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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Volunteer Match program?
What happens once I have been accepted?
Why should I pay to volunteer? What does the fee cover?
What is the cost of the volunteer match program?
What is tax-deductible in the U.S.?
Where can I volunteer?
Can I volunteer in the United States?
When should I apply?
Will I be safe?
Do I need to be a U.S. resident to volunteer?
Do I need a visa?
Do I need medical or travel insurance?
Will my own medical insurance be effective in other countries?
Can I travel with my spouse, partner, or friend?
How can I raise money for my experience?
Who organizes my flights?
Frequently asked questions about Brazil
How do I apply for the Volunteer Match program?
Complete an application, resume and brief interview in which you indicate with which international partner you desire to volunteer. We will verify that the international partner you selected needs your skills. Read more about the applying and the selection process.
What happens once I have been accepted?
If you are accepted by PWE and you then accept the project, you will complete a contract with PWE and make a down payment on the program fee. You will be given access to an online orientation. The program coordinator will contact you to provide information and answer any questions you have about the community and partner. An on-site orientation is provided upon your arrival in the host community.
Why should I pay to volunteer? What does the fee cover?
You pay for your room and board while living in another country. Nonprofits generally do not pay volunteers' living expenses. Our partners are underfunded organizations; if they had the funds to pay for your living expenses, they would hire additional local workers.
You are also paying PWE to organize the project, find room and board, and provide you with information, orientation, and support while you are abroad. We utilize many volunteers in our operation, but we also need paid staff in some positions to ensure consistency and quality.
Your costs are very low. What you spend on a 6-month volunteer stay is comparable to a two- or three-week international vacation, and some of it is tax-deductible in the U.S.
Your fee breakdown may vary slightly from community to community; here is a general idea:
- $75 registration fee pays for administrative work and a background check
- $400 administrative fee
- $450 per month for room and board
- $100-$200 month paid to Program Coordinator; includes coordinators costs
What is the cost of the volunteer match program?
For programs in Brazil:
3 months: $75 application fee plus $2,250
4-6 months: Add $600 for each additional month
7-12 months: Add $500 for each of these additional months
The fee covers your room and board, board including at least two meals per day. We provide support in your community through a project coordinator, who will be in contact with you at least weekly during the first three months of your stay and monthly in the following months, more frequently if the need arises.
You are provided with an orientation to the culture and community upon arrival in your host community. If you need language training, we assist in arranging it. You will be picked up at the airport nearest to the host community on arrival and delivered and introduced to your host family. You will receive an orientation to your project/job.
Other costs to the volunteer:
- All transportation costs and other travel expenses, including visa costs
- Medical exams/vaccinations if required
- Travel and medical insurance
- Language training, if necessary
- Incidental expenses, such as buying bottled water, snacks, personal care items, public transportation and similar items
- Travel before or after the volunteer stay or on weekends and holidays
What is tax-deductible in the U.S.?
PWE is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the U.S. The IRS allows a charitable deduction for travel necessary when away from home to perform services for a charitable organization only if there is no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation. Here are some general rules, but check with your accountant if you have any doubt about your circumstances:
- Travel expenses to and from the site are generally tax-deductible.
- Food/shelter/program fees are not deductible because the residence is not considered your residence, and food is considered a personal living expense.
- Costs of inoculations are not deductible.
- Visa fees are usually not deductible.
- Reasonable value of time worked is not deductible.
Where can I volunteer?
At the present time we have partner organizations in Brazil. We will expand the number of sites in the future.
Can I volunteer in the United States?
Find volunteer positions at Employment/Internships.
When should I apply?
Please apply at least 3 months before your intended departure to allow time for PWE to process your application and ensure your volunteer placement, as well as to allow you time to get your visa and any vaccinations required, and book your flights.
Will I be safe?
Partners for Women’s Equality provides no warranty of safety. International travel can sometimes be hazardous. We suggest you review any hazards or alerts indicated by the U.S. Department of State.
Do I need to be a U.S. resident to volunteer?
No. We welcome volunteers from other countries. If you are a citizen of another country, you will need to determine if the host country has any restrictions on visas.
Do I need a visa?
Many countries require visas. Brazil requires a visa for U.S. citizens. If you are accepted, you will be advised of your need for a visa.
Do I need medical or travel insurance?
Yes, you will need to purchase travel insurance with medical insurance coverage.
Will my own medical insurance be effective in other countries?
Generally, U.S. medical is not effective when you travel abroad. We require that you purchase travel insurance that includes medical insurance coverage.
Can I travel with my spouse, partner, or friend?
Yes, as long as you both are volunteers with PWE. Please indicate this when you apply so that we can accommodate both of your skills. If you share a room, we may be able to give you a discount as well. People who are not participating in the program cannot stay with you in housing provided by PWE.
How can I raise money for my experience?
Fundraising is a great way to fund your PWE experience. If you are accepted into the program, we will provide some great fundraising ideas.
Who organizes my flights?
You organize your own flights after you have been approved for placement and sign the contract, and then you inform us of your itinerary. We will have our local program director meet you at the closest airport to your host community.
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Frequently asked questions about Brazil
What are the requirements for the program?
You need skills identified by one of our partners, along with good health. Basic Portuguese is required, but we can arrange an intensive language immersion course in Brazil, before you start your volunteer experience.
Are there any restrictions?
A visa is required of U.S. citizens. You will need to pass a criminal background check.
When do I find out if I am accepted and if there is a project for me?
You should know within two weeks of your inerview if there is a placement that fits your skills.
Do I need a visa?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you need a visa to travel to Brazil. Additional information regarding the type of visa you will need is provided once your project has been finalized. Please plan sufficient time to allow for processing of the visa.
Where will I stay?
What city do I fly into?
If your host city is João Pessoa, you will fly into João Pessoa, Paraíba. If your host city is São Leopoldo, you fly into Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul.
Do I need to speak English?
Yes.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
You need to be willing to learn Portuguese. We can refer you to an immersion program in your host community. We recommend that you master basic Portuguese before you start your volunteer activity. 4 to 6 weeks in an intensive program should give you the basics.
When should I arrive in Brazil?
Some of the programs have periods of inactivity during the summer months, so consider this in deciding on your arrival time. Please contact us for assistance.
What immunizations do I need?
A Yellow Fever vaccination is required to secure a visa if you have recently traveled to certain countries and is being recommended by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention for travel to Brazil. Your doctor or a doctor at a travel clinic should be consulted. The CDC provides up to date information on their recommendations of immunizations when traveling to Brazil, as well as other helpful health information.
Where do I stay?
You will stay with a host family. Generally the host families in Brazil are middle/upper middle economic class, as we look for families that have the space to provide for volunteers. They generally have most modern conveniences. Sometimes, more than one volunteer is accommodated in the same home. You will have your own room, unless you are sharing the experience with some one and desire to share a room.
What will be my work hours?
You should plan to work 30 – 40 hours per week between the hours of 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday - Friday. An individual schedule may vary depending upon your project.
Will I have access to the internet?
Yes, many of the host families will have internet access, the program director has internet access, and there are internet cafes in the communities.
Will I be able to go sightseeing while volunteering?
Sure, your weekends are free. You can of course sightsee before and after your experience. If you are staying for only three months we do not recommend you take any time off your volunteer position to sightsee except weekend trips.
How do I pay my fees?
Your fees can be paid by check by mailing the check directly to Partners for Women’s Equality or by credit card through Paypal.
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