FAQ
...about the organisation
Is UNA Exchange part of the UN?
Is UNA Exchange a sect/is the Temple of Peace a religious building?
...about the projects
What is an international volunteer project (IVP)?
Why should I pay to work for free?
Why do a project?
When can i do a project?
Where can I go?
Who organises the projects?
What about food and accommodation?
Will I have any free time?
When is the best time to check for projects on the UNA Exchange website?
...about applying
How are volunteers selected?
Who else will be in my group?
Am I too young/too old to go?
I am a trained/qualified professional; can I use my skills volunteering abroad?
I’m not a student; can I do something with UNA Exchange?
What if I don’t speak any other languages?
Do I need any skills or experience?
Can people with disabilities apply?
How do I get involved?
How does the placement process work?
How long will it take to apply?
Can I do more than one project?
What about training?
How much does it all cost?
Where does my money go?
Can I do a project with my friend?
When to apply?
What if the project I applied for is full and I haven’t been placed?
...about cancellations
When can I get a refund? / How long does it take?
What if I cannot attend the project after I have been accepted?
Can I change projects if I’ve already been accepted on another?
...about preparing
How do I get to the project?
What is a meeting point?
Do I need a visa?
What about insurance?
What should I take?
Is there anything else I need to prepare?
...during the project
Will I have any free time?
Can I turn up to my project late / leave early?
What should I do if I have an accident or have a serious problem?
What if I don’t speak the language of the country I’m going to?
...after the project
What should I do with the evaluation form?
I’d like to get more involved with UNA Exchange – what can I do?
Is UNA Exchange part of the UN?
We are part of the wider UN family, but quite a distant relative. Each member country of the United Nations has a UN Association which exists to lobby and campaign for government to fulfil its obligations under the UN Charter. We grew out of UNA Wales in the late 1960s/early 1970s as a practical vehicle for the promotion of international understanding. We are now a totally separate but compatible organisation.
back to top
Is UNA Exchange a sect/is the Temple of Peace a religious building?
No/no! As a registered charity, UNA Exchange is open to all people, regardless of religious belief. The Temple of Peace is a public building, built by a philanthropic Welshman in 1938; he was involved in international affairs and concerned about public health and so dedicated the building to the two causes of Peace and Health. Today the building is home to the National Public Health Service and the Welsh Centre for International Affairs, of which we are a member.
back to top
What is an international volunteer project (IVP)?
An IVP is a short term project (sometimes known as a workcamp), usually lasting from 2-4 weeks, that brings together a group of volunteers from around the world to take part in a community based project. Volunteers gain an insight into local culture though working within the community.
The type of work you do could be anything from planting trees in Tanzania to organising activities for youth groups in Turkey; from renovating castles in the Czech Republic to maintaining national parks or clearing beaches in Italy. Projects fall into the following general categories:
- Archaeology
- Construction
- Cultural
- Education
- Environmental
- Social
- Other
- Older Camps
back to top
Why should I pay to work for free?
The organisation and co-ordination behind the activities we offer means we need paid staff to set up and run projects, arrange placements, create this website, and train/support volunteers. The fees we charge represent a contribution, not the total cost of providing these resources and we try to keep them as low as possible so that our activities are open to as many people as possible. As a participant on an International Volunteer Project you will gain so much experience which is over and above the work you do.
back to top
Why do a project?
Volunteers have many different reasons for wanting to take part in an IVP, and often, after you’ve come back, you’ll find even more things you’ve gained from your project that you weren’t expecting to before you went.
If you’re looking for a new challenge, want to meet people from all over the world, learn about other cultures, broaden your horizons, learn new skills or do something more meaningful with your 2-week summer holiday than just being a normal tourist, then maybe an IVP is what you’re looking for…
back to top
When can i do a project?
You can do a project at any time of the year, although most of the projects take place between June and September. Projects run between set dates and are usually between 2 and 4 weeks long.
back to top
Where can I go?
