Here are some common questions that our TRU travellers ask
– but if we’ve missed anything, simply get in touch!

Volunteering with TRU Experience Travel

Why Volunteer Abroad?
What types of projects are available?
Can I fundraise for my project?
What countries does TRU cover?
How long do TRU Volunteering Projects Last?
Do I need qualifications to volunteer abroad?
Do I need to be physically fit to volunteer with TRU?
Can overseas volunteers still apply with TRU?
Who are TRU Experience Travel?
Why volunteer with TRU Experience Travel?
How old do I have to be?
Are there any additional costs?
Will I receive a certificate for my volunteer work?
I’m good to go! What is the cheapest volunteering project with TRU?

Booking your TRU Experience

When should I book a TRU project?
Can I book more than one project?
When should I book my flight for?
What does the TRU package include?
What transport is included in my programme?
What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
When should my booking be paid in full?
Can I book my experience with friends?

Planning for your Trip

Should I book travel insurance?
Do I need a visa?
What about vaccinations?
What should I pack?
Can I connect with others who are going to same place?
Will someone pick me up from the airport?
I’m not ready yet – how do I stay in the loop?

During your Programme

Do I need to be able to speak the language?
What is the accommodation like?
What will the meals be like?
What if I’m a picky eater?
Will I have Wifi?
Will I have free time to do my own thing?
How much money should I take with me?

Health and Safety

What if I become ill or injured?
What COVID19 measures are in place in TRU Volunteer Centres?
I am travelling on my own – will I be safe?

PARENTS FAQ

Are the countries safe?
How do I get the right vaccinations for my child?
Can you arrange travel insurance?
What if my child gets sick or injured?
What if my child gets homesick?
My child is easily distracted! How do I know they’ll get there safely?
Can you help with arranging the journey?
How do you select the accommodation?
Will there be supervision on the project?
How do you select the accommodation?
What will the food be like? Are meals included?
Will there be other people on the project?
How much money does my child need to bring with them?

Why Volunteer Abroad?

Volunteering abroad benefits everyone! Whilst you have the experience of a lifetime, learning about new cultures, and picking up new skills, you will also be helping the local community through your donation and your hands-on support. Volunteering abroad will also provide a great addition to your CV which tells prospective colleges and employers that you are a bit of a go-getter – and braver than your average bear!

What types of projects are available?

We have a huge range of projects accessible to you! Check out our: Cultural Experiences, Buddhism Experiences, Marine Experiences, Veterinary Projects, Teaching Projects, as well as a wide range of Internships, and many more great experiences to choose from.

Can I fundraise for my project?

Many of our travellers do fundraise to help with their projects, but it is not necessary to do so. However, as many of the projects take place in poorer areas, funds raised are greatly appreciated by the local community.

What countries does TRU cover?

Currently the exciting locations that we offer are:

How long do TRU volunteering projects last?

We offer projects from 1 week to 12 months and anywhere in between. You can also combine projects across countries – perfect for an adventure-filled gap year!

Do I need qualifications to volunteer abroad?

Most projects do not need qualifications – only a sunny disposition and a love of adventure! However, some healthcare projects, such as medical, veterinary or clinical programmes do require a minimum graduate level. Where qualifications are required, you will find this detailed within the programme information.

Do I need to be physically fit to volunteer with TRU?

This depends entirely on the projects you are undertaking. However, wherever you choose to volunteer, your stay will be easier if you have a reasonable level of fitness, and it will also mean you can get the most out of your adventures!

Can overseas volunteers still apply with TRU?

Yes! Whilst we are UK-based, we have partners all over the world, and can accommodate volunteers from overseas. We will set up a Zoom call to chat with you about your project and ensure that you have all the information you need well in advance of your travel date.

Who are TRU Experience Travel?

TRU was founded by Hannah Whittaker-George, a seasoned world traveller and passionate community volunteer who sought to create safe and rewarding opportunities for others who want to ‘give something back’ to society – and have fun as they do! TRU now operates worldwide, bringing much-needed support, skills and opportunities to poorer communities, year on year in line with the original ethos of its founder.

Why volunteer with TRU Experience Travel?

We check our overseas projects regularly to ensure that they continue to meet with the stringent standards set by TRU. Further, we have built strong relationships with our international partners and share common values in providing safe, fun volunteering placements for all.

