Faq's, Rules & Advice
Q: What kind of non-profit is Be The Change Volunteers (BTCV)?
A: We are a volunteer driven development aid organization also classified as an NGO (Non-Government Organization). We are NOT to be confused with a tourism company or travel agency.
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 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 the country date.
Q: Do I need construction experience?
A: Not at all. There is something for everyone on 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. Volunteers' age, political affiliations, religion, and views are diverse. Building relationships with people who have different perspectives is part of our 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 airlines. It is your responsibility to review your flight plan and visit those airlilne websites prior to packing.
Q: What should I NOT pack?
A: Do not pack, candy for kids, trinkets, clothing, weapons of any kind, 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: Consult with BTCV to determine what items are most appropriate. volunteer-driven
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 you might want it between stops.
Q: Is there hot water for showers?
A: This varies but don't plan on it.
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.
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.
FLIGHTS
Q: Are flights included?
A: No. BTCV does not include flights. We will provide traveler support to ensure you book flights that arrive and depart appropriately with your team. We reccomend starting your trip from a major airport to avoid delays.
Q: Do I need a Visa?
A: Yes. Most countries require an advance e-visa. Some countries allow travelers to obtain a visa on arrival based on their nationality. It is the traveler's responsibility to research your destination based on your nationality and determine this. Contact BTCV for support.
Q: Do I need a "Transit Visa"?
A: A transit visa may be required for travelers who have longer connections. Review your flight plan and check the govt websites of countries you connect through. It is the traveler's responsibility to research this and obtain a Transit Visa when required.
Q: Are connnections or layover hotels and meals included?
A: No
A: We are a volunteer driven development aid organization also classified as an NGO (Non-Government Organization). We are NOT to be confused with a tourism company or travel agency.
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 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 the country date.
Q: Do I need construction experience?
A: Not at all. There is something for everyone on 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. Volunteers' age, political affiliations, religion, and views are diverse. Building relationships with people who have different perspectives is part of our 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 airlines. It is your responsibility to review your flight plan and visit those airlilne websites prior to packing.
Q: What should I NOT pack?
A: Do not pack, candy for kids, trinkets, clothing, weapons of any kind, 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: Consult with BTCV to determine what items are most appropriate. volunteer-driven
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 you might want it between stops.
Q: Is there hot water for showers?
A: This varies but don't plan on it.
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.
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.
FLIGHTS
Q: Are flights included?
A: No. BTCV does not include flights. We will provide traveler support to ensure you book flights that arrive and depart appropriately with your team. We reccomend starting your trip from a major airport to avoid delays.
Q: Do I need a Visa?
A: Yes. Most countries require an advance e-visa. Some countries allow travelers to obtain a visa on arrival based on their nationality. It is the traveler's responsibility to research your destination based on your nationality and determine this. Contact BTCV for support.
Q: Do I need a "Transit Visa"?
A: A transit visa may be required for travelers who have longer connections. Review your flight plan and check the govt websites of countries you connect through. It is the traveler's responsibility to research this and obtain a Transit Visa when required.
Q: Are connnections or layover hotels and meals included?
A: No
The rules we are serious about
1. 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.
2. Do not go anywhere without telling and gaining approval from your team leader.
3. 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.
4. Do not give your stuff away this has many unintended consequences after you depart.
5. Do not make any promises to our partners, the students, or community members.
6. 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.
2. Do not go anywhere without telling and gaining approval from your team leader.
3. 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.
4. Do not give your stuff away this has many unintended consequences after you depart.
5. Do not make any promises to our partners, the students, or community members.
6. 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
1. BTCV has more than 15 years of experience operating in underdeveloped countries. Please trust us and respect our experience and expertise.
2. 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 they desire to meet your desires and make you happy regardless of the unforeseen consequences.
3. This is the developing world things move slower and with less organization. The plan will change. Go with the flow.
4. 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.
5. Remember that building relationships with our partner community and with your teammates is a huge part of our total mission!
6. 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.
7. Phones are great for taking and showing photos and connecting with home when needed. The use of phones can also be very insulting to our hosts and diluting to your full experience. Be mindful and immerse yourselves in real-time events, try to put your phones away, avoid social media, avoid email, unplug, and experience everything. Do not bring your phone out at meals or meetings. Try to only use your phone in your room or try to only use your phone for emergencies. We promise the internet, emails, and social media will still be there when you get home.
2. 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 they desire to meet your desires and make you happy regardless of the unforeseen consequences.
3. This is the developing world things move slower and with less organization. The plan will change. Go with the flow.
4. 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.
5. Remember that building relationships with our partner community and with your teammates is a huge part of our total mission!
6. 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.
7. Phones are great for taking and showing photos and connecting with home when needed. The use of phones can also be very insulting to our hosts and diluting to your full experience. Be mindful and immerse yourselves in real-time events, try to put your phones away, avoid social media, avoid email, unplug, and experience everything. Do not bring your phone out at meals or meetings. Try to only use your phone in your room or try to only use your phone for emergencies. We promise the internet, emails, and social media will still be there when you get home.