We try and find new partners all the time but at present we have project in the following countries:
Main Programme
Armenia
Austria
Azerbijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Japan
Lithuania
Macedonia
Montenegro
Netherlands
Poland
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
USA
Wales
North South Programme
Argentina
Bangladesh
Botswana
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Ghana
India
Indonesia
Isreal
Jordan
Kenya
Kyrgyzstan
Lesotho
Mexico
Mongolia
Morocco
Mozambique
Nepal
Nigeria
Peru
Philippines
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Uganda
Vietnam
Zambia
back to top
Who organises the projects?
Each project is organised by one of our international partner organisations. They work in co-operation with local community organisations, who act as the project hosts, providing food and accommodation for the volunteers. Our partner organisations are responsible for co-ordinating the placement of volunteers and the co-ordination of the projects in their own countries. They also provide one or two trained project leaders, who will help run each project.
back to top
What about food and accommodation?
Food and accommodation for the duration of the project are provided free of charge by the host organisation (unless it is stated otherwise in the project description). Volunteers are usually self-catering and money is provided for you to buy and cook food together. It’s a good idea to take some recipes with you, because you might be asked to cook a traditional dish from your home country, but bear in mind that you might not be able to get hold of all the ingredients you need, or have the ideal cooking facilities (so Sunday roast for 15 people might be a little ambitious!)
The type of accommodation varies but generally you’ll be staying in tents, local schools, village halls, hostels or youth centres. On virtually all projects you will need one essential item – a sleeping bag. Sometimes no beds or mattresses are available and you’ll be asked to bring a carry-mat to sleep on. You should be prepared for very basic living conditions in some cases, especially on a North South project.
back to top
Will I have any free time?
Yes, you will usually work up to eight hours a day with free evenings and weekends. Social activities are often organised by the group together with the project leaders. It can be a good idea to have some suggestions of different games or other activities that you could play with your group in your spare time.
back to top
When is the best time to check for projects on the UNA Exchange website?
We have projects all year round but as mentioned in ‘When can I do a project’ most of them run between June and September.
Each year we have around 2000 projects. They are uploaded on our website around March / April and run through until February / March the following year - then the whole process starts again. If you’re looking to do a project during the summer then it’s best to apply as early as you can as the as the project places are allocated on a first come first served basis.
As a rule of thumb – if the project is still advertised online then there are spaces left on it at that time.
back to top
How are volunteers selected?
Volunteers are not ‘chosen’. Each partner organisation places as wide a range of nationalities as possible on each of its projects. Therefore your chance of being placed on your first choice of project will depend on when you apply and the number of remaining places. We will always look for an alternative project if your choices are not available. We encourage volunteers to do a project alone to maximise the experience and to allow group life to develop easily without sub-groups forming. However, we can place a maximum of two British volunteers together on the same project.
back to top
Who else will be in my group?
Each project has a mix of volunteers from many countries, and there can be between 5 and 30 volunteers in total, depending on the project. The average age range of volunteers is usually (but not always) between 18 and 25. On certain projects, many of the volunteers are nationals of the host country. On most projects there will be one or two project leaders who live and work with the group and are usually volunteers themselves. They are chosen and trained by our partner organisations, so are often nationals of the host country. The leaders depend on the full participation of each volunteer, so it is the responsibility of the whole group to ensure the project’s success.
back to top
Am I too young/too old to go?
Although the minimum age for participation in most countries is 18, there are an increasing number of projects open to 15 to 17 year olds. There is usually no maximum age limit. Some projects do have a maximum age, often due to the funding they receive. However, we have regular volunteers who are in their 40s, 50s or 60s. As long as you are happy living in a group then there is nothing stopping you.
back to top
I am a trained/qualified professional; can I use my skills volunteering abroad?
The great majority of our projects are for volunteers without skills. There are many other organisations such as VSO or UNA International Service that recruit professional volunteers and make very good use of your valuable skills. As a rule, it won’t make any difference on an International Volunteer Project whether you have done anything similar or not (although if you’re a trained chef you will be very popular!).
back to top
I’m not a student; can I do something with UNA Exchange?
Yes you can! UNA Exchange is not a student organisation; we are open to everyone, whether you are working, unemployed, studying or already involved in volunteering.
back to top
What if I don’t speak any other languages?
