FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I volunteer?

Visit the volunteer page and fill out the application.

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 organization?

We are a private, Non Government Organization (NGO), based in East Montpelier, Vermont, USA and our EIN number is 263174992.

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

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

YES, a discount on your application fee is available for two or more people volunteering together if they are from the same immediate family, a married couple, an engaged couple, or a cohabiting couple. An application fee of US$350 covers two people in any of the above situations who are volunteering together; this is instead of individual application fees of US$250.

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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 complete the volunteer application and include information about each group member. You will be notified by email as to whether your application is successful.

Are my fees refundable?

YES, your application fee is fully refundable up to four weeks prior to departure. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable up to four weeks prior to departure to your program destination.

May I use my application fee to access multiple programs?

YES, your application 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 application fee once.

Do you provide any financial support?

NO, we do not offer direct financial support, but we offer team leaders 50% off their program fees and the application fee is waived.

Are the fees and expenses tax deductible?

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

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Who organizes my flights?

For PROJECT MORNING STAR,IWF does. We provide all travel arrangements.
For PROJECT AFRICA,YOU are responsible however, we offer assistance making international travel arrangements.

Do I need a college degree to volunteer?

NO, anyone can volunteer for the building programs.
HOWEVER - if you plan to teach for a full term or more with Project Morning Star at l east two years of college is required.
If you plan to teach an adult vocation in Uganda you must have a college degree, certification or license in the subject you are applying for or at least five (5) years of direct field experience.

What kind of volunteer work is available?

We have a number of projects offered. For more information see the programs page.

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 French or Spanish this will be taken into consideration for teaching placements.

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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,
  • Polio,
  • Hepatitis A &B (Hep B is only needed if volunteering in a public health project),
  • Typhoid,
  • Rabies (optional),
  • Tuberculosis,
  • Malaria (needs to be closely discussed with doctor),
  • Tetanus, and
  • all childhood immunizations should be current.

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

What are the living arrangements when volunteering?

After you are met at the airport by an IWF representative you will be taken to your accommodations based on arrival time. You may be required to share a room with one or more volunteers. Private rooms or accommodations for families or groups can be arranged. Meals and water for bathing will be provided. You are advised to buy your own bottled water for drinking once you arrive in any developing country however boiled water will be available for drinking. For more specific living arrangements see individual projects.

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Can I bring my family/children/church group to a project with me?

YES, but group/family arrangements need to be made two (2) months in advance. We recommend children be at least 12 years old.

Can I sightsee while volunteering?

YES. Any time that you are not expected to be working you are free to do as you please. Teaching hours vary from 5-6 hours per day. Construction hours vary from 6-8 hours per day. Public outreach/HIV testing vary from 5-8 hours per day. Generally, the total hours that you are expected to be "on the job", in various activities, is 35-40 hours per week. 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, traveling in Uganda and US$100 a day traveling in Honduras. You can also spend much more if you want a bit of luxury.

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When do I pay my fees?

Your application fee secures your place in the project (remember: up to four weeks prior to departure this is fully refundable if you decide not to go). Your program fee is payable to Inner Wisdom eight (8) weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee 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. On hundred percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until four (4) weeks prior to departure for your program.

Are there more expenses once I arrive?

The program fee covers airport transportation and room and board while you are in your host country. Some projects include airfare (Project Morning Star), some do not. See individual projects for more information. Extra costs may include buying bottled water, departure tax and any shopping or traveling you do personally.

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 countries 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

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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.

What clothing is appropriate for the programs?

Dress needs to 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. For the building programs you need a set of work boots, and long pants as the work can be messy.

How safe is it to volunteer internationally?

The Ugandan and Honduran people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners, so you will be well looked after. Both countries have a democratic electoral process and mixed macroeconomic conditions. However, you should use common sense as you would anywhere, particularly in the cities.

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.

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Tell me more about Uganda?

Uganda is a land locked country in East Africa that shares borders with Sudan to its north, Kenya to the east, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Tanzania and Rwanda to the south. The population of Uganda is roughly 21 million people 90% of which live subsistent lifestyles in extreme poverty (below US$1 a day).

Lake Victoria the second largest fresh water body in the world and provides for the small-scale fish industry in the south and south-eastern regions.

Uganda is one of the poorest countries in the world, with per capita income at roughly US$276 and a very low life expectancy (average 48yrs) which is expected to worsen as a consequence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Currently there are 1.9 million orphaned children under 18 years of age.

What is the climate like in Honduras?

Honduras is prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, droughts, floods and landslides. Your volunteer packet will include emergency instructions and you will be given other safety advice in your orientation once you arrive in Honduras.

Honduras has a mixed climate - subtropical in the lowlands and temperate in the mountains. The rainy season goes from May until November and the dry season goes from December until May.

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Tell me more about Honduras?

Honduras is the second-largest country in Central America and is the second-poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. According to the most recent Honduran census, the country suffers from 55% unemployment and even larger numbers of "underemployment". More than 66% of the population lives below the poverty line of US$2 a day. Honduras has had a relatively organized political process in place since the early 1980s. It also has mixed macroeconomic conditions; growth has been strong, but inflation remains high. In rural areas, 61% of families live in extreme poverty (below US$1 a day).

Those that live below the poverty line have no access to healthcare, and about one-fifth of all young children are malnourished. Public education is provided for all children between the ages of seven and fourteen and the majority of school-age children are in school, but fewer than half of those enrolled in public schools complete the primary level.

For more detailed information visit a few of these sites:


Have more Questions?

Call Us! 1-802-585-5882
E-mail Us!
admin@innerwisdomvt.org

Send us your question.

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