How old do I have to be?

To travel alone to one of our projects, you must be 18 years or over. For anyone under the age of 18, you must provide a parental/guardianship consent form AND be accompanied by an appropriate adult (for example, Scout/School Groups).

Are there any additional costs?

All of our experiences, projects and group trips include your meals, accommodation, supporting and training, so usually, all you’ll need is money for spending and some extra for transport (eg., bus) to and from your project if required. The only extra money you will need is a small amount for spending money.

Will I receive a certificate for my volunteer work?

We know that many students volunteer to improve their life skills and to enhance their career opportunities. That’s why each volunteer receives a certificate on completion of their project as proof of their contribution to the communities they have worked with.

I’m good to go! What is the cheapest volunteering project with TRU?

For a fantastic time on a budget, check out TRU projects in THAILAND where you can browse through a myriad of projects from Kindergarten volunteering to environmental conservation. Alternatively, head over to our INDONESIA or SRI LANKA projects for a great selection of exciting activities that won’t cost the earth!

Booking your TRU Experience

When should I book a TRU project?

You can book now! Many of our volunteers book a year or two in advance to give themselves time to fundraise or to save their spending money.

Can I book more than one project?

Yes, you can combine projects, and we also can arrange multi trips, either within a country or across countries. We will help you to organise your trip, and will always look for the best travel deals available for you.

When should I book my flight for?

You should plan to arrive the day before your project begins, to allow you time to settle in and familiarise yourself with your surroundings. Whilst most projects begin on a Monday, you should check your project itinerary for details, as road trips start days vary. Should you arrive earlier, we may be able to arrange a room for you, depending on your project and capacity at your accommodation – just let us know at the time of booking.

What does the TRU package include?

Our experiences are all priced differently, depending on the location However, all packages include safe accommodation and basic facilities, 3 meals per day (2 at the weekends) and support at the location. Airport transfers may be included, but if not, these can be arranged and paid for separately. Many of our centres include free wifi, activities and recreational areas – check your chosen project for details.

What transport is included in my programme?

All pickups are included – but do check out your specific project itinerary for further information. If you are volunteering and travelling from one of our projects to another, transfers are also usually organised for you. However, flights to your destination country are not included in your TRU package, as neither are airport drop-offs. Further, any extracurricular activities/excursions that you book of your own accord will also need to be paid outwith your project package.

What if I need to cancel or change my booking?

We understand that travel plans can change – that’s why we recommend you speak to us as early as possible so that we help you to make alternative arrangements. Should you need to cancel, get in touch; we will do all that we can to accommodate your needs.

When should my booking be paid in full?

Your booking can be paid in full, or in instalments, with final payment due no later than two weeks prior to the project start date.

Can I book my experience with friends?

Yes, we can arrange group bookings, and many of our volunteers do! Check out our Group Bookings section for more information.

Planning for your Trip

Should I book travel insurance?

Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory, and you should take out the best travel insurance you can to cover for all eventualities. To help you keep your travel needs in one place, TRU are partnered with World Nomads where you can arrange travel insurance to suit your needs.

Do I need a visa?

This will differ depending on the country, and you will find most of the information you need on your chosen project page. For up to date guidance. Get in touch with us if you have any further questions around arriving and staying in the country of your project.

What about vaccinations?

You will find information on each project or experience, about any vaccinations you may need prior to entry. Plan ahead for these, as some courses may take 6 weeks or longer to administer, and requirements are continually updated as outbreaks can emerge in different countries. You can find out all about vaccinations you might require on the NHS website, Fit for Travel   But of course, always go to your GP – and don’t forget to check out further information on PCR Testing. Please ensure that you read our Covid Healthy and Safety Policy prior to travelling.

What should I pack?

You will be given a pack list of items you should bring. However, depending on where your project is, there will be the opportunity to pick up basic essentials such as toiletries, batteries and stationery at local shops. Before you pack, find out as much as you can about the climate and base your clothing on the types of activities you will likely be taking up, as well as any cultural expectations in that country. For example, if you are working in a school, or will be visiting temples, you may want to ensure that you bring ‘respectable’ clothing; if you are working on a building site, you should pack appropriate footwear, caps and t-shirts that you don’t mind getting holes in!

