What types of projects do volunteers participate in?
Projects are determined and directed by our partner communities and involve work that almost anyone can participate in; no special skills are required. Examples of past projects have included building a health clinic, renovating a youth center, planting trees, teaching in a primary school, and installing playground equipment. Projects may not be decided upon until shortly before the arrival of a GCN team. Volunteers should be aware that everything is subject to change. As worthwhile and fulfilling as the work you do will be, the true rewards come from the cross-cultural learning which takes place on these trips. (top)

I don't have any specific skills. What can I do?
Although no special skills are required to participate, we believe everyone has skills--some yet to be discovered. Each volunteer contributes what he or she can. If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills. (top)

What physical considerations are there?
Living conditions, terrain and the nature of work projects vary from site to site. In general, however, volunteers should be in reasonably good physical condition. If you have significant physical limitations, we encourage you to talk about your situation with GCN staff.

Emergency medical and evacuation insurance is provided for all volunteers at sites outside the U.S., and is included in the cost of the GCN trip fee. Check with the Center for Disease Control or your local travel clinic to find out about required or recommended inoculations prior to traveling. (top)

What traits make for a good experience?
GCN does not require any specific skills of its volunteers. We do, however, look for volunteers who are culturally sensitive, flexible, optimistic, willing to both share and learn, work well in a team setting, and above all, are open to new experiences. We ask you to be experience-minded, not project-focused, since the “work” is actually only one part of the experience and may not always go as planned! Cross-cultural exchange, not the work project, is GCN’s primary focus, and FLEXIBILITY IS KEY! (top)

What are the age requirements?
Volunteers can be ages 8 and up. A parent or guardian must accompany youth under the age of 18. There is no maximum age – we just ask for any person, no matter the age, to consider the conditions in which the team will be working and living. (top)

Can families participate?
GCN absolutely welcomes families – what a wonderful way for members to grow as individuals and as a family. The minimum age to participate is 8 years old; we ask that you consult with GCN staff before signing up for a trip with children under the age of 12. Certain sites are more conducive to having children than others. Most times children want to participate on the work project; thus we do not plan specific activities for children. If the children are unable to participate on a project, it is the responsibility of the parent(s) to seek out alternative activities for the children in the local community. In general, children are greatly welcomed and easily incorporated into the life of the host community, adding yet another dimension to the immersion experience.(top)

What does a typical team look like?
A GCN team consists of 6-10 volunteers plus a trained team leader. Volunteers range in age from 8-85 and come from the U.S., Canada and other countries. Students, nurses, computer programmers, social workers, teachers, families, individuals and retirees...these are just some of the people who join our trips.
Families, Harambee, Fall 2003
Seniors, Harambee, Fall 2003
(top)

Where do volunteers stay in the village? Where do they eat?
Lodging varies by site. Home stays with local families are arranged whenever possible. Local community centers or other community buildings have also served as places of lodging. Sleeping arrangements may be in beds, hammocks or on the floor.

Some sites have electricity and indoor plumbing; others may not. Meals are prepared either by team members or by a local cook. To allow for as much immersion and insight into the culture as possible, volunteers generally live as the local people live. (top)

Do volunteers have any free time to explore other places in the country or region?
Yes. Generally two or three days are allowed for volunteers to explore and visit other places in the region. Volunteers are also welcome to do more extensive travel on their own before or after the GCN trip. (top)

What if I don't speak the local language?
There is no language requirement for our trips, although we do ask volunteers to try and pick up some basic phrases in order to enhance their experience. GCN's team leaders also serve as translators when possible and/or necessary. (top)

Where does the team meet?
The team generally meets at the airport in the capital city of whichever country or state they are traveling to. For destinations outside the U.S., an overnight is usually planned in the capital city to allow for differing arrival times. (top)

What type of pre-trip training is provided?
Upon signing up for a trip, volunteers receive an orientation manual with information on the country or state and the village, along with a reading list, packing list and other health and travel tips. On-site orientation and daily team meetings will continue the orientation process. (top)

How far ahead do I need to sign up for a trip?
Applications are accepted until a team is full and are accepted on first come, first serve basis. It is important, however, to plan early: this can help to ensure that you get a place on a team, and it enables GCN to know early on that a team has the sufficient number of volunteers to send.

