Frequently Asked Questions
 Tell me more about the Philippines
What is the climate like in the Philippines?
What kind of volunteer work is available?
When will I know specific details about my placement?
What language do I need to speak to participate in the
program?
What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
What are the living arrangements when volunteering?
Where will I be located?
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
Are we able to do any sight seeing?
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
What resources are available for the program?
What is the course content of training program?
How do I pay my fees?
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
Do I need an entry visa?
Do I need travel insurance?
Is there any time of the year when I can't volunteer?
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
Can I bring my family/children to this program with me?
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the
program?
Can special dietary arrangements be catered for in this
program?
Q: Tell me more about the Philippines
A: Situated on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, the
Philippines is one of the major crossroads in the eastern
hemisphere. It claims title to the second largest archipelago on the
planet, with over 7,100 individual islands within its borders and it
is home to over 100 ethnic groups and hundreds of language dialects.
For hundreds of years the Philippines were a Spanish colony that was
eventually given to the U.S. in 1898, following the Spanish-American
War. In 1946, at the end of World War II, it finally attained total
independence.
Since the end of the dictatorial government of Ferdinand Marcos in
1986, the Philippines has been beset by divisive electoral problems
and Muslim separatism in the South
For more information I suggest you purchase the Lonely Planet's
guide to Philippines.
Q: What is the climate
like in the Philippines?
A: The Philippines climate is tropical marine with hot and humid
weather all year round. Although there are many regional variations
the country can be divided into two seasons: wet and dry. The wet
season (May to October) delivers heavy rains to most of the
archipelago while the dry season (November to April) brings hot and
humid air. air. air. air. air.
Temperatures rarely rise above 37C with the average temperatures
sitting at 20 to 32C. Mean annual sea-level temperatures rarely fall
below 27C.
Tell me more about your partner organization in the Philippines
OOur partner in the Philippines is a newly established non-government
organization. Their objective is to assist and develop local
Filipino communities through environmentalism, education,
integration, research and volunteerism. This is achieved through the
establishment of programs and projects nationwide assisting local
communities with its basic needs that benefit the most number of its
people - not the least of whom are its children and its poor - and
the environment.
Q: What kind of
volunteer work is available?
A: Volunteer opportunities are in Teaching, Health, School Building and Maintenance and Environmental
programs. Your placement will be tailored according to individual
requirements of the program and volunteers.
What age do I have to be to volunteer in this program?
Volunteers must be 18 years or over when they volunteer. There is no
upper age limit, we only require volunteers to be in good health.
Q:When will I know
specific details about my placement?
A: The specific details of your placement are determined during
training. You will consult with the program manager in the
Philippines so that requests and specific needs can be met with
regards to both the volunteer and the needs of the community.
Q:What
language do I need to speak to participate in the program?
English. You must have English as your first or second
language. English is one of the two official languages of
the Philippines. Filipino (also known as Tagalog) is the
other. When arriving in the Philippines you are placed into
a training program that includes an intensive language
course on basic Filipino phrases that you may need while
volunteering.
Q: When do I need to arrive in the
Philippines?
A: The Philippines program has two volunteer intakes per month, on
the 1st and 20th. Volunteers fly into Manila and will need to arrive
so they are ready to take part in a training program by these dates.
It is suggested that volunteers arrive a few days earlier to settle
themselves before training begins.
Accommodation can be arranged for you if you arrive earlier than
when the training begins. You will have to pay your own expenses for
any time you stay in the Philippines outside of training and
volunteer time.
Q: What are the living arrangements when
volunteering?
A: During your training and volunteer time you are provided with
accommodation which is covered in the in-country fee. Volunteers
live with local families and will share their food and way of life.
Volunteers will be provided with their own room. Please note that
most short term volunteers (2 weeks) will be placed in Manila and
will stay at a dormitory provided by our partner organization.
Q: Where will I be located?
A: The Philippines program has two general program locations:
Romblon Province south of the main island of Luzon and in and around
the capital city of Manila. Volunteers travel to their program
location after the completion of their training program in Manila.
This travel is organised by our partner in the Philippines and the
cost is included in the in-country fee. Where possible volunteers
will be escorted by a staff member from our partner organisation.
Q: How many volunteers are there on site
at the same time?
A: This depends on how many people volunteer at any one time.