Can I connect with others who are going to the same place?

Head over to our Facebook page where you can put a call-out to others heading to the same project. You can also reach out to many of the coordinators too!

Will someone pick me up from the airport?

Transport from the airport is included, and someone from our team will take you directly to where you will be staying. In the case of late flights or changes, you will have a number to call to ensure that you are picked up safely. Check your itinerary for details of transport arrangements.

During your Programme

Do I need to be able to speak the language?

All of our programmes are supervised by a coordinator who is usually local to the area and bilingual, so it’s not necessary for you to be able to speak the language fluently. However, many of our programmes have an orientation day that covers basic phrases to enable you to get by – and to show courtesy to locals. If you have time, we recommend you practice learning as much of the language as you can as this will enhance your experience!

What is the accommodation like?

Living in communal accommodation can be great fun, but we understand that some volunteers will have personal or cultural concerns. That’s why we offer dorm-style single-sex accommodation – and where available, private rooms which can be secured at the time of booking. Our accommodation provides bed linen, washing/toilet facilities and communal areas, as well as kitchens and outdoor areas to relax in. However, in some more remote areas, you may have very basic facilities and toilets may be ‘hole in the ground’ affairs rather than western-style toilets. You can find out more about where you will be staying in the ‘About your Accommodation’ section of your project.

What will the meals be like?

You will have 3 meals per day included in your package, with 2 meals at the weekend (brunch and dinner). Meals are generally typical of the area you will be staying in, so you’ll get a real feel for authentic local cuisine. However, most of our programmes offer western meal options- unless you’re in very remote areas such as small islands or living with a tribe!. Check the meals section of your programme for more information.

What if I’m a picky eater?

We all have things we don’t like to eat, but if you know in advance that you’re going to struggle with some of the dishes, you will find that most of our Volunteer Centres have communal fridges for you to purchase and store your own food. Hot countries will generally have plenty of delicious fresh fruit and vegetables available, so you’ll not be short of ingredients for basic healthy meals. For this reason, vegetarians are usually easily catered for – but do let us know in advance of any dietary requirements you may have.

Will I have Wifi?

The all-important question! This varies, depending on the country and how remote your location is, but where we do have wifi available, you will generally find it in the communal areas of your accommodation. We may recommend buying a SIM card for your phone where wifi is weak or unreliable and you will be told where you can purchase these during your orientation day.

Will I have free time to do my own thing?

Yes, your project or experience will have set times, and you will have plenty of time to explore your surroundings with your new-found friends! Our volunteers often plan trips further afield at the weekends and choose local activities throughout the week.

How much money should I take with me?

This depends on a number of things, such as the area, proximity to a city, and how much you’d like to see and explore whilst you’re there! You won’t really need much on your project, save for pocket money to cover snacks and favourite foods! However, as a rough estimate, we suggest budgeting for around £50 per week. Many of our experiences offer additional activities, such as white water rafting, hiking or sightseeing trips which you can choose to take part in. Where these are offered, you will have the opportunity to book these in advance and budget for them.

Health and Safety

What if I become ill or injured?

TRU team staff are fully trained to ensure the health and wellbeing of our volunteers. Should any individual become ill or injured, they will quickly assess and arrange appropriate medical treatment where required. You will find information on nearby medical centres and hospitals on your chosen project or can speak to a member of staff to get details on first-aid arrangements.

What COVID19 measures are in place in TRU Volunteer Centres?

All measures are taken to ensure that you have a safe experience. Please read through our Covid Policy for further information.

I am travelling on my own – will I be safe?

The health and safety of all TRU volunteers and travellers is paramount, and risk assessments are carried out regularly, with emergency protocols a strict requirement of all TRU team staff. To ensure volunteers have all necessary information, most of our projects involve an orientation day, during which they will be informed of what they need to be aware of to stay safe. Further, staff are based locally or live directly on the sites with the volunteers, and our centres always have medical care facilities close by.

In addition, all of our over 18 volunteers and those working with vulnerable adults or children must have a DBS check, verified on arrival, in order to participate in our projects, to ensure that those our volunteers work with are also kept safe.

We also communicate with individual minor volunteers’ parents and have an open WhatsApp group 24/7. Risk assessments are also in place for each country and all staff are trained and aware of emergency policies. Lastly, all under 18 groups are designated with their own coordinator throughout their trip.

