Depending on which country you are going to will affect how much you will need. As a result, it is advisable to do some research into the general cost of things. i.e. local transport, average cost of a meal, and accommodation prices, if applicable to your programme. It is always useful to have some local currency with you when you arrive in the country if this is possible. If you change £100 into the local currency you will be able to see how long that lasts you and then you will be able to judge how much you need to withdraw. Cash machines are available in all major cities and you should have access to them at some point during your trip.
Leonardo da Vinci programmes include compulsory health and travel insurance.
A backpack would be the best option as it is easier to get around than having a suitcase, and it makes you look like a true traveller!!!
It is important not to pack too much as this will weigh you down, and remember you will be the one carrying the backpack!!! Pack sensibly, girls you won't need the high heels and guys you won't need all the hair gel. Upon booking a programme with us you will be provided with a pre-departure pack, which will give you comprehensive information on the types of objects/clothes to pack.
Being a vegetarian will not be a problem at all, as long as you inform us that you are a vegetarian. We will inform your project coordinator and they will ensure there is suitable food for you to eat.
Legally we are not allowed to provide medical advice to participants. Once again in our pre-departure pack it will state what vaccinations are recommended (as by the FCO) for the region you are going to. You should make an appointment with your local GP to discuss what you will need.
We do not deal directly with Visas. Our pre-departure pack will inform you of the type of Visa you will need, however it is your duty to contact the embassy/high commission of the country you are going to and make sure you are eligible for the Visa and you get the correct Visa for your length of stay.
All of our volunteer programmes welcome participants of all ages; there is no age limit. However some of the work programmes have restrictions so please make sure you check the eligibility section on our website. (USA, CANADA & INDIA HAVE AGE LIMITS!!!)
It is possible for you to travel with company but be aware that all requests are subject to availability on the programme.
Firstly you would report to the person responsible for your welfare at the project. If the problem were still unable to be resolved, you would then contact the emergency phone number stated in your Final-departure pack. Please remember you can also contact WAVA at any time, as you will be provided with an out-of-hours emergency phone number.
There will be an appointed person who is responsible for your welfare at all times whilst on the project. This person will be your first point of contact in the event of a problem.
What the weather will be like when you go on your project depends on which country you will be travelling to and what season of the year it will be. Therefore, if you're the sort of person who likes hot weather and perfecting your suntan, don't travel to Canada in the winter season!
Although the food is very basic in some countries, it is always enough to maintain a healthy diet! Some projects offer three meals a day whereas others are self-catering (the food is extremely cheap in countries like Thailand and you can buy a meal for as little as £1!) You may experience a little culture shock where food is concerned, so before you travel you can take a trip to your local fast food restaurant and take a final bite of that burger with chips!
As with all countries there are parts that will be relatively unsafe and although all of our projects are safe on the sites, it is advised that you do some research into what parts of the country are safe to travel around and which parts are not. For safety reasons, it is also advised not to carry more than the equivalent of £20 at any one time.
If your programme includes an airport pickup, you will be met at the airport by a local coordinator, who will be waiting at the arrivals gate, holding a card with your name on it. Once you have been met at the arrivals point, you will then be transferred to your project.
You will be supervised whilst on the project and will have direct support from WAVA if at any time you should need it. Please be advised that you will be provided with emergency phone numbers for WAVA.
Please let us know if you have religious needs and we will do everything to make sure that you are placed in a residency that will meet your requirements.
The accommodation varies quite widely depending on the project you decide to do. There are options to stay with host families, in a residence, in backpacker's lodges and in hostels. On some projects you can stay in staff accommodation on site, which is of course very convenient for you!
Yes! As one of our volunteers you will be presented with an official certificate on completion of your project.
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