Usually there are four to six volunteers at the training. Generally
you are placed with a small group of other volunteers at one of the
program locations unless you choose to be isolated.
Q: Are we able to do any sight seeing?
A: Volunteers are welcome to take short breaks during their
volunteer time. We recognize that volunteering can be quite
intensive. There are often other volunteers that want to do sight
seeing also. You may like to travel to meet up with other volunteers
and join in local festivities and explore your local surroundings.
Visiting neighbouring islands are popular destinations for many
volunteers. We ask that if you wish to take a break from
volunteering that you give our partner organisation notice.
Q: What hours am I expected to take part
in the program?
A: Generally volunteers will work Monday to Friday. The number of
hours worked each day varies depending on the program but you can
expect to work between 20 to 35 hours per week. Volunteers also need
to understand that during the many holidays of the country, work may
be suspended.
Q: What resources are available for the
program?
A: In most cases resources are limited. You may like to take
donations of goods with you to distribute or use in the program. If
you do choose to fundraise or donate items it is a good idea to
check with our partner organisation as to what will be of use to
your particular program.
Q: What is the course content of
training program?
A: The training program will be tailored to the volunteers' needs
and length of stay in the Philippines. Training takes place in
Manila where volunteers are given a general introduction to the
Philippines and the rules and regulations governing the volunteers'
conduct and program. The Filipino's sensibilities, customs, values
as well as practical pieces of advice are also given during the
training.
Q: How do I pay my fees?
A: Your deposit secures your place on the program.
Q: What clothing is appropriate for the
program?
A: Considering the temperature and humidity, we recommend light
coloured, cotton clothing that covers your whole body - this is best
to keep the sun and insect bites away. Comfortable sturdy footwear
as well as a pair of sandals/jandals for light walking is
recommended. Don't forget sunglasses and a hat.
Q: Are there any more expenses once I
arrive?
A: In instances where your accommodation is situated outside of
walking distance to your program site you will need to pay for your
transport to and from work each day. You can expect to pay US10
cents one way for public transport in the Philippines. The program
fee covers your basic needs, such as accommodation, most meals and
supervision. If you arrive early or intend on staying on in the
Philippines for longer than you are volunteering then you will need
to have spare money for this time. Also some money may be required
for your days off. Other costs include buying bottled water,
departure tax and any shopping you will do personally. You will also
need money for transportation back to the airport after the
completion of your placement.
Q: Do I need an entry visa?
A: If your stay in the Philippines is 21 days or less, you may not
need to acquire a visa for your time in the country. If your stay is
more than 21 days, you will need to obtain a Foreign Tourist Visa
prior to arrival. Volunteers may obtain visas from Philippine
embassies and consulates.
Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: As with any overseas traveling, insurance is recommended.
Q: Is there any time of the year when I
can't volunteer?
A: All programs except the teaching program run all year round. The
teaching and day care program closes during the months of April and
May, and from December 20th to January 4th - due to school holidays.
Please be aware that there are interruptions in all programs during
the Christmas and New Year period (December 20th ? January 4th), and
for this reason volunteers cannot begin their placement on December
20th. It is also important to be aware that because of these
disruptions, the January 2007 volunteers?, orientation will be on
the 4th of January (as opposed to the 1st).
Q: What immunizations
/vaccinations will I need?
A: This is a suggestion of what may be needed - please
consult with your medical professional or travel specialist
for more details.
- Hepatitis A & B
- Polio
- Typhoid
- Diphtheria and tetanus
- Japanese B encephalitis
- Rabies
Some of these can be taken in oral form so please discuss
with your doctor to see what is best for you. Some people
can be affected quite differently to others by medication.
Malaria is not prevalent in Manila and Romblon where we have
our projects.
Q: What is the criterion for volunteers
to be accepted into the program?
A: Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on
the application. If further information is required applicants will
be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements
listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations
of what is required for volunteering in this specific program. We
also look further at your application as to skills and experience
specifically related to the program you have applied to. We look at
volunteer experiences, travel experience and also your particular
interest in the program to make our decision.
Q: Can special dietary arrangements be
catered for in this program?
A: [It is possible for special arrangements to be made if you have a
vegetarian diet or other special dietary requirements. Those with
special dietary requirements are required to inform CERV-Philippines
before their volunteer program. Special arrangements may be made for
vegetarians.
Feel free to contact us
if you have any more questions
|
