ISV will accept any participant whom we feel will make a valuable contribution to the ISV program. ISV looks for certain qualities in students who apply:
Applicants who are motivated to learn about the cultures and peoples of the country they are visiting. During the volunteer project all participants are expected to keep a daily journal, reflecting that which they are learning.
Applicants with a strong desire to give of themselves as they volunteer in the process of making a significant contribution to conservation efforts or children and families of developing communities.
Undergraduates as well as graduate students may apply; however, participants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of departure. Non-students may also apply if they meet the criteria stated above. Please realise that spaces are limited for each volunteer work project in each particular country, as are departure dates. Therefore, ISV will accept participants on a first come first serve basis, in the order that their Participant Agreements are received. When spaces are filled to capacity, participants will be placed on a waiting list and their $450 NZD deposit will be returned to them.
All deposits are non-refundable. Cancellation of the program must be in writing (via email or mail). No verbal cancellations will be accepted. When ISV receives a written cancellation, a cancellation fee will be incurred to cover the expense and cost ISV suffers because of the cancellation. If the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of the participant's insurance policy, then the insurance company will normally refund any cancellation fees to the participant. All refunds will be given at the END of the ISV program term. The amount of the cancellation fee is determined by the number of days prior to the departure that the cancellation written notice was received and is specified as follows:
PERIOD OF NOTICE
CANCELLATION RATE
1. On or before sixty (65) days prior to departure
1. Original deposits
2. Within sixty (65) days to thirty (31) days prior to departure
2. 50% of total sum due
3. Thirty (30) days to fourteen (14) days prior to departure
3. 75% of total sum due.
4. Within fourteen (14) days prior to departure
4. All monies paid (No refund)
If the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of your insurance policy, then the insurance company will normally refund any cancellation fees to you.
All refunds will be given at the END of the ISV program term.
(March-April)
Participants who leave the ISV Program before completion
Any participant who voluntarily leaves, or is removed from the ISV program before the scheduled completion of their full program, will not be refunded by ISV for any portion of their program costs, nor will they be permitted to rejoin the program at any time during the volunteer work project, or the outdoor adventure tour, including optional excursions and activities. ISV cannot assume responsibility for any participant once they have left the supervision of ISV program staff. This policy includes any participant being required to leave the ISV program as requested by ISV staff for breach of contract, or for medical or personal reasons. Participants who leave the program due to medical or personal reasons (injury/illness or family crisis at home), should consult their travel insurance provider, which may provide for partial or full recovery of their program fees, depending on the reason for leaving. Participants who leave the program for medical reasons (illness or injury that requires medical treatment or a short stay in the hospital) may be permitted to rejoin the ISV program at the discretion of ISV staff.
Your deposit of $450 NZD is non-refundable and will assure ISV of your desire to participate and enable us to make the necessary program arrangements/reservations for you. Upon receipt of your deposit and Agreement, and subject to space availability, ISV will reserve your place in the program and send you a confirmation letter. Included in this confirmation letter will be your assigned allocated country and departure date.
Note: The more flexible you are with your departure date the easier it is for ISV to find a place for you on a program. However, if you only have 1 country preference and/or 1 date preference, then please indicate this on your signed Agreement when sending this to the ISV office. If we are unable to reserve a space for you, we will immediately return your deposit and place you on a waiting list. At no time can any monies be transferred from one participant's account to another. Participants with a cash flow problem may contact ISV to receive instructions on ISV's payment plan ($225 now and $225 within a month).
All finances are due on or before sixty (65) days prior to departure. About 90 days prior to departure, ISV will invoice participants with their total amount due. If any participant would like to make instalment payments to be applied to their account, they may do so at any time provided installment amounts are greater than $450. If full payment is not received in the ISV office 65 days prior to departure, ISV will assume that the participant has cancelled and cancellation fees as specified above will apply. In the case of late payments, a $50 late fee will be charged. For registrations within 65 days of departure, the full program price is payable by bank cheque or money order (made payable to International Student Volunteers Pty Ltd or ISV) to secure your arrangements.
Trying a variety of foods from other cultures can be fun and a challenge, and is part of ISV’s philosophy for an authentic experience overseas. Food on the ISV program generally reflects the local cuisine. Some foods that are part of your regular diet at home may not be available and you may have to include food that is new to you in order to maintain a balanced diet. Vegetarians are easily provided for; however, ISV is unable to cater to very specific diets. Participants with food allergies (i.e. nuts) must ensure that ISV is aware of the existence and severity of the allergy. Include this information on your ISV application form or email the ISV office if you are already signed up for the program. Participants with specific dietary requirements may need to supplement their included meals at their own expense.
Important reminder: All participants must ensure that ISV has recorded their dietary needs (i.e. vegetarian) prior to departure to their host country. Please also include any allergies to foods as part of your dietary and medical information.
Volunteer Project
Three meals per day are provided on the Volunteer Projects. Each project is a little different. Sometimes host organisations provide the food to volunteers (such as via host families), while other projects require participants to contribute to the meal planning and preparation. Your ISV Project Overview (provided approximately 30 days prior to departure to your host country) will advise you of the meals you can expect on your project.
Adventure Tour
The number of meals provided during the Adventure Tour varies depending on the host country, but as part of your program cost, you will be provided with at least half of your meals. For all other meals, we encourage participants to explore the local restaurants and eateries in their area. Participants should make note of any health and safety information provided by their ISV Tour Leaders prior to trying new foods or restaurants.
Note: Be on time for meals! No reimbursements will be made for participants who miss their included meals by choosing not to attend or are late.
All meals during the two week project and approximately ½ of total meals during the two week adventure tour as described in the Travel Manual.
Activities (five per country) as stated in the Travel Manual
Project leaders
Tour leaders
Program set-up
Recruiting staff costs for New Zealand
All administration costs
Orientation prior to departure in New Zealand (dates to be advised by ISV later in the year)
Cost does NOT include:
Air transportation, taxes, or ticketing fees
Domestic airfare ($390 NZD - set fee) for flights within Thailand (Thailand program only)
Domestic airfare within Australia and New Zealand as required and dependent upon the volunteer project location
Additional optional activities during the two week adventure tour (as specified in the ISV Travel Manual)
Passports and Visas (where necessary) NOTE: International students who apply for our program are responsible for organising their own visas (in advance) to ISV’s host countries.
Please note that dates may vary slightly depending on airline negotiations & changing flight schedules.
Travel Dates
Costa Rica
Thailand
Dominican Republic
New Zealand
20 Nov 04 Dec 01 Jan 15 Jan
20 Nov 04 Dec 01 Jan 15 Jan
20 Nov 15 Jan
12 Jan
RETURN DATES:
Your return date will be automatically set to coincide with the end of your program. If you wish to extend your travels in your host country, you must inform the ISV office in writing of your desired return date no later than 90 days prior to departure.
ISV REQUIRES all participants to secure travel insurance which includes coverage for medical expenses. Additionally, many policies include coverage for luggage and personal effects, personal liability and cancellation. ISV strongly recommends that participants ensure that cancellation insurance is included in their policy as this offers protection against last minute cancellation, provided the reason for cancelling falls within the terms and conditions of the policy.
