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.
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 assisting those with disabilities.
Volunteer Abroad Program Overview
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: one to six weeks
- Project: Assisting those with disabilities
Arrival and Orientation
On arrival in the UK you will have details about how to travel to your project. (It may be possible to arrange to be met at the airport, but this will incur an additional cost.) 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.
2010 Program Fees*
| 1 week | US$ 1320 |
| 2 weeks | US$ 1710 |
| 3 weeks | US$ 2110 |
| 4 weeks | US$ 2505 |
| 5 weeks | US$ 2900 |
| 6 weeks | US$ 3300 |
Where this money goes:
A portion of the program fee is sent to Vitalise to help them to carry on with their charitable work and to support you while you are staying with them. The remaining administrative fees go to EIL UK, the local VIP representative office, to cover the administration and support costs of your placement.
What is Included
- Placement in a volunteer work project
- Accommodation and meals for the duration of your stay
- Support and problem solving from a mentor within the project and EIL
- Arrival orientation
What is Not Included
- International and in country travel
- Visas
- Personal spending money
- Medical and accident insurance
Visas
Only limited availability for individuals from outside the EEA. Please contact your sending office or EIL UK before applying for a Visa for this project.
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.
