1. Tell me more about volunteer vacations with TakeMeToVolunteerTravel.
 
TakeMeToVolunteerTravel is an Asian-based company headquartered in Singapore.  It is managed by a team of professionals who are passionate and experienced in Travel.  We believe that travel can be more than just leisure, fun and pleasure.  It can be a blessing to both the traveller and the communities that the traveller visit.  TakeMeToVolunteerTravel optimizes Volunteer Travel by understanding the needs of the charities abroad, equipping volunteers accordingly, so that both the charities and volunteers will have meaningful and memorable experiences.
 
2. How do I know if I am suitable for volunteer work overseas?
 
Anyone can be a volunteer. You just need to want to do something to help the less fortunate.  An open mind and a loving heart helps.
 
3. I'm not from Asia but can I volunteer?
 
Yes, international volunteers are most welcomed.

4. I can't find anyone to join me in this volunteer vacation, but can I still come alone?
 
That's precious! Yes, you are of course most welcomed to join us and we are happy to arrange something for the individual volunteer.
 
5. I'm planning a vacation with my family, is there a volunteer vacation program suitable for us?
 
Yes, we have programs suitable for family volunteering as well as with friends and colleagues.  We believe that volunteering together strengthens the bond between people; be it with colleagues, friends or amongst members in the family.

 
6. I'm planning for my gap year travel, do you have programs suitable for me?
 
Yes, we have programs tailored for gap year.  Asia, with its immense culture and rapid economic growth, makes a great destination for gap year.  Singapore is also introducing a Work Holiday Programme for undergraduates or graduates from US, UK, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and New Zealand from December 2007.  Applicants for Singapore Work Holiday Programme should be between 17 to 30 years old.
 
7. I want to take a career break, do you have a program that is for me?

Yes,  we have volunteer programs that are suitable for career breakers.
 
8. Are your volunteer programs also suitable for senior volunteers and retirees?

Yes, our programs are suitable for seniors volunteers and retirees.
 
9. Do I need to speak the native language in my voluntary work abroad?
 
It is not necessary for volunteers to speak the native language when doing voluntary work abroad as the local program coordinators do speak basic English. It is however useful to learn some basic phrases prior to the trip as it could enhance your interaction and volunteering experience with the local community. One good way is to bring along a pocket-sized phrase book which can be easily found at major bookstores.

10. I don't have many days to spare but still wish to go on a volunteeing trip, what can I do?
 
Although our volunteer programs are typically between 4 days to 12 weeks long, we are happy to customize it according to your schedule, be it shorter or longer.

11. What are the hours like in the volunteer programs?
 
The activities in our volunteer programs typically run from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, unless stated otherwise in the program document. Early notification is greatly appreciated if a volunteer  prefers a shorter work day in the program.

12. What is included in the charges?
 
Please refer to the respective program document for what is included in the charges.
 
13. What is not included in the charges?

Air-ticket, airport transfer, food, visa, and travel insurance are generally not included unless otherwise specified in the programme documents.
 
14. Do I need to buy travel insurance?
 
Yes, we strongly encourage our volunteers to buy travel insurance.  You may want to consider using AIG Travel Guard found on the right hand column of this page.

15. How can I sign-up for the volunteer vacation programs?
 
To sign-up for the volunteer vacation programs, please fill-in and submit the online booking form found on any of our volunteer program pages.  Please indicate the country and program that you are interested in, the duration and expected dates of travel and your personal profile, including your nationality, age, gender, profession, education background, experience in volunteering, if any, so that we can best select a suitable program for you.  It also helps to let us know your budget, if any. 

Upon receiving the above information, we will match you with suitable programs.  Please note that placement is subject to availability and suitability.  In certain instances, we will require you to complete a more detailed application form as well as submit a recent photo, letters from references and educational certificates.  A phone interview may be arranged.  Some organizations also require a police clearance to certify that you do not have any previous police records. 

You will need to pay the non-refundable deposit once the placement is confirmed.

You should then arrange for the air-tickets to the destination country.  In certain programs, you are required to attend a 2-day orientation program in Singapore.  In this case, you should arrange for an air-ticket to your destination country with a stopover in Singapore.

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Singapore and the destination country.  We encourage us to allow time for the visa application.  Volunteers are fully responsible for their visa and we are unable to provide any letter of reference for visa application.

16. When should I sign-up for the volunteer program?
 
Generally, you should sign-up at least one month prior to the departure date of your volunteer vacation.  This would give us sufficient time to match you with a suitable volunteer programme and arrange for a phone interview where applicable.  For applications received with less than a month’s lead-time, we would still try to make the arrangement where possible.
 
Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa to visit the proposed destination and hence please take into consideration the time needed for visa application. Please feel free to check with us early to see if you need a visa. Write us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

17. What happens after I submit the enquiry form?
 
Please refer to the response for question 15.
 
18. When do I need to make the payment?

The payment schedule is as follows:

Payment Schedule for all programmes except CHINA programme and SCHEDULED DEPARTURE
Deposit of US$200 upon confirmation of placement.
Balance to be paid 3 weeks before start date.


Payment Schedule for SCHEDULED DEPARTURE
Deposit of S$200 per person upon confirmation of placement.
Balance to be paid 3 weeks before start date.


Payment Schedule for CHINA programme
First deposit: 10% of programme fees upon confirmation of placement.
Second deposit: S$395 payable 5 weeks before start date.
Balance: on the first day upon arrival.
 
19. What happens if I cancel my trip?
 
You need to email us a cancellation request.  We will cancel your booking accordingly.  Refund will be made as per our refund policy.

20. What is your refund policy?
 
Refund Policy for all programme EXCEPT CHINA programme AND SCHEDULED DEPARTURES
Before making the trip: The booking fee of US$200 and air-ticket charges as published in the applicable programme document is non-refundable.  The balance, less bank charges will be refunded to you.

After the trip has began: No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave your volunteer placement or programme for any reason after the trip has begun. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilised.

Refund Policy for SCHEDULED DEPARTURES
Before making the trip:  The booking fee of S$200 per customer is non-refundable.  The balance, less bank charges will be refunded to you.


After the trip has began: No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave your volunteer placement or programme for any reason after the trip has begun. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilised.

Refund Policy for CHINA programme
60 days or more prior to the start of your programme : Loss of deposit.


Between 30 and 59 days prior the start of your programme or tour : 50% of total booking cost or loss of deposit; whichever is greater.


Less than 30 days prior to departure: 100% of total booking cost (including your deposit).
No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave your volunteer placement or programme for any reason after the trip has begun. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilised.
 

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