Speaking other languages always helps when travelling but volunteers come from all over the world, so there will be many different languages spoken. The official language on most projects is English and you will not be refused a place because you do not speak the language of that country unless this is stated as a specific requirement. We advise you to have conversational language skills if you are applying for projects in certain countries (Spain, Morocco, Mexico, etc.). Some projects may ask for volunteers who can speak the local language. Any language requirements are stated and underlined in the project description. We always recommend that you learn some basic vocabulary wherever you go, at least some greetings and to explain that you don’t speak the language. You will get much more out of a project if you make some effort to learn even a little of the local language first.
back to top
Do I need any skills or experience?
No! Much more important are enthusiasm, a sense of humour, and a flexible, open-minded attitude. You do not necessarily have to have any experience of the type of work you will be doing, but you should be motivated for it. Some projects may ask for volunteers with a particular skill, for example a language. This will be written in the project description so you will know if the project is suitable before you apply.
back to top
Can people with disabilities apply?
We believe that anyone can volunteer. If you have special needs, we will try to find a project that can accommodate this. Obviously each project is different and each volunteer is different so each case is looked at individually.
back to top
How do I get involved?
To join a project overseas you need to choose one from our searchable online database. The website is updated weekely and we try and remove projects that have been filled up as quickly as possible. Once you have chosen which projects you are interested in you can either apply and pay online or fill out an application form and send it to us accompanied by the appropriate fee and we will start the placement process.
back to top
How does the placement process work?
Once we receive your application and the fee we will contact the appropriate partner organisation asking them to confirm a place for you. We will go through your choices in order of preference. We do our best to place you on your first choices but this is not always possible and sometimes we have to discuss alternative choices with you. Once we have an answer, we will let you know which project you are placed on. You will then receive detailed final information written by the hosting organisation to help you prepare, at least 3-4 weeks before your project starts.
back to top
How long will it take to apply?
We will usually be able to let you know whether you are accepted on a project or not within 7-10 days, but in some cases it can take longer. It is a good idea to apply as soon as possible, as many projects (especially in Spain, France, Italy and Greece) become full quickly.
back to top
Can I do more than one project?
Yes! As long as you can find projects that fit together you can apply for as many as you like in as many countries as you like. You will need to pay a placement fee for each project (the fee for a 2nd or 3rd project will be discounted – see Cost and How to Apply ). It is good idea to leave a few days free between projects to give you time for travel or recuperation.
back to top
What about training?
For most projects in Europe, North America, Japan and Korea you do not need to attend our North South training / preparation weekend - If you feel like you would like to attend the training anyway then please contact us.
However, if applying for a project in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia (except Japan and South Korea) or South / Central America it is essential to join a North South Orientation weekend . There are three or four North South trainings a year, usually in February, April and/or July and October.
back to top
How much does it all cost?
You must pay a placement fee to UNA Exchange at the application stage (this fee is listed alongside the name of the country). The fee for short term projects on our main programme (Europe, North America, Japan and South Korea) is £150. The fee for short term North South projects (South and Central America, South and South East Asia, and Africa) is £175. The annual fee for membership of UNA Exchange is £12. You can join UNA Exchange as a member at the same time as you apply. You do not need to become a member to apply though.
You are responsible for your travel costs, to and from the project, insurance, visas and other personal expenses. Some projects require an additional project fee that is payable on application or to the host organisation on arrival (If applicable this will be stated in the project description). Food and accommodation are provided free of charge for the duration of the project.
We will not be able to proceed with an application unless it is accompanied by the placement fee.
We’ve created a couple of tables below showing possible minimum and maximum costs for both the Main and North South programmes. Please only use these as a guide as actual costs such as flights, vaccinations, visas etc can vary a lot.
back to top
Where does my money go?
The placement fee you pay to UNA Exchange covers administration, promotion of our volunteer programmes, and help to run our programme of projects in Wales. A percentage of all placement fees is donated to a Solidarity Fund managed by the Co-ordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS), part of UNESCO. This fund supports the participation of volunteers from Eastern and Southern countries who would otherwise be unable to participate in projects overseas. We try to keep the fees as low as possible, but we rely on this income to support our work.
