Frequently asked questions

General

What type of organization is WV?

World Volunteer is a social enterprise and a registered entity in Sweden.

Can anyone join a WV trip?

WV organizes trips for school groups, corporate groups, and families. Custom trips and travel is also an option. Check out our ‘Get Started’ pages to see what options we offer.

How much do WV trips cost?

The first step would be for our team to understand the type of trip (school, corporate, family) as well as other variables such as trip length, airfare, activities, etc. Our team will then provide a trip quotation.

How do payments work?

A 50% deposit invoice is sent several months ahead of the trip and the final invoice is sent roughly one month prior to the departure.

With that said, we are flexible, just let us know what time-line and method is most convenient and will do our best to accommodate.

How does WV choose the communities/projects we work with?

WV projects are based on need and always start with extensive research and a needs assessment. We never rush into projects and always consult with local professors, experts, and NGO’s. Check out our ‘Impact’ page to learn more about our process of starting new projects.

How are WV projects funded?

As WV is a social enterprise, we re-invest our profits back into the communities, projects, and initiatives.

For Schools

Can we customize the itinerary?

Yes, customizing the trip itinerary is possible. Just let our team know your ideas and will do our best to facilitate and accommodate.

Is it possible to travel with WV all year around?

Yes, trips are possible year round.

How long is needed to plan a trip with wv?

If WV will be handling the airfare, ideally, the flights will be secured 5 - 6 months from the departure date.

If the school will be handling the airfare

What is a home-stay for WV?

Home-stays are local families in the communities where we work that host students to stay at their home during the time the group is in the village. This is also a way for these families to earn income. Check out our ‘Impact’ page for more details.

How are the home-stay families prepared?

WV hosts a number of trainings for the home-stay families that cover topics such as language, hygiene, food preparation, menus, safety, etc. We also have several feedback sessions with the families and communities to ensure everything is running smoothly and to address any issues.

Our local operators in each country communicate often with the community members and village leadership.

Who will be with us during our trip with WV?

WV group trips are staffed with foreign native English speaking trip leaders as well as local guide(s). WV staff are with groups from the moment the group lands in country until the group is checked into their departing flight.

Family trips are run by local guides.

What is the procedure if a student needs to leave the village?

All WV trips have a standby vehicle and driver in the village with the group at all times. WV also has comprehensive emergency standard operating procedures in case of any incidents or emergencies.

Are WV staff First Aid trained?

Yes, all WV staff have recveived basic first aid and CPR training. The majority of trip leaders also have their Wilderness First Responder certification as well.

Do the students have access to fresh water in the village?

Yes, fresh water will be provided at all points through the trip. WV also has a no single use plastic policy for all trips and students are asked to bring their own water bottles.