IWF Frequently Asked Questions

How do I donate to Inner Wisdom?

Visit the Donation page for more information or click on the SUPPORT US now button.

Tell me more about Inner Wisdom?

Visit the About Us page.

How can I be sure that the Inner Wisdom Foundation is a legitimate organisation?

We are a private, Not-For-Profit, Non Government organisation (NGO), based in Montpelier, Vermont, USA and our EIN number is 26-3174992.

How do I volunteer?

You can learn more about volunteering with IWF by visiting the Volunteer section of this website.

Do I have to be from the United States?

NO, we accept volunteers from all over the world.

Which countries do most of your volunteers come from?

The majority of our volunteers come from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

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Can groups (e.g. family, church, college) volunteer together?

YES,we have various projects that can support group work. However we request that group arrangements be made a minimum twelve (12) weeks in advance. The program fee will be required ten (10) weeks prior to arrival to secure the group placement. For groups with children, we recommend children be at least 12 years old.

Are there discounted fees for groups?

Group fees are available for those going under the supervision of one team leader. Specific details in regards to this can be requested. Your group leader needs to contact IWF directly to discuss project placement, logistics, requested travel dates, include information about each group member. You will be notified by email as to whether your request is successful.

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Is there a discount available if I volunteer with someone else?

Only if you are traveling in a group of three or more, couples do not qualify for a discount.

What is the program fee? Why do I have to pay this?

The program fee is $150USD. The program fee secures your placement with the partner of your choice and covers all the administrative costs of setting up your volunteer placement. The fee is fully refundable up to four (4) weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer.

May I use my program fee to access multiple projects?

YES, your program fee is valid for a five (5) year period from the date your payment is received. This means that you can access multiple IWF programs for five (5) years and you only have to pay your program fee once.

What are the volunteer fees?

These fees are subject to change due to resource availability.

  • One (1) week: $200 USD
  • Two (2) weeks: $400 USD
  • Three (3) weeks: $600 USD
  • Four (4) weeks (one month): $800 USD
  • Six (6) weeks: $1000 USD

Longer volunteer/internships up to 2 years can be arranged at $125 USD/week beyond the first six (6) weeks. Note: week = 7 days

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Are meals included in my volunteer fee?

Yes, full room and board are included in your volunteer fee.

Three daily meals are included in the volunteer/internship fees. Meal times will be communicated to you once you arrive at the project site. If volunteer/intern misses a meal without prior communication with the host family, that meal will become the responsibility of the volunteer/intern. Snacks or in between meals are not provided and are at the cost of the volunteer/intern. NOTE: most homes are vegetarian, meat is very rare.

Typical meals may include:

  • Breakfast: leftover staples from prior night and chai.
  • Lunch: A staple (Posho [cooked maize flour], rice, or pasta - when available), served with sauce/soup, beans or stew.
  • Dinner: A staple (Posho, rice, sweet potatoes, cassava, matooke [green banana]) served with one/two of the following: curry sauce/soup, beans, pumpkin, greens, ground nut (peanuts) sauce with small fish.

NOTE: If you decide to travel during the weekend and your time off meals become the responsibility of the volunteer/intern.

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Can you accommodate vegetarians or special dietary needs?

Most host families meals are vegetarian. Fish and chicken are offered on occasion but can be cooked separately upon request.

Special dietary needs should be disclosed four (4) weeks in advance to allow necessary preparation time to accommodate needs.

What else does my volunteer fee include?

In addition to accommodations, meals as described above, and orientation, your volunteer fee includes: 24/7 on the ground staff support while in Uganda, a donation to develop and sustain your partner projects, and airport and initial project transportation.

What are the living arrangements when volunteering?

After you are met at the airport by an IWF representative or partner you will be taken to your accommodations based on arrival time. Each partner has different accommodations, some partners are located in remote villages while others are in the center of town. Some provide private rooms while others have hostel/dorm like settings. In all cases a bed, sheets, blanket, pillow and mosquito net will be provided. City power and running water are only available in the city settings. More specific living arrangements will be provided once you have chosen a partner to volunteer with.

Private accommodations for families or groups can be arranged with eight (8) advance weeks notice.

Drinking water will be provided in all settings. Bottled water will not be provided (unless boiled water is not available). You are welcome to purchase your own bottled water for drinking.

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What can I expect when I first arrive in Uganda?

You will be met at the airport in Entebbe or bus station in Kampala by an IWF representative or partner representative. Depending on time of arrival you may be taken to a city guesthouse for the night and transported to your volunteer placement the following day.

Do I have to pay for airport pickup?

No, transport from the airport/bus terminal is covered within the volunteer fee, you will be able to book these as part of the confirmation process. A representative from IWF or a IWF partner will be present at your arrival. Volunteers must send us their flight information. Notice of flight cancellations must be communicated to us. Volunteers who decide to do in-country travel will have to arrange their own return transport to the airport.

Will I have any orientation once I arrive?

Yes, your volunteer fee includes a trip to Kampala, simple language introduction, a trip to a cultural center that highlights traditional song, dance, and storytelling. A small volunteer guide will be sent to you on confirmation of your volunteer stay to help you pack and prepare for your stay in Uganda.

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When do I pay my fees?

