volsol philippines brochure 2016 compressed

2016BROCHURE

PHILIPPINES

www.volunteeringsolutions.com

VOLUNTEER INTERN TRAVEL

ContentsCover01

Contents02

Rural Medical Clinic Volunteering08

Your Accommodation09

Accommodation and Living10

Cost11

What am I Paying for?12

What am I Paying for? (Contd.)13

Things to Do14

How to Apply - The Process15--17

Get in Touch18

Philippines and Tacloban Overview03

Philippines Map with All Programs04

Build a Home Construction Program05

Community Center Program06

Public Health Nutrition Program07

VOLUNTEER


Philippines is the second largest archipelago with more than 7000

islands located between South China Sea and Philippine Sea. The

country has a lot to offer to the travelers with its rich cultural

history, beautiful beaches, rainforests and volcanoes. It is a great

destination for travelers looking to get off the beaten path and

explore a new location. You will be amazed by how much you can

do in Philippines, watching across the emerald rice fields,

turquoiseturquoise water, piping volcanoes, you can have a hell of an

adventure in this country.

In Philippines, Volunteering Solutions offers volunteer projects in

and around Tacloban city in the island of Leyte. We have around 4

volunteer opportunities in Tacloban, Build a Home Construction

Program, Community Center Program, Public Health Nutrition

Program and an opportunity at rural medical clinics. All the

programs require volunteers to put in a minimum volunteering

work of 5 hours a day for 5 days. Our international volunteers use

theirtheir weekends for traveling around the city or for making short

trips.

Philippines Trip Highlights

Visit the local areas of interest such as San Juanico Bridge, the Santo Nino Shrine and the MacArthur

Landing Memorial Park.

Opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the tropical island of Leyte.

Lend a helping hand for construction of a home for underprivileged

Get set to work for the community development

Educate people about their health and maintaining a proper diet

Support and assist the medical camps and help the locals

Philippines and Tacloban


03


Build a Home Construction Program

Community Center Program

Public Health Nutrition Program

Rural Medical Clinic Volunteering

TACLOBAN

Philippines - All Programs04

Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project.

Need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

The volunteers should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

Must be in good health.

Philippines, as a country, needs a lot of help with local construction

and maintenance. The country has suffered at the hands of turbulent

typhoons, volcanic eruptions as well as earthquakes. The frequency is

such, that the region never gets time to get over it. The recent damages

inflicted by Typhoon Yolanda has left many families homeless. Due to

the lack of proper administrative policies and appropriate skills, many

Filipinos are still without homes.

UnderUnder this program volunteers have to be involved in the task of

building long term sustainable accommodation that will house

generations of one family for years to come. Volunteers do not have to

possess any special background in civil engineering or heavy

construction. A general idea of construction material and mixing will

help. Some of the task would include digging foundations, setting up

supporting pillars, laying hollow blocks, roofing frames etc. It is advised

thatthat volunteers bring in with them some basic tools such as hammers,

hacksaws and wire-cutters which do not run on electricity, as that is

limited in Philippines.

Build a Home Construction ProgramStarting from $650


05

Add On Tour

For add on tours, contact [email protected] for more information.






Community centers are important for Philippines because that is

where all the major decisions of a community are taken. And, of

course, not to forget that it doubles up as a shelter home when the

wrath of the nature sets in.

ThisThis project is apt for volunteers who have a keen interest in social

development and construction work. The impact of this work is direct

and you see the results as you work. Tasks assigned to the volunteers

will vary according to the skills level of the individual as well as his/her

preference. Volunteers who want to join the program in the months of

April and May will also be expected to conduct extra-curricular

activities for the elementary and high school students who regularly

useuse each community center. Volunteers are welcome to enroll for this

project at any time of the year; however, we recommend to fill the

registration/application form much in advance to confirm the

availability of slots.

Community Center ProgramStarting from $650


06

Add On Tour






Knowledge of Public health nutrition is preferred, those who are currently pursuing their studies in public health nutrition are also strongly encouraged to apply.


Volunteering Solutions’ Nutrition Public Health project aims to rectify

and improve the malnourished condition of infants, especially born in

the low-income communities. This project is more on the lines of

public awareness and includes a feeding program for malnourished

children.

UnderUnder this project VolSol volunteers have to organize seminars and

workshops for the locals and the rural communities, and enlighten

them about balanced diet and nutritional plans. Through these

information rich workshops, volunteers have to convince the parents

to create a food habit that is rich in vital nutrients and nourishing for

the kids. These learnings have to be imparted keeping in view that the

locals do not compromise on their personal savings. Aside from

malnutrition,malnutrition, volunteers will also lead initiatives to combat issues such

as diabetes, protein energy malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency by

acting as endorsers for healthy nutrition.