In order to reserve your place on a team, you must submit a completed application and US $300 deposit. The deposit is non-refundable, except in the event that GCN can not send a team as planned. Please call GCN at 800-644-9292 for a trip application or download an application from the website.(top)

What does the trip cost cover?
The program cost of $750-$2,050 covers in-country travel and lodging, most meals, orientation materials, emergency medical and evacuation insurance for trips outside the U.S., donation to the village project, T-shirt, and a portion of our program costs. Airfare and costs incurred during free time activities are additional and the responsibility of the volunteer. All trip-related expenses are tax-deductible in the U.S. (top)

Why do I have to pay to volunteer?
When you volunteer you are donating your time and labor, but there are still costs associated with the setup and maintenance of the experience in which you volunteer. GCN is a volunteer organization, with just one or two part-time staff members, and is 100% financially self-supported through its trips and individual contributions. GCN is committed to respecting volunteers’ resources, and keeps its overhead costs to a minimum. At the same time, it costs money to ensure consistent, quality, safe and rewarding experiences. For example, we send a trained team leader with each group – these leaders are not paid, but a portion of the trip cost must cover the leaders’ logistical expenses.

While individuals may be able to travel for less on their own, GCN often provides the entrance into a village and exposure to a culture not easily accessible to solo travelers. Through the long-term partnerships that GCN has established with communities around the world, volunteers gain a unique perspective into life in a Guatemalan village or on the Navajo Indian Reservation. (top)

Who are GCN's team leaders?
Our team leaders are people who have participated at least once in a GCN trip as a volunteer, have been recommended by their team leader to go through team leader training, have completed GCN's annual team leader training program, and have participated on a GCN trip as a leader-in-training. Most team leaders have extensive experience either in a leadership capacity or in international travel. (top)

Does GCN have any religious or government affiliation?
No. GCN is a secular organization. We may, however, work with a group within the host community who has religious or government affiliation. In that case, we have made all efforts to ascertain and be assured that the host group works with all members of the larger community, regardless of religious or political beliefs and associations.(top)

Can I fundraise for my trip?
Absolutely! We encourage people to fundraise for their volunteer experience, and offer guidance on how to be successful at it. Getting others involved in your effort is yet another way to widen the network of global citizenry.

Robin Chittick went to Rombo, Kenya in December 2002 for her first trip with GCN. She said, "It never occurred to me to pay for it outright." A year earlier she had completed an AIDS Ride, and from then on decided to commit to a volunteer project every year. Robin sent a letter family, friends and "just about everyone person or acquaintance" she could think of. In the letter, she explained GCN’s mission, the project and her intentions. A few months later she sent out reminder postcards reminding people of the deadline. She found that many people enjoyed living vicariously through her endeavors, and quoted Gandhi as her motivation, "Be the change you want to see in the world." She explained, "If I don’t care enough to change the things that are important, how can I possibly expect anyone else to?"

Cherril Young went to Nepal in January of 2001, and approached fundraising as "fun and a challenge." Like Robin, Cherril also sent a letter to potential donors outlining the project, some background information about the country and the need there, and noted the trip and airfare cost. In her letter she was candid: "People ask why do you have to pay to volunteer? (I tell them that) GCN is a small non-profit organization with a very modest budget. Project fees cover meals, housing, training materials, a donation to the village project, and a portion of the team leaders expenses, as he/she is also a volunteer." Cherril suggested a contribution amount but noted her gratitude for any amount, and encouraged people to contact her if they had any questions. Cherrill said "At first I felt a little bad, thinking why should anyone else have to pay for my trip - what will they receive from it? But that is what community is about, supporting one another both financially and in spirit". (top)

Can GCN arrange a group trip?
A cross-cultural trip with Global Citizens Network is an innovative experience that can be shared by and enrich any group, offering many opportunities for growth, cultural enrichment and team building. The opportunity for individual and group growth and benefit is endless. Select a GCN location or community that resonates with your group, and explore the possibilities.

Each GCN team is led by an experienced, trained team leader. GCN will make pre-trip preparations and send you an orientation manual, handle all in-country logistics, and facilitate nightly team meetings. Each GCN trip allows for some free time to explore the surrounding area, and has some flexibility in arranging certain dates for your group’s trip. Discounts are available for groups: groups of four, one person travels half price; groups of eight, one person travels free!. Team sizes are limited in some communities. (top)

Can I get college credit for my GCN trip?
Many colleges encourage and support volunteer experience by counting the project towards your academic program as an internship or independent study. Make sure to talk to an advisor to facilitate this process.

In addition, graduate students can earn two graduate credits from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. Call Renee Wonser at 651-523-2419 for more information.(top)

I'm a schoolteacher. Can I get continuing education credits for going on a trip?
Ten continuing education unit hours per week can be earned by participating on a GCN trip. It will be necessary, however, for you to seek pre-approval by your local continuing education committee. CEU Certificates of Participation will be awarded if requested. Participants will earn their CEUs by developing skills in the following areas: Trip Preparation (accomplished through readings and orientation), Developing Cultural Competencies (accomplished through community interaction and project participation) and Self-Development (accomplished through journals, group meetings and discussions, reflections). (top)