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Involved - Frequently Asked Questions
The information below should help to answer most of your immediate questions. If there is something not covered here why not contact us. Click below on the area of interest to you.
1. WHO CAN VOLUNTEER
2. PROJECT DETAILS
3. SECURITY & HEALTH ISSUES
4. NEXT STEPS
1. WHO CAN VOLUNTEER
What is the average age and nationality of a MondoChallenge volunteer?
The average age is 32. Approximately 50% of our volunteers are non-UK based with a large number of volunteers from North America, Australia and Europe.
Do you accept couples?
Couples are welcome and there is even a 15% discount for those wishing to take part in a project with their partner. The same applies to two friends wishing to work together.
Do I need special skills?
Not usually. Good communication skills, enthusiasm and a sense of humour are more important than formal qualifications.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Most vols are over 20 but in some locations we accept a limited number of younger people aged 18+, and have a minimum age of 22 in our African programmes.
Is there a maximum age limit?
We do not have a maximum age limit in place, as an increasing number of our volunteers are retired. As long as you are fit and healthy, there will be no problem.
2. PROJECT DETAILS
What is the average length of a MondoChallenge project?
Normally around three months but can be as short as 6 weeks or as long as 6-12 months.
Can I work on more than one project during my time abroad?
This is becoming an attractive option and volunteers frequently consider adding two or even three different projects to a 'Round the World' ticket. This means they can experience a diversity of programmes and community life in two or more continents!
Can I stay longer once I am there?
It depends on the programme but this might be possible.
How much is the contribution to MondoChallenge?
The contribution to MondoChallenge is currently £1200 for a three-month period (less if shorter).
How come I have to pay a contribution as well as volunteering my time?
This contribution (which is less than many other organisations) helps fund our programme costs, including some development work abroad (e.g. school buildings and equipment). It covers the costs of our Project Managers in each country and covers UK admin costs. Our aim is to be sustainable and professional and we cannot do this without the volunteer contribution.
Who organises my accommodation whilst I am abroad?
We will arrange the accommodation in the community where you will be working. The cost is usually around £15-£20 per week and this often includes food.
Board & Lodging for only £20 per week? That sounds incredibly cheap?
It is, but the cost of living in most of the countries where we are active is extremely low. By paying for accommodation in the village/community, we are making a useful contribution to the local economy.
Do I have to book my plane tickets myself?
Yes, you do. Everyone has different plans and we aim to be as flexible as possible.
Do I have to deal with the visa myself?
Yes. This again fits in with our desire to be flexible - everyone has specific needs for example some people want to take multi-entry visas whereas for others this is not necessary.
What does a community project mean?
Basically it means you get to live and work in a community in the country concerned. Most of our projects are based in rural villages.
Is there any training involved?
You will have an induction period on arrival to help you understand the country and the culture. We provide Briefing notes in advance on the projects, health, what to wear, travel, finance etc. Also there are regular Mondo TEFL Training sessions including a teaching workshop and time for general Mondo matters over a weeked, for volunteers wanting to get training in teaching methods.
What is the usual "working day"?
For volunteers working in schools or on business development projects it is more or less the same working hours as you would find in Western countries. Hours for orphanages will be more flexible.
3. SECURITY & HEALTH ISSUES
Am I likely to get ill abroad and what happens if I do?
Not if you take sensible precautions and follow the advice we provide on how to avoid obvious problems (eating uncooked food or drinking water from unknown sources, for example). There are reasonable medical facilities in all the places we work and very few of our volunteers have had any medical problems. However if you do have any problems you are advised to contact our local managers and they will assist you in any way they can.
Do you provide travel insurance or do we get our own?
You provide your own travel insurance. However we do recommend a company and have a special deal, which allows us 10% discount on insurance (for further details please contact us).
What about the security in the countries?
In each country we have a country manager and we are very careful about the security issues. The FCO web site provides general guidance (see http://www.fco.gov.uk).
4. NEXT STEPS
How much notice do I need to give for one of your projects?
Once you have been selected things can move fast if that's what you want. However, most people apply around 3 - 6 months before they go; some even apply a year ahead!
What do I do to start the process going?
Fill in the enquiry form in the 'contact us' section of this web site.
Will I need a Referee?
Yes. We can email you a form to be completed.
Are there interviews?
We like to meet as many volunteers as possible and can arrange this for UK candidates. For volunteers based outside the UK, we rely on referees but always have a telephone discussion with each candidate.
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