How GVYP works

Basic requirements

• GVYP is available to groups of youth, ages 14 to 25.
• No experience is required, just a willingness to work in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
• Typical groups range from eight to 20 team members.
• For groups of youth with participants under the age of 18, a 1-to-5 adult-to-child ratio is required.
• GVYP is an international program for groups only. Individuals not connected to a partner organization should consult the Global Village Web site for information on international service opportunities for individuals. Individual youth (16 to 25) interested in building on domestic teams should consider Youth Immersion. Groups interested in building domestically should consider Collegiate Challenge.

Choosing your country

GVYP offers a customized mission opportunity to your group. Subject to availability, your group can propose the dates when you want to travel and the country in which you are interested. GVYP will work with you to confirm the dates and put together a trip that best serves your unique group.

During 2007, approximately 25 GVYP teams will be sent out with at least 12 teams going to Guatemala. Guatemala has an exceptional Global Village program and will serve as the pilot country for Central America.

Trip costs

GVYP trip costs depend on many factors including the country and location visited, the length of the trip, and your chosen R&R activities. Trip cost estimates for an eight- to 18-day trip range from US$900 to US$1,600 per person.

All trip costs include room and board, in-country transportation, medical travel insurance, chosen recreational activities, and a donation toward the host community’s building program.

Please note: Airfare, cancellation protection and baggage insurance are not included in the trip cost.

Some individuals cover all of their costs, while many others engage in individual or group fund-raising initiatives. Teams that choose to participate in group fund raising reduce the obligation of individual team members. GVYP offers many fund-raising resources, including the ability to set up a personalized Global Village fund-raising Web page.

Trips to Guatemala tend to be at the lower end of the GVYP price range, thus Guatemala is a great choice for teams on a tighter budget. Limited scholarship opportunities are also available for teams that wish to travel to Guatemala. For more information on these scholarship opportunities, send an e-mail to gvyp@habitat.org.

General guidelines 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 GVYP trip. However, Latin American countries request one Spanish speaker for every five participants. If your group does not have enough Spanish speakers to satisfy that ratio, the cost of an in-country translator must be worked into the overall budget.
• Work-site safety – The on-site construction supervisor will instruct volunteers in the correct procedure for performing each task and will familiarize your group with the potential hazards and how such hazards can be minimized or avoided. Participants 14 to 17 years old will follow HFHI guidelines for age-appropriate activities in order to maintain the safest possible experience.
• Health and personal safety – The health and safety of GVYP teams is a top priority of HFHI. We keep informed of the latest travel advisories from all countries to which we send teams. However, the participant and his/her parents and the group leader have the responsibility of understanding the associated risks and making the final decision to participate in GVYP.