1. Short background of your organization (History, Mission Statement, Teasers etc…):
i-to-i has been around for 15 years arranging life changing travel across the globe with our volunteer projects. A bit more info you will find here: http://www.i-to-i.com/about-i2i/history/
2. What are some volunteer opportunities you offer? Do you have any volunteer opportunities you are particularly proud of?
i-to-i has over 500 projects in 35 countries, ranging from community development to conservation, building to teaching. We are particularly proud of our most recent project additions in Uganda and Madagascar.
3. What kind of daily life should prospective volunteers expect? (Food, Lodging, Entertainment etc…)
All food and lodging is included in the placement fee as is incountry support and an emergency support network.
4. What is the most important piece of advice you can offer future volunteers?
Make sure you research the location before you go and get your teeth checked out! The worst thing when traveling is to stop and find a dentist.
5. What is the biggest challenge while volunteering abroad?
Getting used to the extreme poverty you will see as well as the different hygiene standards. We are lucky in many ways living in a developed country and the hardest thing when traveling sometimes is to see the extreme poverty and realize you cant help everyone.
6. On the flip side, what is the biggest reward?
On the flip side, you can help some. When you choose to volunteer on your vacation instead of hit Club Med you are giving back in a few very few can. You will gain a huge appreciation of the culture you are in and will experience much more than you ever could should you take the traditional tourist route.
8. Why should they pay to volunteer with your organization? How is the money used?
One of the most popular questions we get! The money is used to pay for your food and lodging in country as well as an airport pickup and orientation. In addition, we have staff incountry at all times to support you so some of the fee will go towards their salaries. Some of your fee will go to product development so we can continue to offer safe and beneficial projects in new communities and there is always a portion that has to go into admin otherwise we couldn’t afford to recruit volunteers (via website, brochures, etc) for our projects.
9. Do you have any advice on funding a volunteer experience abroad? (Fundraising, Budgeting, Scholarships etc…)
We have a fundraising guide – check out this link http://www.i-to-i.com/resources/general/fundraising_tips/
9. How does volunteering abroad fit into the bigger picture of aid and development?
It helps by encouraging cross-cultural understanding as well as direct benefits to the project in the currency of labor. A lot of projects have great aspirations but cant afford the manpower to make these a reality – by volunteering you help small non-profits reach their developmental goals.
10. Why should someone volunteer with your organization?
We have been around for 15 years and have become one of the leaders in the industry. We offer so many trips that everyone can find a trip that would interest them. In addition, we place emphasis on supporting the volunteer but not holding anyone’s hand so you will get a real experience but know in the back of your mind that a safety net is there to catch you should anything go wrong.
11. How can someone get in contact with your organization and learn more about your volunteer abroad opportunities?
www.meaningfultravel.com 800-985-4864