Public Health Nutrition ProgramStarting from $650


07

Add On Tour




Pre-meds, and people with medical and healthcare background can join this project.



Must be in good health.Under this project VolSol volunteers get the opportunity to work in the

under-funded clinic based in the outskirts of the Tacloban City. These

are basically rural clinics and face shortage of manpower and skilled

hands. Our volunteers would be required to assist the hospital staff

and doctors with regular health care activities.

VolunteersVolunteers would be required to assist the local doctor with daily

consultations, helping with local, government based, initiatives such as

vaccinations or deworming, visiting local barangays during community

clinic consultations, conducting workshops and more. Volunteers may

also have the opportunity to assist in pre-natal seminars and other

community based health workshops. Our medical volunteers can

make significant impact in the lives of the locals by working at the clinic

andand providing free medical services to them. On the brighter side,

volunteers get to perform in a pressure pit, pushing their limits and

also gaining practical hand-on knowledge while at it. Volunteers

working in a Healthcare and Medical Volunteering may also have the

opportunity to get involved with other public health projects, such as

Annual Medical Mission or Annual Medical Check-up for all children

enrolled under various social development projects.

Rural Medical Clinic VolunteeringStarting from $650


08

Add On Tour


Your Accommodation


09

Accommodation HighlightsFully Furnished accommodation with a local host family

Breakfast and dinner included, or meals as guided by the project

Near all the project sites

Near basic amenities and markets

Volunteering Solutions helps you to focus on your volunteer work,

while we take care of your airport transfer, accommodation,

meals and weekend trips. Volunteers are picked up and dropped

off at Tacloban Airport by a local representative staff member. All

volunteers are provided with an orientation about the local

Filipino culture, local dialect, safety guidelines, the project and

volunteers’ role and responsibilities, by the local staff. Volunteers

areare also given a local Tacloban city tour and of all the important

tourist sights in the city.

Volunteers are provided accommodation with a local Filipino host

family. Living with a host family would be exciting as you would get

to experience the local culture and way of life.Volunteers are

provided with their own private room or shared accommodation

with other volunteer. Meals include breakfast and dinner at the

host family accommodations. Meals are cooked in traditional

Filipino style and volunteers should inform in advance about any

dietary restrictions.dietary restrictions.


Accommodation and Living10

So, why do I have to pay for volunteering abroad? I mean, I want to help them and all and still I will have to pay? That is a

common question people ask. People often forget that volunteering is never free. Volunteering Abroad is definitely a choice,

and when you choose to do so, you have to pay. For what? For your airfare, for your lodgings, for your meals, for local

commute, airport transfer, for your project placement tie-ups! There is more in the list, but again, all of us dread the word

"program fee"

So, we thought we should simplify it for you. Your program fee solely aims to provide you comfort, while you volunteer

abroad. It is structured to meet your most basic needs.


Cost11

Please Note: -An application fee of $225 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

Airfare

Mobile connection and recharge

Entry fees to monuments or sightseeing places (if not included in program)

Transportation and local travel

Visa Fee

Personal expenses

Return Airport DropReturn Airport Drop

Expenses other than program fee

Philippines Program Start Dates

Philippines Program Costs (in USD)1 Week 2 Weeks 3 Weeks 4 Weeks 5 Weeks 6 Weeks 7 Weeks 8 Weeks Program Name Extra

Weeks

$650-- $760 $870 $980 $1090 $1200 $1310 $110Medical, Teaching, Construction, Community Development & Orphanage Program

Most people are surprised to hear that they have to pay to volunteer abroad. What they often do not realize is that there

are significant administrative costs involved to arrange for a worthwhile volunteer abroad placement. Volunteering

Solutions is not supported by any government funding and runs its programs entirely from the fee that volunteers pay to

take part in the volunteer programs. Volunteering Abroad, involves incurring of many costs such as food, accommodation,

transportation, transfers, project selection etc. The program fee charged by us, goes into providing you all these services.

The money that you pay to us is distributed at various stages to provide you a meaningful volunteer abroad experience.The money that you pay to us is distributed at various stages to provide you a meaningful volunteer abroad experience.

VOLSOL Program Cost IncludesAdvertising Online/Offline Credit Card processing charges

In country maintenance of offices, vehicles etc.Staff recruitmentVolunteer recruitmentMaintaining office and other expenses

Salaries for staffNGO financial helpCommunication with volunteers and partners, by phone/email etc.International travel done by our staff to monitor projects and attend local meetings with partnersWebsite maintenance.Government taxes.


