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Goals / Philosophy: What is the philosophy of the program?
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Qualifications: Age requirements? Educational level
requirements? Particular skills needed?
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Work: What are the service options? Do I have a choice
in my placement? Who makes the final selection - the volunteer program
or the placement site? Is there a job description?
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Living: Where will I live? In a community of
other volunteers? With a religious community? On my own?
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Community: Does the program offer support to
volunteer communities? What kind of support? How structured is
the community life?
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| Spirituality: Is there a spiritual component to the
program? Does the program provide any support for the spiritual
development of its volunteers?
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| Support: What kind of support will I receive? Is
there a support person at each site? Are there people to whom I can
turn if I need to talk about an experience or if I am struggling at work or
in my community? Will the volunteer program staff make site visits?
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| Training: What kind of training will I receive?
Skills training? Language training? Is there an orientation
program? Is there any mid-service training or an end-of-service
re-entry program?
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| Safety: Is the area I will work in safe? Is the
area I will live in safe? What precautions are taken? What
resources are available to me on-site? (International: is the
political situation stable?)
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| Finances:
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What are the financial costs to me? |
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Will I receive a stipend? |
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Who pays for housing and meals? |
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Who pays for transportation costs to the site, to
training, and back home? |
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Does the program help volunteers arrange suspension
of loan payments for student debt? |
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If I need to raise money, will the volunteer program
assist me? Are the donations tax-deductible for my donors?
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Health: What type of health insurance will I
receive? Who pays for the policy? (International: Do I need to
get immunization shots?)
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Dates: When exactly do I have to start? When does
the program end? Can I stay longer (extend) if I desire? What
happens if I leave early?
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Former Volunteers: Can you give me names of people who
have participated in your program with whom I can talk or meet?
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Travel/Vacation: Do I get a vacation? Can I
travel back home for a family emergency or for holidays? Who pays for
an emergency trip?
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Once
you know what your individual needs are, it is time to start asking
program directors questions to see where a match may occur. This can involve a
significant amount of time on the telephone or sending email, but it is very
important. Here are some questions we recommend that you ask the program
directors:
