VOLUNTEER IN AFRICA

APPLICATION AND PROGRAM GUIDE INTERNSHIP AND VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM Africa Project, Inc., is a non-profit organization incorporated in North Carolina, USA. Our mission is to promote Education, Culture and Community Development. Our vision is to provide opportunities and an environment in which individuals can explore and realize their full potential in life. We strive to instill in the people we empower the culture of self-reliance and support them to bring development and positive changes in their lives, as well as in the lives of the members of their community. We are an-all-volunteer run and managed organization. IMPORTANT: In order to be considered for internship or volunteer in Africa, you must submit a signed and completed application packet along with a resume, list of 2 references, passport size photograph and a $100 USD security deposit. All application items must be submitted as a complete package. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered. Instructions: Please, complete page 1-6 and email, or mail to us. Do not include informational pages 7-12. APPLICATION FORM Name(s) of Internship(s) Applied For: _______________________________________ Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone Number: ________________________________________________ Social Security Number: ___________________________________________________ Email address: _________________________________________________ 1 Africa Project, Inc., P.O. Box 386, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tel: 1(919) 439-0439 Email: info@africaproject.net Website: www.africaproject.net APPLICATION AND PROGRAM GUIDE Are you a U.S. citizen? ____________________________________ If you are not a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), you may need to consult with the embassy of your country on travel restrictions and consulate information. __________________________________________________________________________ Are you requesting college credit hours for your internship? If so, you are responsible for contacting your school or instructor to complete the necessary paperworks. __________________________________________________________________________ Dates available to perform internship: __________________to ____________________ EDUCATION BACKGROUND: Please list the name and location for each High School: ________________________________________________________________ Date and Year of Graduation: ___________________________________________________ Undergraduate: _______________________________________________________ Major: ______________________________________________________________________ Date and Year of Graduation: ___________________________________________________ Graduate: ___________________________________________________________________ Graduate Program: ________________________________________________________ Date and Year of Graduation: ___________________________________________________ Scholastic Honors and/or Licenses: ____________________________________________ Employment History: (Please, attach a copy of your current resume listing your employment history, volunteer and community involvement). 2 Africa Project, Inc., P.O. Box 386, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tel: 1(919) 439-0439 Email: info@africaproject.net Website: www.africaproject.net APPLICATION AND PROGRAM GUIDE REFERENCE #1: Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Telephone Number: ___________________________________________________________ Company/School: _____________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ Relationship: ____________________________ Known how long: _____________________ RFERENCE #2: Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Telephone Number: ___________________________________________________________ Company/School: _____________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ Relationship: ____________________________ Known how long: _____________________ Please list your Publications and Articles (if any): ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Please list your Community/professional organizations, honors and awards (if any): ______________________________________________________________________________ Please list any Activities relevant to the internship(s) for which you are applying: ___________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 3 Africa Project, Inc., P.O. Box 386, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tel: 1(919) 439-0439 Email: info@africaproject.net Website: www.africaproject.net APPLICATION AND PROGRAM GUIDE ESSAY: Briefly describe what compels you to travel and volunteer in Africa. __________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Have you travel, lived or volunteered in Africa before? ____________________________ If so, when and where? ______________________________________________________ What is the earliest date you could start? ______________________ Do you have any medical conditions or special requirements that you would like others working alongside you to be aware of? (This includes things like allergies, heart conditions, anaphylactic shock etc, which might affect the type of work you do) ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ A person we can contact in the event of an emergency: Name of contact: ______________________________ Relationship: ________________ Telephone number (day): ______________________ Mobile Number: ___________________ I, ___________________________, certify that all of the statements in this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that a false or incomplete answer may be grounds for not considering me or for my dismissal. Signature: ___________________________________Date: ________________________ 4 Africa Project, Inc., P.O. Box 386, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tel: 1(919) 439-0439 Email: info@africaproject.net Website: www.africaproject.net APPLICATION AND PROGRAM GUIDE INTERN / VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT Terms and Conditions I, _______________________________, have requested that Africa Project, Inc., ("Africa Project, Inc.") allow me to volunteer my time to assist the organization. I acknowledge that this volunteer relationship is primarily for my benefit and I enter into it because I derive satisfaction out of donating my time. I am committed to providing assistance on a voluntary basis and do not expect to be paid for my time. Specifically, I agree that: • Donation of Time: My decision to donate my time to Africa Project, Inc., is made of my own free will, without coercion or pressure by Africa Project, Inc.; • Personal Benefit: The volunteer time I spend is primarily for my benefit, so that I may have the satisfaction of knowing that I am assisting a non-profit organization; • No Employment Relationship: I acknowledge that I have no employment relationship with Africa Project, Inc., and do not expect to receive any offer of employment as a result of my volunteer activities; • No Entitlement to Compensation: I understand that I am not entitled to any compensation or benefits in exchange for the time that I donate to Africa Project, Inc., and I have no desire to receive compensation or benefits from Africa Project, Inc.; and • At Will Service: I understand that Africa Project, Inc., may ask that I cease providing volunteer services for the organization at any time, for any reason, with or without notice. I understand that: • I must be at least 18 years old to participate. • Travel insurance and medical coverage is not included in the program cost. These are the responsibility of the volunteer. • Africa Project, Inc., is not responsible for loss of property, personal injury, illness, accident, delay or expense sustained by the volunteer while participating in our program. • Africa Project, Inc., and its agents are not responsible for any financial obligations or liabilities the participant may incur including damages to property, or injury to others while participating on this program. • Africa Project, Inc., is not responsible for the cost of extra activities (sightseeing, language class, etc) incurred during the course of your program. Daily transportation costs are the volunteers’ responsibility, although we try to confirm accommodations within walking distance to work site or bus transportation (very cheap in each country). • Volunteers agree to follow the laws of the host country, the policies of the community in which they volunteer, and/or the rules of the host family. Failure to do so will result in the termination of your program and forfeiture of all program fees. 5 Africa Project, Inc., P.O. Box 386, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tel: 1(919) 439-0439 Email: info@africaproject.net Website: www.africaproject.net APPLICATION AND PROGRAM GUIDE • • • A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required along with your application. Program costs paid in US dollars only. We begin the confirmation process once the deposit is received. Final payment is due 30 days prior to departure. Volunteers agree that no part of the program fee is refundable once the program has commenced. Cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellation 30-45 days prior to departure will result in a 50% refund (not including the deposit). No refunds are issued for cancellations received less than 35 days prior to departure. Published program prices and costs are subject to change without warning. Once the deposit is received, the program fee cost is guaranteed and will not change. Confidentiality. I understand and acknowledge that during my volunteer service with Africa Project, Inc., I will have access to Confidential Information not generally known to the public concerning the business of Africa Project, Inc. I agree that during my volunteer service with Africa Project, Inc., and at all times thereafter, I will hold Africa Project, Inc.’s Confidential Information in strict confidence, and will not disclose or use such information outside the scope of my volunteer service with Africa Project, Inc., or without Africa Project, Inc.’s prior written authorization. For purposes of this Agreement, "Confidential Information" includes, but is not limited to, information regarding projects and potential projects, organizational practices, donors and potential donors, methodologies, management philosophy and information concerning Africa Project, Inc., employees and volunteers. I further agree and understand that I will immediately return all Africa Project, Inc.’s Confidential Information at the end of volunteer service, or whenever requested by Africa Project, Inc. Print Name: __________________________________ Date: __________________Signature: _____________________ 6 Africa Project, Inc., P.O. Box 386, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tel: 1(919) 439-0439 Email: info@africaproject.net Website: www.africaproject.net APPLICATION AND PROGRAM GUIDE INTERNSHIP AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM INFORMATION Africa Project, Inc., offers internships and volunteer opportunities at its national headquarters in Durham, North Carolina. The program is designed to provide students and recent graduates service learning opportunities to get involved in community development, international experience, and educational programs and to promote the spirit of public service. Internship Positions Available: Opportunities are available to work at our local office including administration, program development, and project coordination. International opportunities are available in the following areas: Educational programs and institutions, such as schools, universities, etc; Social enterprise programs; Health, hospitals, clinics and medical organizations, HIV/AIDS, etc; Humanitarian organizations and Relief programs; Cultural organizations, Anthropology programs and institutions; Non-Governmental and Community based organizations; Sports programs and organizations; Tourism and antiquities; Children and women programs and organizations; Technology projects and innovations; Poverty Reduction; Energy and Environmental programs; Crisis Prevention and Recovery; Creative projects and much more. Eligibility: Internship candidate must be a graduate student; an undergraduate student; or have recently graduated from college. Volunteer positions are open to anyone regardless of educational level or affiliation as long as they are in good health to travel and work. General Information: Interns are expected to work between 20 and 40 hours a week during an 8 to 12 week internship period or more depending on their availability. Internships are offered during the Summer, Fall, and Winter/Spring semesters. Interns may receive academic credit if an agreement is made between the Africa Project, Inc., office and the intern’s College or University. Application Procedures: Candidates must complete an application form and submit it with their cover letter and resume. Some internship positions require additional application items, such as a writing sample. All application items must be submitted as a complete package. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered. Application Deadlines: Our programs have no deadlines. Checklist: Completed Application, passport size photograph, list of 2 references, resume, and $100 security deposit. Mail or email Completed Applications to: Internship and Volunteer Program Africa Project, Inc. P.O.BOX 386 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Email: volunteers@africaproject.net www.africaproject.net * Africa Project, Inc., recruits volunteers and interns without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. 7 Africa Project, Inc., P.O. Box 386, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tel: 1(919) 439-0439 Email: info@africaproject.net Website: www.africaproject.net APPLICATION AND PROGRAM GUIDE Volunteer Application Process: • • • • • • • • • You select your travel dates. Fill out the form or print and send it in by mail or fax. Submit your non-refundable $100 deposit. We accept personal check, money order or PayPal in US currency. Email, fax or mail us a copy of your resume/CV. Since we do not know you, or your interests, we found that a resume/CV can provide enough information to allow for a successful placement. After review and acceptance of the application, we will email you a detailed Orientation Guide. Upon receiving the Orientation Guide, it is time for you to book your flights, check your passport expiration and obtain travel/medical insurance coverage. Flight arrangements are the responsibility of the volunteer; however we offer assistance with your planning. Email, fax or mail us your flight details and a clear copy of your passport ID page. Pay the balance for the program fees, due 35 days prior to your departure. Upon receipt of your final payment, we will send your program details with the placement and accommodation information. We advise that you start planning earlier so as to avoid unnecessary inconveniences. If you are not sure, do not apply as it will not only be a waste of your time as well as ours. Similarly, traveling and living in another country can be challenging. You will experience a lot of good things, but may also meet challenges. We suggest that you keep that in mind and, where necessary, try to discuss with us any concerns, challenges or any worries that you may have. Our staff and alumni volunteers who have participated in our programs will be more than willing to answer your questions. 8 Africa Project, Inc., P.O. Box 386, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tel: 1(919) 439-0439 Email: info@africaproject.net Website: www.africaproject.net APPLICATION AND PROGRAM GUIDE COSTS AND EXPENSES INCLUDED Our program fees include the following services: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Customer service answering your call and emails. Pre-Departure Orientation Guide, including detailed travel, safety & cultural information and many tips that will make your trip planning easier. Detailed Fundraising Guide that will help you raise the funds needed to travel, as well as provide donations to the project. Ask us for details. Accommodations: Home stay, shared volunteer residence, guesthouses. Safe, clean, comfortable local housing, inspected by our local coordinators. Hotel stay is extra and at your own cost. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Your meals will mostly be with the family you will be staying with – decent food from local diets. Special meals taken at request. Airport meet and greet by our Africa Project Country Coordinator. First night hotel accommodation * For selected programs and locations Guidance and support of a local project coordinator 24/7 in case of emergency Orientation/city briefing on arrival by our Africa Project Country Coordinator Pre-departure teleconference, meeting or email chat with our alumni volunteers who have traveled and lived in the country or part of the world where you are going. Placement in a quality project, allowing you to maximize your time and efforts working for a good cause. Half day local language refresher course * For selected programs and locations A Feedback page on Africa Project website with pictures of your trip. Personalized Volunteer Service Award certificate of achievement. Letter of completion from Africa Project. ** By request, a letter of recommendation can be provided by the local organization detailing the activities developed by the volunteer during his or her stay. 9 Africa Project, Inc., P.O. Box 386, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tel: 1(919) 439-0439 Email: info@africaproject.net Website: www.africaproject.net APPLICATION AND PROGRAM GUIDE PROGRAM COSTS (USD) BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY. *The deposit fee is already included in the final price. Country Uganda Ghana Kenya Tanzania Zambia South Africa* 1 week 755 800 785 775 785 1075 2 weeks 850 820 860 865 880 1245 3-4 weeks 1050 1060 1050 1075 1080 1425 5-6 weeks 1265 1285 1260 1285 1295 1685 7-8 weeks 1485 1495 1495 1495 1495 1995 Additional Weeks: $150 each (except South Africa *) Minimum Program length is 1 week. Maximum program length is 12 months. COSTS AND EXPENSES NOT INCLUDED Airfare and travel expenses to and within; passports, entry/customs requirements, all applicable visa fees, airport departure taxes, travel medical insurance, meals outside the program, tourism, sightseeing and free-time expenses, items of personal nature (such as laundry, medicine, emails/phone calls). We suggest each volunteer make donation of at least $100 USD to the organization they will be working as well as prepare some ‘small gifts” for the family with whom he or she will staying with while volunteering. Gifts can be things like books for the kids, clothes, shoes, or whatever you feel comfortable to give them. We accept PayPal, Money Order and Personal Check in US dollars. Final payments made with PayPal are subject to a 5% processing fee. Last minute applications received 35 days or less require full payment made with PayPal. Postal Mail: Africa Project, Inc. P.O. Box 386 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Office: 1058 W. Club Blvd Office Area 2, Suite 220 Durham, NC 27514 Tell: 1-(919) 439-0480 Website: www.africaproject.net 10 Africa Project, Inc., P.O. Box 386, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tel: 1(919) 439-0439 Email: info@africaproject.net Website: www.africaproject.net APPLICATION AND PROGRAM GUIDE TIPS AND WARNINGS FOR AFRICAN TRAVELERS I. Preparing for your Trip: A. Travel Documents • Make sure your passport is up to date. Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months prior to leaving the US. • Get a visa. Be aware that individual countries can change their requirements so make sure you abide by the current requirements. • Make copies of everything. Carry the original documents and one copy with you and keep one copy at home with a family member or friend. B. Medical and Health Tips • Get your shots before you leave. Talk to your doctor about what vaccinations are needed. • Pack enough medication and prescription medication. Carry your medications in the original bottles. • Bring a photocopy of your prescriptions and travel with your medical history. Prepare a list of all your medications, including the name, dosage, and prescribing doctor and phone number. • If you have special health problems, ask your doctor to prepare your medical history. It should include your name and address, social security number, insurance company data, emergency contact, blood type, medical history, current medications (and dosages), drug allergies, and a list of immunizations. • Research medical help abroad before you leave. Ask questions during your orientation about the country you are going to and what kind of medical facilities are available. Contact the nearest hospital emergency room or the US embassy or consulate. • Get your shots in advance in case of a reaction to the vaccinations. C. Health Insurance • Check your medical coverage. Your regular insurance policy may have a travel clause covering you for personal injury, but also may have certain restrictions in cases of other medical emergencies. If so, it is highly advisable to add special travel insurance for medical expenses while traveling D. Money • ATM cards may work overseas. To be safe, ask your bank to confirm that your network is available where you’re visiting, that your PIN number will be accepted abroad, and what, if any, charges will be applied for using a foreign ATM. • Exchange the bulk of your funds overseas. It’s a good idea to have a small amount of cash on hand upon arrival in your host country. Once you arrive at the international airport, go to the exchange counters or ATM to exchange your funds. You will usually get the best exchange rate at a bank, rather than hotels or exchange shops. E. Packing • Scope out local weather before you pack. You’ll find temperatures conveniently listed on travel websites or online weather services. • Bring an electrical converter and adapter. You will need these to avoid burning out your small electrical appliances. • Bring photos or special gifts to share with locals. If you visit a school, you may want to 11 Africa Project, Inc., P.O. Box 386, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tel: 1(919) 439-0439 Email: info@africaproject.net Website: www.africaproject.net APPLICATION AND PROGRAM GUIDE offer pens, pencils, crayons, or other small gifts to the kids. Consider giving brightlycolored toothbrushes, rather than candy. Other thoughtful trinkets might include postcards from your home town or small picture books. II. While on your Trip: A. Traveling by air • Reconfirm your airline reservations. When reconfirming or making any arrangements, get the name of the person with whom you’ve spoken and the confirmation number in case there’s any mix-up. • If an airline loses your luggage, complete the Lost Baggage Report with the responsible airline. You’ll need to leave your itinerary with the airline so that when your luggage is found it can be forwarded to you. Keep receipts for any items you may have to purchase while your bags are missing to make it easier to get compensation from the airline. Also, check your bags carefully for damaged or missing items before leaving the airport. B. Traveling by road: • If you are traveling by road, make sure you choose a reliable means of transportation that even natives trust. • Avoid traveling or walking at night because anything can happen and you do not want to be a victim. In many African countries, bicycles and motorcycles are the most common means of short distance trips. If you must use them, try to consult the host family or Country Coordinator to arrange this for you. In most cases, they can find you a reliable and safe driver as your cab or bike rider. C. Personal Behavior: • Every culture and country has its good and bad. Use common sense and learn from the locals how to behave or fit. • Avoid risky behaviors that may pose you personal safety and health risks. Remember, there are not many good medical facilities in most of these countries to treat you. • Similarly, avoid being caught up in legal quagmire as the law in other countries may be too intricate for you to navigate and no one will be able to save you. Best advice is do not do anything stupid that can pose you a risk. D. Telecommunication in a foreign country • Check your cell phone’s capabilities in advance. Check with your phone provider to ensure that your phone has the capabilities and your plan supports these capabilities to work overseas. Or, you may purchase a prepaid cell phone at your destination. III. Returning Home: • Know customs regulations. Generally, each US citizen may bring in $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. There are extra allowances for items from certain underdeveloped countries. • The $800 allowance applies only to items you carry home with you. All items mailed home are subject to duty. • Exchange unused currency and use unused traveler’s checks promptly. You may save small bills or coins as souvenirs. • Never ever carry or use any narcotics. It is against our policy and against the law. 12 Africa Project, Inc., P.O. Box 386, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tel: 1(919) 439-0439 Email: info@africaproject.net Website: www.africaproject.net