Volunteer in Philippines FAQs
Q.When do I need to arrive in Philippines for my program?
Ans.You can come one day in advance from your program starting date.
Q.What will happen once I arrive in Philippines?
Ans.Our staff will be there to meet and greet you at the airport and from there you will be taken to the project or hostel depending on the time of your arrival.
Q.When will I know specific details of my placement?
Ans.Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 10 working days.
Q.How do I get to the program location?
Ans.Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.
Q.I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?
Ans.We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will either be in a host family or arranged at your program location itself. You will have your own room, which you might share with another volunteer. You should bring along things like, mosquito net, mosquito repellent and your own soaps and shampoos. Accommodation will be neat, clean and basic. Please do not expect 5 star hotel like arrangements.
Q.What will be the food arrangement?
Ans.You will get freshly cooked food 3 times a day depending on your program. Food is usually vegetarian as non vegetarian food is seldom cooked in most Philippino households.
Q.Do you make provision for vegetarians?
Ans.Yes and if you are vegan this will not be a problem.Filipinos eat a lot of meat and fish in their diet. It may be more challenging for vegetarians to live in the Philippines but it’s easy to find fruits, vegetables, rice, and eggs.
Q.What is the age range to volunteer?
Ans.You must be 16 years or older to volunteer. The maximum age limit is 55 yrs. We also allow people below 16 (till 14yrs) if they are accompanied by an adult.
Q.What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
Ans.We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations:
1. Tetanus and diphtheria
2. Hepatitis A and B
Q.Do I need to speak English to volunteer?
Ans.English is the only language apart from local Philippinesn which is understood by many people in Philippines, you will need to be good at spoken English to come and volunteer in Philippines.
Q.Can couples or families join the volunteer program?
Ans.You can come in couples or groups as long as most people are above 16. We cannot accommodate anyone below the age of 16 even if they are accompanied by a family.
Q.Are there more expenses once I arrive in Philippines?
Ans.Your program fee covers you for food and accommodation. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as travelling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Travelling within Philippines is cheap; however, you should carry at least $100 per week for yourself.
Q.Where can I change my money in Philippines?
Ans.You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport.
Q.Are there ATM’s in Philippines?
Ans.There are ATM’s in Philippines. You may or may not find ATM’s, it will depend on your placement location.
Q.Is there phone and internet available on projects?
Ans.Yes there is usually a phone at every placement we provide. However you will have to use Internet café’s to use Internet. It is strongly recommended that you carry a mobile phone while travelling to Nepal. You can get international roaming or can simply buy a local sim card from the airport when you arrive.
Q.What hours will I volunteer every day?
Ans.Volunteers usually work for 5‐6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.
Q.Are we able to do any sightseeing or travelling in weekends?
Ans.You will usually have 2 free days per week, you can utilize this time for anything you like. All costs are at the volunteer's expense.
Q.What visa do I need to get, will I get any help?
Ans.You need to get a tourist visa for Philippines before you travel. to check for the nearest embassy please visit www.embassiesabroad.com
Ans.You can come one day in advance from your program starting date.
Q.What will happen once I arrive in Philippines?
Ans.Our staff will be there to meet and greet you at the airport and from there you will be taken to the project or hostel depending on the time of your arrival.
Q.When will I know specific details of my placement?
Ans.Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 10 working days.
Q.How do I get to the program location?
Ans.Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.
Q.I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?
Ans.We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will either be in a host family or arranged at your program location itself. You will have your own room, which you might share with another volunteer. You should bring along things like, mosquito net, mosquito repellent and your own soaps and shampoos. Accommodation will be neat, clean and basic. Please do not expect 5 star hotel like arrangements.
Q.What will be the food arrangement?
Ans.You will get freshly cooked food 3 times a day depending on your program. Food is usually vegetarian as non vegetarian food is seldom cooked in most Philippino households.
Q.Do you make provision for vegetarians?
Ans.Yes and if you are vegan this will not be a problem.Filipinos eat a lot of meat and fish in their diet. It may be more challenging for vegetarians to live in the Philippines but it’s easy to find fruits, vegetables, rice, and eggs.
Q.What is the age range to volunteer?
Ans.You must be 16 years or older to volunteer. The maximum age limit is 55 yrs. We also allow people below 16 (till 14yrs) if they are accompanied by an adult.
Q.What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
Ans.We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations:
1. Tetanus and diphtheria
2. Hepatitis A and B
Q.Do I need to speak English to volunteer?
Ans.English is the only language apart from local Philippinesn which is understood by many people in Philippines, you will need to be good at spoken English to come and volunteer in Philippines.
Q.Can couples or families join the volunteer program?
Ans.You can come in couples or groups as long as most people are above 16. We cannot accommodate anyone below the age of 16 even if they are accompanied by a family.
Q.Are there more expenses once I arrive in Philippines?
Ans.Your program fee covers you for food and accommodation. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as travelling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Travelling within Philippines is cheap; however, you should carry at least $100 per week for yourself.
Q.Where can I change my money in Philippines?
Ans.You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport.
Q.Are there ATM’s in Philippines?
Ans.There are ATM’s in Philippines. You may or may not find ATM’s, it will depend on your placement location.
Q.Is there phone and internet available on projects?
Ans.Yes there is usually a phone at every placement we provide. However you will have to use Internet café’s to use Internet. It is strongly recommended that you carry a mobile phone while travelling to Nepal. You can get international roaming or can simply buy a local sim card from the airport when you arrive.
Q.What hours will I volunteer every day?
Ans.Volunteers usually work for 5‐6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.
Q.Are we able to do any sightseeing or travelling in weekends?
Ans.You will usually have 2 free days per week, you can utilize this time for anything you like. All costs are at the volunteer's expense.
Q.What visa do I need to get, will I get any help?
Ans.You need to get a tourist visa for Philippines before you travel. to check for the nearest embassy please visit www.embassiesabroad.com