Some projects require and extra fee once you get there (usually South America, Africa and Asia). This extra fee is needed because the Southern organisation don’t get as much financial support from governments and grant giving organisations as our Northern partners do etc. The extra fee that is paid to them is split in different ways but generally a portion of it goes towards the project (food, accommodation, tools etc) while another part goes towards their administration costs – similar to UNA Exchange.
back to top
Can I do a project with my friend?
Yes you can! Normally our partners will only accept two volunteers from the same country on a project. The main reason for that is so the group can have as many different cultures and nationalities in it as possible. Having too many people from the same country can affect group dynamics.
It’s not impossible to place three people on the same project but it’s a lot harder. If you would like to apply with two friends then please contact us before doing so.
back to top
When to apply?
You can apply for a project at any time but it’s worth noting that some projects (especially in Spain, France, Germany, Italy and Greece) fill up quicker than others. To avoid disappointment we recommend that if you see a project you like you should quickly check the cost of flights and ground travel (try www.seat61.com for ground travel), and if the cost is within your budget you should go ahead and apply for the project.
back to top
What if the project I applied for is full and I haven’t been placed?
If we weren’t able to place and you only included one project in your shortlist then we’ll contact you to inquire about whether you would prefer to have a refund or if you’d like to choose another project to apply for.
If you’ve included a short list of project with your application and we haven’t managed to place you on any of them then the same applies - refund or chose another project. This scenario doesn’t happen often as we find that volunteers who have put at least three choices down usually get placed on one of them (usually their first choice).
back to top
When can I get a refund? / How long does it take?
If you are eligible for a refund then the process is fairly quick. We will pass your details on to our finance officer and they will issue a cheque and send it to the address you provided in your application form.
Please read our terms and conditions before applying for a volunteering project abroad for the circumstances of when a refund can be given
back to top
What if I cannot attend the project after I have been accepted?
If you cannot attend a project after you have been accepted then please let us know as soon as possible so that we can inform our partner organisation.
A refund really depends on your situation – again please click on the Terms and Conditions link above to find out more.
back to top
Can I change projects if I’ve already been accepted on another?
A change of choice of project is dealt with in the same way as a cancellation. You will need to think carefully before applying for a project: as soon as the placement procedure begins it is difficult to change. Another full placement fee will have to be paid for a complete change of project choice
back to top
How do I get to the project?
Once you’ve been accepted on a project it is your responsibility to make all your own travel arrangements for getting there. It is a good idea to make the relevant travel enquiries as early as possible, to avoid a panic at the last minute as well as a higher priced ticket! If you are applying for projects further afield, it is advisable to call a travel agency before you apply to get an idea of the cost and availability of flights. However, don’t book anything until you’ve been accepted on a project incase the project is full!
Final details (meeting point, address, etc.) of projects are sometimes slow to arrive. If you plan to travel by air, it is advisable to book once you have confirmation of acceptance from UNA Exchange. For rail travel we recommend the highly flexible Inter-Rail ticket. For booking flights we recommend the friendly and reliable North South Travel who invests their profits in overseas development projects. There are also many good deals with budget airlines flying to many European destinations available on the internet. Coach travel is usually still the cheapest method and Eurolines, booked through National Express have extensive coach networks throughout Europe.
back to top
What is a meeting point?
Every project has a meeting point that all the volunteers attending the camp need to get to by a certain time on the start date of the project. The meeting point will be specified in the information sheet which should get sent to you around 30 days before the project starts, it will also include information on how to get to the meeting point. Please note that the English in the infosheets may not be perfect but should be clear. If it isn’t clear then contact UNA Exchange for clarification
back to top
Do I need a visa?
For volunteering outside the UK you will need a passport, which should be valid for six months after you intend to return to the UK. Some countries also require you to have a visa before you arrive. Approach the Embassy or Consulate of the country/ies where you will be going for information regarding visa requirements before you travel. We recommend that you obtain all the necessary visas before you leave. We recommend you call the relevant embassies or visit www.embassyhomepage.com as soon as you know you are going to a country that may require a visa. Don’t forget that some embassies can require a long time to process visa applications, so make sure you don’t leave it too late!
Through our partner organisations we can issue you with an invitation letter if required. When you apply for a visa, remember that you are not going to work as a paid employee, you will be a volunteer and have the same status as any other tourist.
back to top
What about insurance?
