Dedicating time as a volunteer overseas is a wonderful opportunity to make a useful and lasting contribution to local communities, learn about a new culture, and make contact with people tourists never get a chance to meet. You will encounter new situations to stretch and challenge your perceptions and understanding of the world around you.

All our volunteers begin with an intensive language course for at least 3 weeks because we believe that language skills are an essential element of the whole experience. This enables you to become more integrated into the local environment so that when you leave, you know that you have made a positive contribution. Your time at the language school also gives you the opportunity to acclimatise to your new community and visit potential projects before your placement starts.

You can volunteer for just a few hours a week or full time, depending on the location of the placement, your language level and the availability in the country. You can work from 3 weeks right up to 9 months, depending on the project and the time you have available. Typical social projects include helping young children in orphanages or old people in community centres. Other placements may involve working in a school teaching English or on an environmental project in the rainforest. Ask us for full details of all the projects currently running.

Recent debate in the national press has questioned the validity of volunteer work programmes. Well, we know for a fact that our volunteer work partners in Latin America overwhelmingly agree that the contribution made to their communities is very much appreciated, and that on some occasions the projects simply could not survive without overseas volunteers. Some of our past clients have also organised fundraising events to help finance their volunteer trip abroad, which has then contributed toward raising awareness of the particular country's issues.

2008 Volunteer Work Fees

Add the Volunteer Work arrangement fee of £250 + VAT (£37.50) to the below figures to estimate the total cost of your stay. The arrangement fee is due on enrolment and contributes to the cost of researching and visiting the country and volunteer work programmes, as well as covering general communication and administration costs. If no placement is found for you (which is rare) the arrangement fee will be fully refundable.

NB All prices are approximate, based on 2008 course and accommodation fees. Depending on the project, accommodation may be much cheaper during your time volunteering, for example if you are in a Nature Reserve.

For full details of all current volunteer work projects, 2008 fees and a volunteer application form, please contact us.

Please note, the arrangement fee of £250 + VAT is due on enrolment along with the completed application form, language proficiency test and a copy of your CV. If no placement is found for you (which is rare) the arrangement fee will be fully refundable.

• Special Occasions/ Honeymoons with a difference
• Family Holidays: Take the children with you
• Do your own thing in Cuba
• Language Gap