Faqs, Rules & Advice
Q: What is your mission statement?
A: Creating better education creates better jobs and a better job is the only way out of poverty
Q: What kind of non-profit is BTCV?
A: We are a development aid organization also classified as an NGO (Non Government Organization). We are NOT to be confused with a tourism company or travel agency. We provide coordination for self -funded volunteers to serve short-term with our community partners on going education focused development aid projects.
Q: What is development aid?
A: Development aid is the provision of infrastructure and equipment focused on alleviating poverty in the long term.
Q: Is BTCV a religious organization?
A: No
Q: Does BTCV work with both religious and non-religious organizations?
A: Yes
Q: What is the cost to participate on a BTCV project?
A: $3,800-$5,000 includes international flights, meals on site, ground transport, Global Rescue Medical Evac, and funding for all BTCV projects globally.
Q: What is a joining a project like?
A: Check out this link Traveling Volunteer Information to read about life on a BTCV project.
Q: I am thinking about going on a trip... are they safe?
A: BTCV and our partners always consider the health and safety of our volunteers. We are doing construction projects and operating in developing world countries so there are always risks involved with our mission. We have advice and rules in place to help you make wise decisions related to health and safety.
Q: Do I need a passport?
A: Yes, you must have a passport with 6 months of validity from your arrival in country date.
Q: Do I need construction experience?
A: Not at all. There is something for everyone on a BTCV projects. Most volunteer jobs are basic labor and require no skill.
Q: What are the other Team members like?
A: BTCV teams are diverse and volunteers come from all walks of life, perspectives, and points of view. We have had volunteers from ages 14-85 years of age participate. Building relationships with people who see the world differently from your views is part of our mission.
Q: I thought everyone would be like me... but I don't have the same values, religion, political opinions of my teammates, the local community, or BTCV's project partners what should I do?
A: First be kind. Seek first to understand before attempting to be understood. If conversations turn sour do the right thing and turn them back to our mission for creating better education opportunities. You are here because you are united in that mission.
Q: Do you provide travel insurance?
A: No. We recommend you purchase travel and travel health insurance. BTCV provides a Global Rescue Membership for medical evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Q: How much luggage can I bring?
A: You are allowed to bring ONE carry on backpack and ONE piece of checked luggage. Size and weight limits apply per the airline. It is your responsibly to determine this.
Q: What should I NOT pack?
A: Do not pack, candy for kids, trinkets, clothing or junk to give away or leave behind. If you pack it in then you pack it out.
Q: Can I bring gifts for the school?
A: There are some appropriate gifts for the school such as new books please consult with BTCV first.
Q: How do I handle tipping?
A: BTCV covers both tips and service fees for all appropriate tipping situations related to service staff. As a small non-profit NGO, we will not provide “tips” to local businesses or community members and will strongly discourage volunteer tipping. In short this is completely taken care of so enjoy your trip and know tips are covered.
Q: Do I get my own room?
A: No. You will be assigned a roommate(s).
Q: What kind of toilets are there over there?
A: This will vary from western toilets to a hole in the ground. Bring some TP.
Q: Is there hot water for showers?
A: This varies but don't plan on it.
Q: I want sightseeing, western meals, comfort and a luxurious experience. I demand a high level of customer service.
A: 1-888-227-6482 this is the phone number for Carnival Cruise Lines. BTCV is not for everyone.
Q: I want to give my used shoes and clothing to the community after the project, is that okay?
A: NO this is absolutely against BTCV rules. DO NOT PLAN TO LEAVE YOUR USED CLOTHING OR SHOES BEHIND. To understand this rule better contact BTCV.
Q: Are trips fun?
A: Yes! For sure when volunteers follow the rules we are serious about and the above advice to help you out trips are AMAZING! BTCV has a high rate of return participants.
A: Creating better education creates better jobs and a better job is the only way out of poverty
Q: What kind of non-profit is BTCV?
A: We are a development aid organization also classified as an NGO (Non Government Organization). We are NOT to be confused with a tourism company or travel agency. We provide coordination for self -funded volunteers to serve short-term with our community partners on going education focused development aid projects.
Q: What is development aid?
A: Development aid is the provision of infrastructure and equipment focused on alleviating poverty in the long term.
Q: Is BTCV a religious organization?
A: No
Q: Does BTCV work with both religious and non-religious organizations?
A: Yes
Q: What is the cost to participate on a BTCV project?
A: $3,800-$5,000 includes international flights, meals on site, ground transport, Global Rescue Medical Evac, and funding for all BTCV projects globally.
Q: What is a joining a project like?
