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.

2008 Program Fees*

4 weeks: US$ 1550
8 weeks: US$ 1960

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.