Global Village international trips fact sheet -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l 1
Global Village international trips fact sheet
Think global. Act global. You will never be the same!
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you serve alongside others in a different culture. Through Habitat’s Global Village trips, you can change the world and be changed in the process.
Join a Global Village team today and start making a world of difference.
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What Global Village volunteers are saying:
“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. Global Village team member in Bacalod, Negros Islands, Philippines
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The benefits of volunteering for a Global Village trip
Volunteering on a Global Village trip gives you the opportunity to observe and contribute to Habitat’s work firsthand. You will learn about poverty housing, development challenges and Habitat’s ministry and mission to help eradicate them. You will experience the community’s culture, language and social practices while working alongside homeowners and volunteers of all backgrounds, races and religions. As a Global Village team member, you will help to build a true global village of love, homes, families, communities and hope!
What Global Village trips are like
While every Global Village trip is different, you can expect to gain a once-in-a-lifetime set of experiences and memories. Itineraries are balanced with plenty of work, rest and free time. During your trip, you will do more than help build houses―you will become part of the local community and participate in cultural activities. Volunteers form a new circle of friends as they travel, live, work and eat together.
Where you can go
Habitat for Humanity International has affiliate offices in more than 90 countries, and many of them host Global Village volunteer teams. View Available Global Village Work Trips to see which countries are currently hosting teams.
Trip costs
Global Village trip costs vary, but all payments include room and board, in-country transportation, travel insurance and a donation to the host community’s building program. Air fare and baggage insurance are not included in the cost.
- Cost estimates
Estimates for a 9- to 14-day trip, excluding air fare (All amounts are in U.S. dollars.):
―Africa: $1,900–$2,400
―Asia and South America: $1,650–$2,350
―Central America/Caribbean: $1,275–$1,550
―Europe and Central Asia: $1,825–$2,500
- Funding your trip
If you are interested in fundraising to help pay for your trip costs, you can find resources in our Payment Policies and Procedures manual.
Please note: Funds raised toward the cost of a Global Village trip cover food, lodging and transportation during the trip. Only a portion of your payment supports the charitable purpose of the hosting Habitat program. Depending on your country of origin, the trip’s cost may or may not be tax-deductible. Please view our Payment Policies and Procedures manual, and consult a tax adviser concerning your specific situation.
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Seeking diverse, dedicated volunteers—no experience required
Individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the Global Village volunteer program. Because work assignments often require strenuous manual labor, participants must be in good health. There is no maximum age limit.
Groups needed: Make a difference
Groups should call our office to request potential 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.
Participants under the age of 18
Depending on local laws and program policy, some host programs may not accept minors or may limit the type of work performed by minors. In every case, the Global Village team leader will ultimately determine whether or not to invite an unaccompanied minor to join his or her team.
- International trips: All participants must be at least 14-years-old. They must be accompanied by a legal guardian or be part of an established group. Some host affiliates or Global Village team leaders may require a higher minimum age.
- United States and Canada trips: All participants must be at least 14-years-old. Minors 16 or older can participate unescorted, with guardian and team leader permission.
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Volunteer team leaders
Global Village team leaders offer their services as volunteers to Habitat for Humanity and to each team member. Team leaders, approved by Global Village and supported by Habitat’s Volunteer Mobilization staff, are responsible for planning all aspects of the Global Village trip and generally have participated on a trip before leading. Team leaders put an incredible amount of time, energy and knowledge into furthering Habitat’s mission around the world and help facilitate safe, meaningful experiences for thousands of volunteers. Team leaders are not paid for their work, but leader expenses may be incorporated into the team budget.
To learn more about team leader requirements, view Becoming a Global Village Team Leader.
Apply now
Learn more and fill out the online Global Village application 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 non-refundable deposit of US$350 to secure your place on the team.
General information to consider
- 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.
- Language fluency
There is no language requirement for participating in a GV trip. Team leaders can arrange for an interpreter if needed.
- Work site safety
The onsite construction supervisor will instruct volunteers in the correct procedure for performing each task and will familiarize them with the potential hazards and how such hazards can be minimized or avoided.
- 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.
Other opportunities to travel and serve with Habitat
There are lots of opportunities for people of all ages and skill sets to serve with Habitat—in their communities across the United States and around the world. To learn more, please visit Habitat’s Get Involved page or view the volunteer opportunities slideshow.
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