A: Check out this link Traveling Volunteer Information to read about life on a BTCV project.
Q: I am thinking about going on a trip... are they safe?
A: BTCV and our partners always consider the health and safety of our volunteers. We are doing construction projects and operating in developing world countries so there are always risks involved with our mission. We have advice and rules in place to help you make wise decisions related to health and safety.
Q: Do I need a passport?
A: Yes, you must have a passport with 6 months of validity from your arrival in country date.
Q: Do I need construction experience?
A: Not at all. There is something for everyone on a BTCV projects. Most volunteer jobs are basic labor and require no skill.
Q: What are the other Team members like?
A: BTCV teams are diverse and volunteers come from all walks of life, perspectives, and points of view. We have had volunteers from ages 14-85 years of age participate. Building relationships with people who see the world differently from your views is part of our mission.
Q: I thought everyone would be like me... but I don't have the same values, religion, political opinions of my teammates, the local community, or BTCV's project partners what should I do?
A: First be kind. Seek first to understand before attempting to be understood. If conversations turn sour do the right thing and turn them back to our mission for creating better education opportunities. You are here because you are united in that mission.
Q: Do you provide travel insurance?
A: No. We recommend you purchase travel and travel health insurance. BTCV provides a Global Rescue Membership for medical evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Q: How much luggage can I bring?
A: You are allowed to bring ONE carry on backpack and ONE piece of checked luggage. Size and weight limits apply per the airline. It is your responsibly to determine this.
Q: What should I NOT pack?
A: Do not pack, candy for kids, trinkets, clothing or junk to give away or leave behind. If you pack it in then you pack it out.
Q: Can I bring gifts for the school?
A: There are some appropriate gifts for the school such as new books please consult with BTCV first.
Q: How do I handle tipping?
A: BTCV covers both tips and service fees for all appropriate tipping situations related to service staff. As a small non-profit NGO, we will not provide “tips” to local businesses or community members and will strongly discourage volunteer tipping. In short this is completely taken care of so enjoy your trip and know tips are covered.
Q: Do I get my own room?
A: No. You will be assigned a roommate(s).
Q: What kind of toilets are there over there?
A: This will vary from western toilets to a hole in the ground. Bring some TP.
Q: Is there hot water for showers?
A: This varies but don't plan on it.
Q: I want sightseeing, western meals, comfort and a luxurious experience. I demand a high level of customer service.
A: 1-888-227-6482 this is the phone number for Carnival Cruise Lines. BTCV is not for everyone.
Q: I want to give my used shoes and clothing to the community after the project, is that okay?
A: NO this is absolutely against BTCV rules. DO NOT PLAN TO LEAVE YOUR USED CLOTHING OR SHOES BEHIND. To understand this rule better contact BTCV.
Q: Are trips fun?
A: Yes! For sure when volunteers follow the rules we are serious about and the above advice to help you out trips are AMAZING! BTCV has a high rate of return participants.
The rules we are serious about
- Do not go anywhere alone. Across all BTCV projects regardless of country women must move about with a male from the traveling team 18 or older to avoid potential cultural and security issues.
- Do not go anywhere without telling and gaining approval from your team leader. This is about accountability more than anything.
- Do not give money to anyone. If you wish to give money speak to your team leader first this can cause serious unintended consequences for our partners.
- Do not give your stuff away this has many unintended consequences after you depart.
- Respectfully, remember that just because something is legal or socially acceptable where you come from it may not be legal or socially acceptable where you are traveling. Volunteers agree to comply with the local laws, customs, and social standards. Please be respectful of this as failure to do so can cause very serious problems far beyond our control during our trip and especially for our partners after we depart.
Advice to help you out
- Do not ask the community partner if it is okay to break one of the above rules they will often say “yes.” Keep in mind their desire is to meet your desires and make you happy regardless of the unforeseen consequences. BTCV has more than 15 years of experience operating in underdeveloped countries. Please trust us and respect our experience and expertise.
- This is the developing world things move slower and with less organization. Go with the flow.
- Have a good attitude about the work even if it’s not what you had in mind it is what is needed and attitudes can be interpreted across language barriers.
- Remember that building relationships with our partner community and with your teammates is actually a huge part of our total mission!
- BTCV teams are very diverse. You may be surprised to find that not everyone on the team has the same perspectives, views or values that you hold. We are here to volunteer, build relationships, and serve others. Please keep conversations positive and when in doubt focus conversations back on our mission.
- Doing all of this will help us create better education opportunities. We know that better education creates better jobs and a better job is the only way out of poverty.
