International Volunteers
// Frequently Asked Questions
Please check through these FAQ before you call the Concordia office
- When does the summer programme come out?
- Are projects available in the winter or spring?
- When can I apply?
- Are there any age limits?
- Can I apply if I’m aged 30+?
- Where do I find all the forms needed for the application?
- Do I send the registration fee after being accepted on a project?
- Where does my money go?
- How long does the application process take?
- Can I apply for more than one project?
- Can I apply with a friend?
- Can I apply for a North South project without attending the preparation weekend?
- Who else will be in my group?
- What do I need to take?
- What about insurance?
- Do I need a visa?
- What else do I need to prepare?
- What if I have any problems when on the project?
- How can I use my experience on my return?
- Can I apply for a project if I am living outside of the UK?
- When Am I supposed to arrive to the project? Do i need to arrive a day before?
FAQ Quicklinks
When does the summer programme come out?
The summer programme comes out each year at the beginning of April. The list of projects is available on the Concordia website view projects available now.
If you wish to be informed via email as soon as the Summer Programme goes live in April, send an email to info@concordia-iye.org.uk and write in the subject “Summer Programme request”.
Are projects available in the winter or spring?
Yes, although the main season is from June to September, we do offer a smaller programme during the winter and spring time.
>> view all available projects now
When can I apply?
Volunteers can apply for projects throughout the year depending on availability. Our main summer programme is available from April onwards view the projects available.
We advise application as early as possible to ensure the greatest range of project choices.
>> Apply for a Standard project, North South Project or MTV project
Are there any age limits?
Most projects are available for volunteers aged 18 +, while the North South programme is open to volunteers aged 19+. There is also a selection of projects in the Teenage Programme available to 16 and 17 year olds.
>> more information on the programme requirements
Can I apply if I’m aged 30+?
Yes you can, though you need to bear in mind that usually (but not always) the average age range is between 18 and 25.
>> more information on the programme requirements
Where do I find all the forms needed for the application?
All the forms can be downloaded in the following sections:
Do I send the registration fee after being accepted on a project?
No, you need to send the cheque for the registration fee together with the application forms by post.
For more information on the application procedure and terms and conditions, please visit the following links:
Where does my money go?
The project fee you pay to Concordia supports the administration, promotion and running of our organisation and programmes in the UK. Food, accommodation and associated project costs are covered by the host organisation.
We work this way as part of an agreement with networks of other international volunteer organisations worldwide; all of whom run projects in their own country and send volunteers to participate in projects abroad.
We try to keep our fees to a minimum so that access to international short term volunteering is open to as many people as possible.
How long does the application process take?
Once Concordia has received your project application form and relevant project fees the application process will usually take between 5 and 10 working days.
Please note that in some cases, especially on our North South programme, this process will take longer.
Can I apply for more than one project?
Yes you can apply for as many projects as you like as long as they fit together in terms of dates. When considering consecutive projects, do take into account time and costs involved in travel between the two and allow some time for rest.
You will have to pay a project fee for each placement but will be entitled to a discount of £30 on any additional project.
Can I apply with a friend?
Friends or partners wishing to travel together can apply, although it is more difficult to reserve joint places on a project. The number of volunteers from any one country is limited in order to keep the group as internationally diverse as possible.
We recommend that volunteers travel individually as you are likely to integrate more fully and gain more from the group experience.
For those people who do wish to travel together we ask you to take care to ensure that your relationship doesn't harm the group dynamic.
Can I apply for a North South project without attending the preparation weekend?
No, the participation in the North South preparation weekend is compulsory. We recommend attending the preparation preferably before choosing a project.
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 30. 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 that the project successful.
What do I need to take?
You will need a suitable set of old clothes to work in. Heavy work boots are often a requirement for environmental and manual projects.
It's also a good idea to take something a bit smarter for any formal occasions you might be invited to or to suit cultural norms. Take recipes, games, songs, photos and postcards from where you live to share with the other volunteers and local community.
Most projects require you to bring your own sleeping bag and roll mat. Specific details for your project will be provided following placement.
What about insurance?
- Concordia stipulates that all volunteers must have their own travel and health insurance. At a minimum you should take out travel insurance that will cover at least medical and repatriation costs but it is always worth having baggage cover and travel cancellation cover too. Terms and Conditions
- If your project is located within a member state of the European Union, you must obtain the European Health Insurance Card (it replaces the old E111 form): you can find all the information about it on www.dh.gov.uk
- Concordia regrets that we cannot reimburse volunteers for money on lost travel tickets in the rare event that a project is cancelled or where visas are denied.
- When buying travel insurance make sure that you read the small print to see how what is covered and what excess you will need to pay in the event of making a claim.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, for some countries, mainly in eastern and central Europe and in the South. Details will be provided in the country information on the project database. However volunteers should also research visa and entry requirements independently.
Up-to-date information can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website www.fco.gov.uk or by calling the relevant embassy or by visiting the following website www.embassyhomepage.com.
What else do I need to do to prepare?
It is good to learn about a country's history, culture, society and language before you go. Guidebooks are very useful. You should also check if you require any vaccinations for the country you are going to you can check this by visiting your doctor.
What if I have any problems when on the project?
If you have any problems before departure you should contact Concordia. Problems arising while on the project should be discussed with the project co-ordinators who are there to help you. If the problem cannot be resolved at a local level the national organisation should be approached.
Concordia is always available to advise if you feel that an issue remains unresolved.
>> More information about the complaint procedure
How can I use my experience on my return?
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 can:
- Complete and return the project evaluation sheet that will be sent to you with the final details of your project. This is very important as it is the primary means by which we can evaluate and develop the programme for future volunteers.
- You could also 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 Concordia 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 Concordia please don’t hesitate to contact the office.
Can I apply for a project if I am living outside of the UK?
No, Concordia can only accept applications from people living in the UK at the time of the application regardless of their nationality.
If you are living in another country you should apply through a partner organisation in your own country.
>> view host country contact details
WHEn AM I SUPPOSED TO ARRIVE TO THE PROJECT? DO I NEED TO ARRIVE A DAY BEFORE?
For the Standard Programme volunteers are supposed to arrive to the project on the date indicated on the project description. For example, if dates are from 15/06/07 to 30/06/07, that means that you have to arrive on the 15th June and leave the 30th June.
For the North South Programme, sometimes volunteers are asked to arrive one or more days before the start of the project in order to allow time for an orientation meeting. Volunteers then reach together the project site. All information about arrival day is specified on each project description and on the description of the country in the destination section.