Welcome to our FAQ page. Scroll down to find answers to questions regarding application, health ,funding, training, programmes and travel .

APPLICATIONS

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When should I apply?

Programmes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early will give you the best choice of programmes. We always endeavour to give an applicant a place on their preferred programme, but may sometimes be unable to do so.

How am I selected?

Applicants are selected on the basis of their application form, personal statement, references and assessment through an interview. Further procedures are advised on an individual basis. If you are as yet undecided about whether to apply, come to an Information session. This gives you the chance to chat to ex-volunteers about their time overseas - the best way to find out what life is really like as an SPW volunteer.

Do I have to be Australian?

No. The majority of SPW's overseas volunteers are actually British, an increasing proportion are from continental Europe, Australasia and the Americas. Over half of our volunteers are recruited locally, in the countries we work in.

Can the organisation put you in direct contact with past volunteers?

Yes. If you come along to an Information Session, you can speak to volunteers recently returned from the programmes. This is a wonderful way to get a real feel for SPW and what it is like to volunteer on a program – warts and all!

HEALTH

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What are the health requirements for volunteers?

SPW organises volunteer health checks through Interhealth to ensure that they are sufficiently healthy to live and work in the tough conditions they may face. SPW gives full medical advice to volunteers pre-departure on necessary inoculations and precautions.

What health provisions are available overseas?

SPW organises comprehensive medical insurance (including local medical insurance), which provides for medical repatriation if necessary. All offices have details of recommended physicians and clinics and have a wealth of experience in dealing with the likely health problems volunteers may experience whilst on placement.

FUNDING

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What is the cost of a programme?

Volunteers do not pay a fee to join a programme. Instead we ask that you become a fundraiser for the charity, raising a minimum donation before you go overseas. Volunteers are essential to the work we do in two ways: not only do you give your time and service overseas but also raising vital unrestricted funds helps us continue our work.

We ask each International Volunteer to make a commitment to raise a minimum of AUD $10,000.

As a volunteer on one of our programmes SPW provides you with: return airfare from Australia, international travel insurance, 4 day intensive pre-departure training, a health check, a month in-country training, in-country office support, food and accommodation throughout your placement, a work permit, a regular basic living allowance, in-country staff visits, debriefing, and monitoring and evaluation.

Where does the money go?

The money volunteers raise is an unrestricted donation which supports SPW in achieving its development aims. As an unrestricted donation we would be unable to give a breakdown of where the donation has been used.

Does SPW make any financial contribution to its volunteer programmes?

The actual cost of SPW hosting a volunteer on our programme is far greater than the amount a volunteer raises and we need to undertake organisational fundraising activities to sustain the programme. So the money volunteers raise doesn’t directly cover the costs of actually hosting the volunteer.

The majority of our funds come from sources such as government ministries, international aid agencies, charitable trusts and foundations, and individuals.

How do I raise the money?

Volunteers raise money from a variety of sources - working, whether packing frozen chickens (not recommended if you ever want to enjoy eating them again), waitressing or busking; family and friends, and fundraising. People and businesses are often willing to be very generous in supporting work that will make a genuine difference especially if they can see that you are also making an effort. SPW gives applicants a comprehensive fund-raising pack, including advice, ideas and examples of successful approaches from past volunteers.

TRAINING

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What training and preparation is provided in Australia ?

All prospective volunteers attend Information Sessions. Further briefings enable volunteers to meet each other, returned volunteers and both Australia and in-country staff. A Melbourne based pre-departure briefing runs for 4 intensive days, covering the history of development and volunteering, practical advice about placement and living in a developing country, cultural sensitivities, group and teamwork training, case scenarios and problem solving activities, and volunteers receive detailed medical information and equipment requirements. Training often involves guest speakers who provide insight into development work and programmes. An information pack is also supplied which covers a list of recommended reading, and cultural, social and historical topics to fully prepare volunteers for the time they arrive overseas.

What training is there overseas?

The exact length of the training program and its content is tailored to the program you are going on. With the exception of India , this training lasts a minimum of one month. Training is run by SPW staff and representatives of NGOs that we work with and other specialist organisations, and is intended to prepare volunteers for working and living in rural communities.

PROGRAMMES

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What kind of support does SPW give volunteers?

SPW has field staff resident in each country working from one or more permanent offices. They visit and assess all placements, organise training, accommodation and subsistence payments. All volunteers receive regular visits in their placements. Workshops during term-time allow volunteers to swap ideas and receive refresher training; at the end of placements, debriefs allow for an assessment of what has been achieved and suggestions for future action to ensure sustainability.

Exactly what work will I be doing?

This will vary depending on the programme and country that you choose. You will be working with rural youth and communities and will use non-formal teaching methodologies to share information.

Will I be safe?

SPW works in some of the poorest areas on earth. We recruit volunteers who want to accept this REAL challenge. There will of course be certain inherent risks involved, but we do our best to prepare volunteers for them and give advice as to how to avoid and deal with potential risks. All SPW offices have recognised contingency plans to deal with emergencies. Should it prove necessary, volunteers will be evacuated from the area or country they are in. The rural areas we work in are usually the safest places to be in times of disturbance - the most serious risk to volunteers is usually from petty crime in the urban centres. SPW keeps in close touch with the Australian and British Embassies and High Commissions in the countries we work in, along with NGOs and other organisations on the ground to ensure that safety information and advice given to volunteers is as up-to-date as possible.

What sort of housing will I live in?

An essential part of being an SPW volunteer is living in the midst of the community you are working in. You may be in standard teachers' accommodation, living with a family, or in a hostel. Conditions will be basic - there will often be no running water or electricity.

Can I choose who I am partnered with?

Exact partnerships are decided in-country following discussion with SPW staff and other volunteers. We regret that for cultural reasons we are unable to place unmarried couples together.

What happens at the end of the program?

Following debriefings in-country and in Australia , SPW offers support and keeps volunteers in touch with developments in the organisation and in the country they worked in. Many returned volunteers help with recruitment and publicity events; most of the western staff working on programs overseas are ex-volunteers. To stay in touch with fellow volunteers and find out what campaigning events are coming up, join the SPW Action Network.

Does the organisation work with any local partner organisations?

Yes. SPW has its own country offices, but it also works very closely with local organisations, ministries and health centres to build capacity amongst local people and make the work we are doing sustainable.

TRAVEL

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How are travel arrangements made?

SPW travel arrangements are made on a group basis to cut costs and ensure that volunteers arrive at the same time. We aim to give volunteers the cheapest flights possible.

Can I travel separately?

Individual arrangements are possible providing sufficient notice is given, but late arrival or early departure from programmes is unacceptable.

Will I have time to travel while I am overseas?

The opportunity to travel and learn more about the country you are working in is an important part of your time overseas. Volunteers have time to travel during school holidays and after the placement has finished; many also go out early to travel beforehand. It is not possible for time to be taken off during term-time. All air tickets are valid for twelve months with changeable return dates.

If you have any other questions that you want answered, please contact us .

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