I’m not ready yet – how do I stay in the loop?

You can follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with new projects and check out recommendations from previous volunteers.

PARENTS FAQ

Are the countries safe?

Before we set up a project in a destination, the country must be politically stable and safe. If they are not, we don’t go. We constantly check Government Foreign Advice and inform volunteers of any potential risks before they book. Check out Government advice on foreign travel.

How do I get the right vaccinations for my child?

You can find out all about vaccinations you might require on the NHS website, Fit for Travel   It’s important to check regularly, the vaccination requirements of the country your child is going to.  Further, check out up-to-date information on PCR Testing. And ensure that you read our Covid Policy prior to your child travelling.

Can you arrange travel insurance?

We can help with all aspects of your child’s journey, and that includes travel insurance. Our partners, World Nomads provide excellent comprehensive travel insurance to give you full peace of mind whilst your child is abroad.

What if my child gets sick or injured?

Your child will learn all about what to do and who to speak to if they feel sick as part of the orientation programme. Where a child is injured, our staff will be on hand during the programme to assess the situation and take the appropriate course of action, whether that’s a local doctor or hospital.

Our centres are carefully located to ensure that medical care is never far away for just such an eventuality, and there is an emergency number which they can call out of hours if needed. Please be aware that we cannot pay for medical fees and emergency transport, so it’s crucial that you have travel insurance to cover for this. We recommend our partners link to World Nomads for fully comprehensive travel insurance.

In any event, you will be contacted by our team to apprise you of the situation, so you will be kept in the loop as much as is practically possible.

What if my child gets homesick?

This is really common, and can often happen in the first few days as they get used to very different surroundings. Our staff are used to supporting children who are missing home, and will be on hand to give them reassurance and access to wifi, etc so that they can keep in touch with family regularly.

Will there be supervision on the project?

Staff are based locally or live directly on site this puts staff in a good position to monitor the wellbeing and safety of the volunteers. They will also have supervision in their place of volunteering, so will always have someone on hand to turn to if they need support.

How can I contact my child during their trip?

We have a 24/7 emergency telephone line which will be given to you with your information pack. We also provide field contact details of where the volunteers will be staying, and you can get in touch with coordinators for emergencies if needed. We also ensure that volunteers are able to access wifi – either within our centres, where available or by using a local SIM card, which we help volunteers with during their orientation day.

My child is easily distracted! How do I know they’ll get there safely?

Heading off on an adventure is exciting stuff! But don’t worry – before our intrepid explorers set foot in a plane, we have a pre-departure briefing, and we will check to ensure that volunteers have the right Visa, Insurance cover, flights and bookings. On arrival, a member of staff will be also waiting to take them to their accommodation and will answer any concerns or queries they might have. We even remind our volunteers to phone home and let them know that they have arrived safely:)

Can you help with arranging the journey?

If you wish, we will help book the full journey for you – just get in touch to discuss your needs and any queries you may have. From there, we can help you to book all flights and transfer to ensure that your child has a safe and pleasant journey.

How do you select the accommodation?

We check the standard of accommodation our travellers will be staying in with our partners prior to any trip. The accommodation is checked on a daily basis by staff, and we get regular feedback from previous volunteers. We will only accept clean, hygienic and comfortable accommodation. Further, we are kept up to date with any work that might be commencing during our volunteers’ programmes, and if this will affect them in any way, we will arrange alternative accommodation.

What will the food be like? Are meals included?

Meals are usually traditional local cuisine and will be freshly prepared each day. Our packages include 3 meals per day, and two at the weekends when brunch and dinner will be served. It is highly likely that the food will be different to what volunteers are used to, so they must be willing and prepared to try new things! Further, there are usually vegan/vegetarian options available and we can normally cater for specific dietary needs, but do check the project details in advance.

Will there be other people on the project?

Yes! Your child will not be alone and will make new friends of other volunteers from all over the world. Our staff are also on hand to offer support where needed.

How much money does my child need to bring with them?

The amount of money a volunteer will require can vary greatly depending on the individual’s preferences and travel plans. We recommend £50 per week to ensure that they have enough for their basic supplies and activities. During the stay, travellers will be taken to an ATM machine and shown where they can safely withdraw cash in the local currency.