International Trips Fact Sheet

Think Global. Act Global. You’ll Never Be the Same!

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Get ready to change the world and to be changed in the process. The world is waiting for you. Join a Global Village team today and start making a world of difference.

“Being involved with Habitat’s housing ministry has changed my life! I’ve learned that I can make a difference by being connected with people who have a similar desire to eliminate poverty housing from the face of the earth.”
— Mariko Asano, Nishinomiya, Japan , Global Village team member in Bacalod, Negros Islands, Philippines

Foundation for building
The Global Village volunteer program consists of short-term home-building trips designed to give concerned people the opportunity to observe and contribute to Habitat’s work firsthand. Working alongside homeowners and local volunteers, team members build a true “global village” of love, homes, families, communities and hope!

Building bridges, building hope
Working with a Habitat affiliate is often a life-changing experience. GV participants learn about poverty housing, development challenges and HFHI’s ecumenical Christian ministry and mission to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness worldwide. GV team members give of themselves as they work alongside homeowners and local volunteers of all backgrounds, races and religions. Learning about the host community’s culture, language and social practices as well as developing new skills and confidence are additional benefits of participating in a GV trip.

Service and adventure, Habitat-style
Every GV trip is different, and each team member can expect to gain a unique set of experiences and memories. Itineraries are balanced with plenty of work, rest and free time. Depending on the length of the trip, most teams spend a few days discovering the area and participating in local cultural activities, from taking a volcano hike to exploring a local market. Volunteers form a once-in-a-lifetime team as they travel, live, work and eat together.

The road less traveled
HFHI has affiliates in 100 countries, and many of them host short-term volunteer teams. View the most recent schedule of countries currently hosting teams, or request a schedule from the GV department at 1-800-422-4828, Ext. 7530. For our U.S./Canada information, view U.S./Canada program or contact the GV department.

An invaluable experience
GV trip costs depend on the country visited, the HFH host affiliate and the length of the trip. All trip costs include room and board, in-country transportation, travel insurance and a donation to the host community’s building program. Air fare, cancellation protection and baggage insurance are not included in the cost. Some participants cover all of their costs, while many others engage in fund-raising campaigns. The Global Village team also has fund-raising resources available. Please note that funding raised toward the cost of a Global Village trip also includes the cost of food, lodging and transportation during the trip. Only a portion of the required trip payment supports the charitable purpose of the hosting Habitat program. Depending on the participant’s country of origin, the trip’s cost may or may not be tax-deductible. Please view our payment policies, and consult a tax adviser concerning your specific situation.

Cost estimates (in U.S. dollars) for a 9- to 14-day trip (excluding air fare) are:
·Africa $1,900–$2,400
·Asia and South America $1,650–$2,350
·Central America/Caribbean $1,275–$1,550
·Europe and Central Asia $1,825–$2,500

Seeking diverse, dedicated volunteers—no experience required
Individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the GV volunteer program. There is no maximum age limit. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or be part of a chaperoned school, church or institution group. Participants must be in good health. Work assignments often require strenuous manual labor.

Volunteer leaders: Sharing the vision
Global Village team leaders offer their services as volunteers to HFHI and to each team member. Team leaders, approved by Global Village and supported by HFHI’s Volunteer Mobilization staff, are responsible for planning all aspects of the GV trip. Global Village team leaders put an incredible amount of time, energy and knowledge into furthering Habitat’s mission around the world and help facilitate safe, meaningful experiences for thousands of volunteers. Team leaders are not paid for their work, but leader expenses may be incorporated into the team budget.

Act globally—get involved!
Submit an application with your country and date preferences. As opportunities become available, we will introduce you to the appropriate team leader for a phone interview. The team leader selects team members from a pool of applicants. Once you have received an invitation from a team leader, you must submit a deposit of US$350 to secure your place on the team. (This deposit is not refundable.)

Groups needed: Make a difference
Groups should call our office to request available locations and dates. Scheduling a GV team should be done early. It takes at least six months to properly prepare for an international assignment. Team size commonly ranges from eight to 15 participants.

General information to consider
1. Passport: In most cases you need a current passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Some countries may also require a visa.

2. Language fluency: There is no language requirement for participating in a GV trip. Team leaders can arrange for an interpreter if needed.

3. Work site safety: The onsite construction supervisor will instruct volunteers in the correct procedure for performing each task and will familiarize them with the potential hazards and how such hazards can be minimized or avoided.

4. Health and personal safety: The health and safety of GV team members is a top priority of HFHI. We keep informed of the latest travel advisories from several countries. The participant, however, has the responsibility of understanding the associated risks and making the final decision to participate with a team.