Fundraising
Each volunteer is challenged to fundraise £500 for TravelAid. This will be done in your team through the organisation of various events and you will receive advice and support from the TravelAid committee. The challenge is realistic and in 2007 our volunteers exceeded the target by 21%.
NB. These funds cannot be put toward any personal expenses.
Meetings
Volunteers are required to attend a preliminary meeting soon after selection, and a final meeting at the end of the last university term.
Volunteers also meet with their teams once weekly during term times. In these meetings the team make travel and organisational arrangements for their project and organise fundraising events.
Training
The TravelAid committee provides First Aid (half day), English Teaching (full day) and Cultural Awareness (half day) training. All volunteers are required to attend these sessions or sign a disclaimer.
Project
Volunteers must complete the full duration of their project, usually lasting between four and six weeks.
Health and Safety
Volunteering and travelling in the developing world comes with inevitable risks. At TravelAid, we believe that dealing with the risks encountered is an integral part of the adventure and learning experience. However, we do all we can to help volunteers to minimise the risks within their control and to maximise their safety.
Previous volunteers and staff advise volunteers on project-specific health and safety information before they depart. Volunteers are also provided with a 24 hour TravelAid contact in case of an emergency during their project.
It is the responsibility of the volunteer to ensure that they are prepared both mentally and physically for their time abroad. The volunteer must ensure their own safety by exercising good judgement and behaving responsibly.
Travel Insurance
TravelAid considers travel insurance to be essential. In particular we require that volunteers take out a policy with extensive medical service coverage. Volunteers will receive advice on choosing a suitable policy.
Feedback
TravelAid volunteers are asked to complete a short feedback form after their project. This is crucial for TravelAid to advise future volunteers and to improve for the future. Co-ordinators are asked to submit a more detailed report which outlines logistical arrangements, day-to-day routine, any problems encountered and suggestions for the future.