| Volunteering FAQ |
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We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. This is a great place to start if you have questions about IN4Peace and our Service Overseas Programs placement process. This information should answer the majority of questions you may have. Why pay to volunteer? Volunteering abroad has expenses attached as we partner with local organizations who are attempting to help their communities. These communities are poverty-stricken, and many people do not have the money to feed their families properly, much less to have health care or send their children to school. The communities themselves are in need of infrastructure and support. Therefore these families and our local partners serving them are unable to financially support foreign volunteers who come and assist. The program fee paid by volunteers covers the volunteer's food and accommodation, the local partner's costs associated with supervision of the volunteer; and the expenses affilliated with helping the local community. In other words, there is a set amount allocated for supporting the volunteer while in his/her placement and the rest goes towards supporting the local organization as it assists the beneficiaries. How can I be sure that the International Network for Peace (IN4Peace) is a legitimate organization? IN4Peace is a Not-for-Profit Charitable Corporation organized under the laws of the State of California in June 2007, and filed as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Code. Do I have to be from the United States to participate? No, our volunteers come from all over the world. Is there a discount available if I volunteer with someone else? A discount on your application fee is available for two or more people volunteering together if they are from the same immediate family, a married couple, an engaged couple, or a cohabiting couple. An application fee of $600 USD covers two people in any of the above situations who are volunteering together; this is instead of individual application fees of $375 USD. Are there discounted fees for groups? Group fees are available for those going under the supervision of one team leader. (See our terms of service) What if I need to postpone my placement? There's no problem if you need to postpone your placement as your application fee is fully transferable and valid for 1 year. This provides SOP volunteers the freedom to participate at a later date or in a different program if your circumstances change. (See our terms of service) Are program fees subject to change? Our partner organizations review their in-country fees twice a year and any resulting fee changes will only apply to volunteers who have not yet reserved their placement by paying the application fee. Any other fee changes will be advised via a news post announcing the change at least one week before the fee change takes place. Do you provide any financial support? Unfortunately IN4Peace is unable to provide financial assistance. However we provide all our SOP volunteers with a comprehensive fundraising platform that will provide you with the resources to raise 100% of your costs! Are the fees and expenses tax deductible? IN4Peace is a Not-for-Profit Charitable Corporation organized under the laws of the State of California in June 2007, and filed as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Code. This means that the program fees are tax deductible for all U.S. citizens. Do you have any ideas for fundraising for my volunteer experience? Yes; once you have paid your application fee, we will send you the link to our 20 page program guide which includes fundraising ideas. To get started you can visit our fundraising page at http://www.in4peace.org/fundraising/ Do I need travel insurance? Yes - travel insurance is compulsory for Service Overseas Program volunteers. You are free to take out insurance cover through any provider of your choice. However, as some policies do not cover volunteering, we recommend you checking to ensure your policy will cover you during your volunteer placement. Who organizes my flights? You do. Once you have confirmed your volunteer placement and are ready to book your flights we will put you in touch with our travel partner who will provide you with access to preferred airfare pricing and personalized service. On top of this we will also give you a resource guide filled with tips and travel advice to help you find the best airfare available to the Kingdom of Cambodia. I applied for the SOP more than 48 hours ago, and I'm yet to hear back. What should I do? If you have any questions regarding your application, our SOP Support Team (*link to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) will be pleased to assist you. Why volunteer abroad? The benefits of volunteering extend to you - the volunteer, and to the community and project where you serve. Personal benefits include development of life skills, personal growth, friendship, increased self confidence, social awareness, and building independence. An international volunteer experience will also enhance career prospects. When you volunteer with IN4Peace, you can be assured you are helping a local grassroots organization achieve their goals and ensure that their projects are sustainable and effective. |



