes to our crisis response procedures through the company intranet.
Note: i-to-i closely follows global travel advice when it comes to deciding the safety of our travelers abroad. We monitor government communications from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the US State Department and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, to ensure that we can make informed decisions about the risks posed to our customers.
Watch our video
For more information, watch our 'i-to-i support network' video.
i-to-i



