Will I need to have a passport to enter this country?
Yes, all participants are required to have a passport that is valid passport for their period of intended stay in Croatia.  ISV recommends that all participants get their passports or get their passports renewed immediately upon being accepted into the ISV program.  ISV also requires all participants to mail a photocopy of their passport photo and ID# page to the ISV office with your final payment on or before 65 days prior to departure.

Do I need a visa?
No visa is required for travel to Croatia for stays up to 90 days for US, Canada, UK and Australian citizens.

Do I need to be able to speak Croatian?
While it is always helpful to know a few basic words, it is not expected that participants know and speak the language. Host Project Organizations will always have an English speaking contact person, and English is widely spoken in the tourism industry. ISV Project Leaders and Tour Leaders will also speak English.

I was wondering how I would go about obtaining traveler’s insurance and how important it is for me to have it when I go on the trip?
Participants are required to have travelers insurance which includes insurance for two purposes – coverage for medical treatment and care while in your host country and travel/trip cancellation coverage. Many insurance carriers package these plans together with other travel related issues such as lost or stolen items like plane tickets, passports, and personal items. Cancellation insurance is important in the event that a problem arises that prevents you from going on the program. Policies vary depending on the insurance provider, what country you travel to and what is covered, so make sure that you get a policy appropriate for your host country and your needs. Any travel agency should be able to assist you in procuring travel/trip cancellation insurance. Most travel insurance companies require you to purchase travel/trip cancellation insurance within 14 days after submitting your Agreement and paying your non-refundable deposit. Please go to the Terms and Conditions link for more information on travel/trip cancellation insurance.  This year, ISV is working with STA.  Please see http://www.isvonline.com/STA-Travel/ for details.

Do we get to ask for a preference of which project we will be assigned to, or will ISV choose the project?
Participants are always welcome to email the ISV office with their project preferences. For this purpose, all participants (once they send in their contract and deposit to ISV) will be emailed a specific form on which to submit their project preferences. We make every attempt to accommodate participants, however many factors influence the project placement that ISV will give you. For example, spaces on projects are limited and some projects only operate on certain dates. Your project allocation will also be affected if you are taking your own flight to Croatia. If you are doing academic credit you will need to be assigned to a specific project with other academic credit participants, and if you are traveling with a friend, this will also affect your placement! We cannot, therefore, guarantee that you will be placed on the projects that you most prefer. If you do not make a specific project selection, ISV will simply place you on either a conservation or community development/support project

Will I be able to receive academic credit for my participation on the ISV program?
Details regarding academic credit for the 2007 ISV program are available on the academic credit page of the ISV website. Details for 2008 academic credit are coming soon. Each participant is responsible to verify the transferability of academic credits to their home institution. Some students receive credit through independent studies

Are the meals and lodging included in the price?
All lodging is included in the ISV program cost. All the meals for the first 2 weeks (volunteer work project) and about half the meals for the second 2 weeks (adventure tour) are included in the ISV program cost.

I am a vegetarian. Is this going to be a problem?
Vegetarians must advise ISV in advance (on their application or by emailing the ISV office on or before 65 days prior to departure) if they wish to have vegetarian meals available to them during their program. Participants with very strict dietary requirements may need to supplement meals with additional food at their own expense.

I was just wondering if a participant has to fly out with the group or not?
Every participant has the option to take an ISV group flight or they are free to arrange their own flights. Plan to arrive in Croatia prior to the ISV group flight to meet your group. Participants who notify ISV that they are taking the ISV group flight will be advised as to which city they will need to fly into and out of at the conclusion of the ISV program.

Are friends who do not attend a university able to apply to your program?
Although the ISV program is directed toward university participants, a person does not have to be a university student to be welcomed on an ISV program. All participants must be at least 18 years of age.

My friend would like to go, but he does not know if it is available through his school, can he still apply?
Your friend is welcome to attend the ISV summer program and can get an application online.

When exactly is orientation?
An orientation will be held in your host country prior to your two week project and prior to your two week adventure tour.

What is an "Included" activity?
There are five “included” Adventure Tour activities included in the Program Cost. The final Adventure Tour itinerary with these included activities will be in your ISV Participant Travel Manual which will be sent to you 30 days prior to your departure date. ISV reserves the right to change these activities without notice.

What is an "Optional Activity Package" (OAP)?
In addition to the five “included” activities in the Adventure Tour, ISV offers participants an exciting Optional Activities Package (OAP). These activities are more of the best in outdoor adventure and cultural appreciation opportunities. Each year about 95% of ISV participants choose to purchase the ISV Optional Activities Package as it adds great value to the overall experience. All activities in the OAP are organized by ISV staff prior to arrival. All participants have to do is show up and be ready to have a great time. Offered exclusively to ISV participants at a discounted price, you may reserve the OAP package by checking the indicated box on your ISV Flight Reservation form. (If you have already submitted your Flight Reservation form, please send an email to the ISV office indicating your desire to purchase the OAP package.)