FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If I’m not from the USA can I still apply?
Yes! We welcome applicants from all over the globe. Please check the eligibility for the specific program you are interested in, to ensure you meet all visa and program qualifications.

How far in advance should I apply?
We ask that you apply for a program at least 3 months in advance. If you are interested in leaving in less than three months, contact a program representative to discuss an accurate timeline of how quickly your application can be rushed.

When will I find out if I’m accepted into the program?
Once we receive your application, we will arrange for a short interview/orientation session. After completing a successful interview, we will send out an official acceptance letter. However, our programs are not competitive and are on a first come first serve basis.

Do I need previous experience?
No. Previous experience is not required for most of the AIDE programs. But having experience in the work that you will be doing abroad will be a great help for you in adjusting to your new environment. To be a successful participant you need to keep an open mind, challenge yourself, and take a genuine interest in your work.

What type of visa will I need? Does AIDE issue the visa?
If you are on a volunteer program and are not receiving any wages, you typically will only need a tourist visa. With a tourist visa, you cannot legally work and receive wages. A tourist visa is good for up to 90 days, and many times, you will be able to apply for an additional three month extension. Please check with your local consulate for processes and procedures on visa extensions. A tourist visa is often stamped into your passport upon arrival into the country, and no paperwork is needed before hand.
If you are on a paid work or teach program, you will need to obtain the proper visa necessary for you to receive your wages. We cannot issue a visa as we are not a government body. However we provide you with the documentation necessary to apply for your work visa and assist you in the process. There may be additional visa fees to be paid, which are not included in your program fee. You must be sure you are eligible for the program before you apply. We cannot intervene in a visa application. Each country has a different visa process, but you should always allow for up to 6 weeks processing time. Your Program Coordinator will be happy to assist you with the visa process, and we recommend contacting your local consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Do you arrange for airfare?
No. The program fee does not include airfare. However, we have partnered with STA Travel to provide you with discounted airfare and flexible ticket options. To find out more information on how to book your flight, click here

Can I sign up with a friend?
Yes, we are happy to have you join a program with a friend. We will do our best to place you and a friend together if the program can accommodate a double placement. If you want to refer a friend, please click here

Can I get credit for my program?
While we are not an accredited institution (like a university) and thus cannot issue credit ourselves, many universities offer credit for abroad programs as an independent study. This is a great option to pursue and we will work with you to provide any documentation you need to get credit through your own organization. Even if you are unable to receive school credit this is still an invaluable experience and is looked highly upon by schools and employers.

Why should I pay to volunteer/work abroad?
The most important aspect of the program that you are paying for is support. We are here to seek out suitable work/volunteer positions for you, saving you time and effort as well as ensuring a high level of quality. We guide you through visa application processes, find accommodations (most programs), answer your questions and concerns, and assist in any sort of emergencies.

Who is my local coordinator?
The AIDE partners with local organizations in each country to help locate work, provide support, arrange accommodations, and to be available to assist you with any issues that may arise.

What does my program fee go towards?
It is a legitimate concern to ask about where your money is going. It is important to know that the program fee is not a direct contribution to the placement you work on. However, your fees play an important role in the long-term development of the projects. Your money is used for:

Guaranteed placement – For all programs you are guaranteed a placement. Typically placement details are presented to you prior to your departure. This gives you the comfort and security of knowing exactly where you will be going and what you will be doing while abroad.

Accommodations – For many programs, local accommodations are secured for you on your behalf. Most often accommodations are found with host families. Host families are excited to welcome you into their home and show you their country’s culture.

24/7 Personal Support – We are here to support you through the entire process. From answering questions about your visa to emergencies while you are in country, we are accessible 24 hours a day. We have program representatives in our office from 8:30 – 5:30 Monday – Friday, as well as an on-call service available after business hours. A local coordinator is also available in the country you are visiting, to help with any questions or problems you have after you arrive.

Health Insurance - We want you to be safe and healthy during your program, so we have provided travel medical insurance. Click here to get complete details on what our insurance covers.

Visa documentation assistance – Applying for a visa is always a confusing process. For any program requiring a visa, we will provide step by step instructions on how to obtain your visa. However, we are not a government body and cannot guarantee any visa approvals.

Orientation Materials – We strive to put together resources that will help you acclimate quickly to your new environment. This always includes pre-departure materials, and often time, orientation upon arrival.

Continued development – We work hard to follow up with all of our volunteers and use their feedback to continue developing the programs.

Research & Development – before programs are opened up to the public they must first be created, and then ensured that they are safe and well run.

Marketing – This is one of the biggest expenses that are underestimated by most program participants. Volunteer projects in particular have limited resources and are unable to recruit volunteers themselves; therefore they work with AIDE and utilize our own resources to recruit volunteers from across the globe on their behalf.