Some of our partner organisations provide various forms of insurance (usually only accident, sickness and third party) for the duration of the project. However, these policies are often only intended to complement other policies. They do not cover you off the project or for theft, delay, or your rucksack being sent to Vladivostok. Many partner organisations do not provide insurance for volunteers, so you must take out your own insurance. Information on insurance is given in the final project details, sent to you after you have applied for a project.
UNA Exchange stipulates that all volunteers must have their own travel and health insurance. This can easily be obtained as part of an overall package from the travel agent. This should insure you against baggage loss, travel cancellations and any health problems during and outside of the project. If you are attending a project within the EU, you must obtain a European Health Insurance Card. NB: UNA Exchange cannot be liable for any problems arising from accidents, illness, theft, loss of personal items or cancelled/delayed travel.
back to top
What should I take?
This will depend on where it is that you go to do a project. Some things that would be good to take include:
- Sleeping bag
- Hard-wearing, old clothes for working in
- Strong footwear/hiking boots
- Waterproof coat
- Something smart to wear
- Recipes, games, songs, photos and postcards from where you live
- Notebook and pen to record everyone’s addresses at the end of your project
- Good sense of humour and an open mind!
Check your project info sheet for any other items you will need specific to your project.
For your peace of mind we advise that you don’t take personal valuables.
back to top
Is there anything else I need to prepare?
It is good to learn about a country’s history, culture, society and language before you go. Guidebooks are very useful, particularly Lonely Planet or Rough Guides. You should check if you require any vaccinations for the country you are going to. Make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date, wherever you are going.
back to top
Will I have any free time?
Yes, you will usually work up to eight hours a day with free evenings and weekends. Social activities are often organised by the group together with the project leaders. It can be a good idea to have some suggestions of different games or other activities that you could play with your group in your spare time.
back to top
Can I turn up to my project late / leave early?
Each project has a specific start and end date and the work of the project takes place between those dates. From the point of view of group bonding and experience it’s advisable that you attend the camp for the whole time. If you’re unable to get to the project on the start date or if you have to leave early then let us know before you apply as this could affect whether our partner organisation acceptsyou..
back to top
What should I do if I have an accident or have a serious problem?
If you have any issues or problems on a work camp, however big or small they are, then the first point of contact should be your camp leader, who should be able to help you. If they are unable to help then the next point of contact will be the hosting organisation e.g. IGB in Germany or INEX SDA in the Czech Republic etc. You should only contact UNA Exchange if you haven’t been able to get hold of your camp leader or hosting organisation.
back to top
What if I don’t speak the language of the country I’m going to?
Speaking other languages always helps when travelling but volunteers come from all over the world, so there will be many different languages spoken. The official language on most projects is English and you will not be refused a place because you do not speak the language of that country unless this is stated as a specific requirement. We advise you to have conversational language skills if you are applying for projects in certain countries (Spain, Morocco, Mexico, etc.). Some projects may ask for volunteers who can speak the local language. Any language requirements are stated and underlined in the project description. We always recommend that you learn some basic vocabulary wherever you go, at least some greetings and to explain that you don’t speak the language. You will get much more out of a project if you make some effort to learn even a little of the local language first.
back to top
What should I do with the evaluation form?
Complete and return the project evaluation sheet that was sent to you in your confirmation email. This is very important as it is the primary means by which we can evaluate and develop the programme for future volunteers. Please return your forms to [email protected].
back to top
I’d like to get more involved with UNA Exchange – what can I do?
We rely on the support of active volunteers in the work that we do. There are a number of ways that you can use your experience on your return in order to assist us.
You could assist with publicity, putting up posters or running stalls at volunteer fairs or become a contact for future volunteers
Help put together travel advice and country information sheets
Write articles for the UNA Exchange newsletter and your local/university paper
Assist at preparation events
If you want to utilise the skills and experience that you gained to help other volunteers make the most of their project experience, while also developing your own leadership skills, you can become a co-ordinator on one of our UK projects.
If you are interested in becoming more involved with UNA Exchange please don’t hesitate to contact the office.