Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you require previous experience, special skills or qualifications ?

A: No. Our projects don't require special skills, experience or qualifications and are open for people of all walks of life. Anybody who's interested in donating some of their time and energy can be part of it.

Q: Who pays the travel ?

A: Each participant covers his/her travel costs (airfare, bus or train). You will be provided with detailed information on how to get to the volunteer project site including meeting point and emergency contacts.

Q: Will the organization make the travel arrangements for me ?

A: No. The volunteer organizes his/her travel with the help of the information provided. Cadip strongly recommends researching and comparing as many travel options as possible.

Q: Do I pay for board and lodging ?

A: No. Board and lodging is provided for the full duration of the project, and volunteers don't have to pay for it.

Q: Must I speak a foreign language to take part?

A: Almost all of our projects are English speaking. In rare cases a project will require a particular language skill (often French or Spanish) due to the nature of the program. Specific language requirements, if any, are listed under the project description.

Q: Can I volunteer with a friend or relative?

A: Certainly! Just indicate the name of the person you would like to volunteer with on your application form. You can be placed together as long as there is free room in the project. Early enrollment increases your chances of successful placement.

Q: Do I need travel insurance ?

A: Yes. Although in case of a small accident, first aid is provided, you need to get your own health travel insurance for the time of the project. It's not expensive, especially if you buy it together with your flight ticket from your preferred travel agency.

Q: Is there an age limit ?

A: Most of our volunteer opportunities are open for anybody over 18 and there is no upper age limit. However there's a few exceptions due to local legislation and/or specifics like camps for teenagers, youth projects, etc.

Q: I will only be old enough once the volunteer project has started. Can I still sign up?

A: No. Participants must meet the minimum age requirement before the project starts.

Q: May I bring pets ?

A: Sorry, due to sanitary regulations, it is not allowed to bring any kind of pets.

Q: Can I obtain a record for the completed voluntary service hours ?

A: Yes, a Certificate for the completed volunteer hours is issued upon request. A typical project of 3 weeks gives you around 120 hours!

Q: Is it possible to get academic or service credit for volunteering?

A: Yes. Cadip's volunteer experiences are both eye-opening and educational. Many of our volunteers tie their project to a study plan and are able to get credit for service learning programs, internships, independent study or thesis work. Please contact your university academic advisor or career services office to discuss your options.

Q: Can I take part in two or more projects in a row?

A: Absolutely! Stringing several projects together is actually very common. Volunteering back-to-back is a great way to enlarge your experience abroad while minimizing travel expenses.

Q: How long before the project start date do I need to enroll?

A: As early as possible! Although there is no specific cut-off date, project spots are filled on a first come, first served basis. We are often able to accommodate last-minute applicants, but applying well in advance gives you a better chance of being placed in your first choice of program.

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