The program fee is payable to Inner Wisdom Foundation no later than eight (8) weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Your volunteer fees must be paid in full prior to four (4) weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of all fees are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer.

Are my fees refundable?

All fees are refundable prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer
A full refund minus any transfer fees will be provided if requested up to four (4) weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer.
A 50% refund minus any transfer fees will be provided if requested between four and two weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer.
A 25% refund minus any transfer fees will be provided between two weeks and the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. (accommodations/logistics will have already been secured at this point.)
No refund will be provided if requested after the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer.
Refunds must be requested in writing. Verbal requests will not be honored.

If you choose to leave your volunteer placement early no refund will be given. IWF is a small organisation that was formed to contribute to the restoration of hope, improve the quality of life of people in developing communities. The volunteer program is one of the strategies used by IWF to mobilize resources used to implement activities for the achievement of the above mentioned mission. Therefore a volunteer program fee paid by any volunteer is put directly into IWF Partner projects and covers administrative costs.

Are there more expenses once I arrive?

Extra costs may include buying bottled water, alcoholic beverages, soda/pops, snacks, dining out, VISA fees, and any shopping or traveling you do personally.

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Do you provide any financial support?

No, we do not offer direct financial support, but we offer team leaders (groups of four or more) 50% off their program fee.

Are the fees and expenses tax deductible?

If you file taxes in the United States then YES, we are registered as a non-profit organisation in the United States

Who organizes my flights?

YOU are responsible for all travel costs; however, we are happy to offer assistance when making international travel arrangements. A few cheap airfare internet sites can be accessed below:

Do I need a college degree to volunteer?

NO, anyone can volunteer for general projects. HOWEVER - if you plan to teach in primary (elementary) grades (p1-p7) for a full term or more we require that you have at least two years of college. If you plan to teach in secondary (high school) grades (s1-s6) you must have a college degree in the subject you plan on teaching.

If you are interested in a medical placement, you must have at least a college degree in pre-med, or hold a valid nursing/EMT certification or degree. For all other projects, college level education is not required.

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What kind of volunteer work is available?

We have a number of projects offered. For more information see the Volunteer page in the this website.

What age do you have to be to volunteer?

Individuals must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult and all parties should be in good health.

Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?

YES, however, you may have English as your second language, if you speak Swahili this will be taken into consideration when applying for teaching positions.

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What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

When traveling to any international developing area we suggest (NOTE: some are legally required by country):

  • Yellow fever vaccination (legally required to enter Uganda and to obtain a Visa),
  • Diphtheria (optional),
  • Polio (recommended),
  • Hepatitis A & B (OPTIONAL - Hep B is only needed if volunteering in a public health project),
  • Typhoid (recommended),
  • Rabies (OPTIONAL),
  • Tuberculosis (recommended),
  • Malaria (needs to be closely discussed with doctor),
  • Tetanus (recommended), and
  • all childhood immunizations should be current.

For more information on the required vaccinations visit: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention

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What is a typical work day?

Project work is normally Monday to Friday, hours vary from 5-6 hours per day. The total hours that you are expected to be "on the job", in various activities, is 20-30 hours per week.

Can I travel/vacation while volunteering?

YES! IWF encourages volunteers to visit other regions in Uganda and/or neighboring countries (Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda). Any time that you are not expected to be working you are free to do as you please. Our host communities are very friendly and would be more than happy to entertain you or show you some of the local attractions. Weekend trips are encouraged. You can survive on as little as US$30 a day, but can also spend much more if you want a bit of luxury. If you would like to vacation for longer than a weekend a week notice would be required to adjust project work schedules.

Here is a small sample of companies that offer great weekend getaways so you can explore Uganda

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Who organizes my country Visa for my volunteer placement?

If Visa's are required based on your country of origin, you should organize your Visa through a travel agent or independently - visit the Ugandan embassy website for more information. In Uganda, for citizens of most countries, you can do this at the airport when you arrive or before you get to Uganda. Currently, Visa's cost US$50 (Bring a $50US bill, dated 2003 and above).

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is recommended. This should be purchased above and beyond any healthcare insurance you may have.

What should I bring with me?

A detailed travel guide along with a checklist will be provided once you have registered for a program and have paid the initial program fee.

What clothing is appropriate for the programs?

Dress should be conservative. Light colored, loose clothing is best as it is most comfortable in the heat. It is best to wear clothes that will protect you from the sun and insects. Women typically wear loose tops and long skirts. Shorts are not recommended in rural settings due to cultural differences. Once your volunteer/intern stay is confirmed a detailed packing list will be sent to you to help you prepare for your trip to Uganda.

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How safe is it to volunteer internationally?

The Ugandan people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners, so you will be well looked after. Uganda has a democratic electoral process and mixed macroeconomic conditions. However, you should use common sense as you would anywhere, particularly in Kampala or its surrounding districts.

What is the climate like in Uganda?

Although the country lies on the equator, most of Uganda is on a plateau 3,600-6,000 ft/900-1,830 m above sea level. Temperatures in some parts of the country can vary quite a bit (high 60's-90's) owing to the country's high altitude, depending on the season.

Tell me more about Uganda?

For more detailed information on Uganda please visit these sites:

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Have more Questions?

E-mail Us!
iwf.inaction@gmail.com

Send us your question.

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