Volunteer in Great Britain
The popular view of Great Britain is one of fish and chips, red telephone boxes, the Queen, and the ever-changing weather. However, the variety and contrast in the nation's countryside and people is enormous and often a source of surprise to many visitors venturing beyond the cities for the first time. It is a country of patchwork landscapes: from the rugged coastlines and golden beaches of Devon and Cornwall, to the craggy mountains of the Peak District, to centuries-old villages of heart-warming charm.
By doing a volunteer project with VIP, you will learn much about the people, the culture and the language and really get to understand what Great Britain is all about. Projects are available in the areas of environmental education and in assisting those with disabilities.
Volunteer Abroad Program Overview — Great Britain
Arrival - Workplace Conditions - What is Included - What is Not Included - Visas - Program Fees - Payment Schedule
- Accommodation: Volunteers will either live at the project or in a shared volunteer house close to the project.**
- Duration: 4 to 8 weeks
- Projects: Environmental education and conservation, assisting those with disabilities
Arrival and Orientation
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the placement. Orientation will take place at the project, covering issues such as health and safety, British culture and society, and voluntary work. This will be followed by an orientation for the specific project, which will include information about the background and ethos of the project, along with more information about the tasks and working methods.
Workplace Conditions
Workplace conditions vary depending on the project. Volunteers work a maximum of 40 hours per week. Generally there will be other volunteers and staff working with you, and there will be a designated mentor at the project.
What is Included
- Placement in a volunteer work project
- Accommodation for the duration of your stay (Some projects provide food as well)
- Support and problem solving from a mentor within the project and EIL
- Arrival orientation
- Collection from the airport and transfer by public transport to the placement
- Public transport to airport on departure
What is Not Included
- International travel
- Visas
- Personal spending money (if food is not provided by the project you should allow an extra US$ 70 per week on top of spending money)
- Medical and accident insurance
Visas
Please contact the nearest UK Embassy with regard to visa requirements for your country.
2009 Program Fees*
- 4 weeks: USD 1525
- 8 weeks: USD 1925
Prices may vary due to project selection.
Payment Schedule
A deposit of 20% of the total programme fee is required with your application. It is non-refundable upon notification of acceptance and is applied to the total programme fee. The balance of the programme fee is required 30 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation after acceptance and prior to placement confirmation - the deposit is forfeited
- Cancellation after confirmation of placement - 50% of the programme fee is forfeited
- No Show or Early Departure - 100% of the programme fee is forfeited
*Note: Published prices remain subject to change in case of major currency fluctuations. Contact your sending office for further information.
**Homestays can be arranged at the end of the volunteer placement at extra cost. Contact your sending office for details.
