Below are a number of frequently asked questions associated with volunteering on a GIVE project. If you cannot find the answers to your questions below, please do not hesitate to Contact Us either be email or telephone and one of our staff will be sure to help you out.

Sections: General Information Application Process Health and Safety Volunteer Program Information Travel Information General Information Who can volunteer with GIVE INTERNATIONAL? Anybody between the ages of 19-59, 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 Uganda/Kenya on a tourist visa, be in good health, and be flexible with an open mind to learn from different cultures. If you prefer sitting by the pool of a 5-star hotel rather than to volunteer on a real project, then this isn't the right program for you!

Can I go on a project with a friend or partner?
Yes. Couples and friends are welcome. You must book early though, so we can arrange joint projects and accommodation (where possible). Contact the GIVE INTERNATIONAL office for availability. If a project is full, we can arrange suitable alternatives.

Do I need to learn a language before I travel?
Fortunately in East Africa, English is the common language and all children learn English in school right from the beginning. Getting around and traveling throughout East Africa is also easier than some other countries as all signs are in English.

Why is volunteering in a GIVE project better than just volunteering independently?
Engaging in a program outside an experienced organization such as GIVE INTERNATIONAL often proves disheartening, dangerous, and lonely. When volunteering independently in another country, you don't have the benefit of our long-standing relationships, understanding of the local culture, in-country orientation, or emergency support. Additionally, you could also have issues dealing with satisfactory living conditions, foreign governments, or bureaucratic immigration services.

How much of my volunteer time will be spent directly on a GIVE project?
In both our individual and group volunteer placements, volunteers will spend over 90% of their time assisting with a GIVE project directly. "Time-off" is permitted on Sunday's, and for debriefing exercises at the end of the experience, but all GIVE programs are set-up in such a way that you must be involved in GIVE projects at least 90% of your time.

Why are GIVE's volunteers encouraged to fundraise?
GIVE INTERNATIONAL's volunteers support our international programs (schools, clinics, orphanages, etc.) in East Africa through matching volunteers' skills with the worthwhile and meaningful projects that need them. GIVE volunteers play an important and pivotal role in our projects' success and sustainability through contributing to the projects directly. Therefore, volunteers are encouraged to raise the funds needed to help off-set these program costs.

In order to help off-set the costs of running our programs, a donation to GIVE INTERNATIONAL will enable GIVE to pay the cost of sending you on this trip. The amount needed to fundraise varies according to the length of the placement, and the specific needs of the specific project. These donations are eligible for tax receipts.

Is any portion of my donation eligible for a charitable tax receipt?
Individuals volunteering their time and expertise with GIVE INTERNATIONAL on our pre-existing projects for a pre-defined term, are eligible to receive charitable tax receipts for any donations made to GIVE INTERNATIONAL (by the volunteers or the donors they contact for financial support). Cheques need to be made out to GIVE INTERNATIONAL.