International Trips Fact Sheet

Think Global -- Act Global -- You’ll Never Be the Same!

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Get ready to change the world and to be changed in the process. The world is waiting for you. Join a Global Village team today and start making a world of difference.

“Being involved with Habitat’s housing ministry has changed my life! I’ve learned that I can make a difference by being connected with people who have a similar desire to eliminate poverty housing from the face of the earth.”
— Mariko Asano, Nishinomiya , Japan , GV team member in Bacalod, Negros Islands , Philippines

Foundation for building
The GV volunteer program consists of short-term home-building trips designed to give concerned people the opportunity to observe and contribute to Habitat’s work firsthand. Working alongside homeowners and local volunteers, team members build a true “global village” of love, homes, families, communities and hope!

Building bridges, building hope
Working with a Habitat affiliate is often a life-changing experience. GV participants learn about poverty housing, development challenges and HFHI’s ecumenical Christian ministry and mission to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness worldwide. GV team members give of themselves as they work alongside homeowners and local volunteers of all backgrounds, races and religions. Learning about the host community’s culture, language and social practices as well as developing new skills and confidence are additional benefits of participating in a GV trip.

Adventure travel, Habitat-style
Every GV trip is different and each team member can expect to gain a unique set of experiences and memories. Itineraries are balanced with plenty of work, rest and free time. Most teams spend a few days—depending on the length of the trip—touring local historic sites or attractions or participating in outdoor recreational activities. Safaris in national parks; visits to ancient ruins, museums and churches; hikes in the mountains and rainforests; whitewater rafting and kayaking trips are all part of the cultural experience for GV teams. Volunteers form a once-in-a-lifetime team as they travel, live, work and eat together.

The road less traveled
HFHI has affiliates in 100 countries and many of them host short-term volunteer teams. View the most recent schedule of countries currently hosting teams, or request a schedule from the GV department at 1-800-422-4828, Ext. 7530. For our U.S./Canada information view U.S./Canada program or contact the GV department.

An invaluable experience
GV trip costs depend on the country visited, the HFH host affiliate and the length of the trip. All trip costs include room and board, in-country transportation, travel insurance and a donation toward the host community’s building program. Airfare, cancellation protection and baggage insurance are not included in the cost. Some participants cover all of their costs, while many others engage in fund-raising campaigns. The GV department has fund-raising resources available. Cost estimates (US$) for a 9- to 14-day trip (not including airfare) are:

• Africa $1,300–$1,700

• Asia and South America $1,000–$1,800

• Central America/Caribbean $1,000–$1,400

• Europe $1,300–$2,200

Seeking diverse, dedicated volunteers — no experience required
Individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the GV volunteer program. There is no maximum age limit. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or be part of a chaperoned school, church or institution group. Participants must be in good health. Work assignments often require strenuous manual labor.

Volunteer leaders: sharing the vision
GV team leaders offer their services as volunteers to HFHI and to each team member. Team leaders are responsible for planning all aspects of the GV trip. All team leaders are approved by the GV department and supported by HFHI’s GV coordinators.

Act globally, get Involved
Submit an application — available online — with your country and date preferences. As opportunities become available, we will introduce you to the appropriate team leader for a phone interview. The team leader selects team members from a pool of applicants. Once you have received an invitation from a team leader, you must submit a deposit of US$350 to secure your place on the team. (This deposit is not refundable.)

Groups Needed: Make a Difference
Groups should call our office to request available locations and dates. Scheduling a GV team should be done early. It takes at least six months to properly prepare for an international assignment. Team size commonly ranges from eight to 15 participants.

General Guidelines to Consider
1. Passport-In most cases you need a current passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Some countries may also require a visa.

2. Language fluency-There is no language requirement for participating in a GV trip. The GV department will arrange for an interpreter if needed.

3. Work site safety-The onsite construction supervisor will instruct volunteers in the correct procedure for performing each task and will familiarize you with the potential hazards and how such hazards can be minimized or avoided.

4. Health and personal safety-The health and safety of GV team members is a top priority of HFHI. We keep informed of the latest travel advisories from several countries. The participant, however, has the responsibility of understanding the associated risks and making the final decision to participate with a team.