What am I paying for?12

Administration Cost

In Country SupportProject Development

Project Support &Field Cost

Food & Accommodation

It is necessary for an organization to employ full time staff to recruit and manage volunteers. There is lot of work that goes

side by side ensuring that you are supported before and during your program. We are dedicated to make your volunteering

abroad a memorable experience and ward off of all possible hunches at every steps. Our administration cost is 28% of the

total cost which include advertising, staff salary, website maintenance, taxes, volunteer recruitment and other expenses.

The application processing fee is part of your administrative costs, unlike many other volunteer travel company we do not

chargecharge any additional credit card processing fee. These companies can charge as much as 6% on your application fee taking

it to a difference of almost $100 extra. We have a flat rate and that is what we charge.

Administration

You may be endowed with exceptional skills and acumen in your area of expertise but to figure out your exact role in the

placement agency and to gain insights of its operations require training. To know cultural practices and etiquettes is of

sublime importance to carry out your tasks. So you need someone who could impart training and dispel your doubts at

every step, obviously he/she doubles as your friend and trainer.

Good grasp of the local language is an added advantage that helps you to communicate effectively and learn the culture

promptly so in some cases they also assign language trainers to help you out who is paid by program provider.

Training and orientation

We charge for food and accommodation based on your preferences. You may decide to do home stay or group

accommodation or relish the cuisines cooked by host family and pay them. You may cook for yourself if you find it

economical or your placement organization may provide you lunch. You have plethora of options to choose from and

charges are determined accordingly. Host organization provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere for the volunteers.

Food and accommodation charges cover 40% of your total expenditure.

Food and accommodation

Volunteer service organization often employs in-country staff to provide local support and to make your volunteering

abroad experience memorable. As long as you are volunteering outside which may take up to six months, our staff is

continuously working for you behind the screen. So we pay them from program fees we receive despite other sources like

grants and donations.

NothingNothing can be more discomforting than to struggle for getting basic services like healthcare, banking or even visa

reviewing in a foreign land that otherwise would have been comparatively less difficult in an English speaking country. As a

volunteer, you have not been tied up to the agency only but you may roam around the city to watch historical places, zoo,

movies etc. and should have total access to everything in order to distress yourself. VolSol has incredible in-country support

(around 12%) to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

In country support

The most important part of the volunteering fees is on the project which you have chosen. Program fees help fund the

project activities and resources. Thus organizations need paid staff member to ensure continuity of your program and

administrative duties. Project development involved 11% of the total program fee.

Project Development

What am I paying for? (Contd.)13

Although there is not an exact official count to the number of volcanoes in the country, it is said that there are around 37

volcanoes present all across the Filipino islands, out of which 18 are still considered to be active. The Mayon Volcano,

located on the Luzon island, is considered to be the most active stratovolcano present in the Philippines; it is fondly known

as the ‘Perfect One’, because of its perfect conical shape. The Taal volcano, Mt. Apo, Mt. Bulusan and Mt. Pinatubo are

several other famous volcanoes; most of them located in Luzon itself.

Volcanoes/Mountains

This is a ‘goes without saying’ factor of the Philippines. I mean, you simply can’t be in an island nation and expect just a

handful of beaches!!! With Pacific waters surrounding from all sides, every island in the Philippines has a number of

scintillating beaches to choose from. Go to Palawan Island and you have the secret beach and the El Nido beach to

mesmerize your wits, at Aklan you have the Boracay beach with crystal clear water and the white sandy shore.

Beaches

The Banaue Rice Terraces and The Chocolate Hills are amongst the many marvelously maintained landscapes in the

Philippines. While the terraces are almost 2000 years old and are fondly called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by the

Filipinos, the Chocolate Hills is a vast landscape of almost 1500 hills, all in symmetrical size. The San Juanico Bridge, located

in Tacloban city, is the longest and one of the most admirable piece of architecture in the history of the Philippines.

Landscapes/Architectures

When in the Philippines you don't only need to have a strong appetite, but also stringent taste buds to handle the level of

tang created due to heavy load of ingredients used in preparing the dishes. With soy sauce, vinegar, pork, rice, and fish

sauce being a common participant in most of the signature cuisines, the kitchens of the Philippines are known to serve

some extraordinary and innovative platters. Adobo, Sisig, Pork Barbecue, and the very famous street food Balut (talk about

extraordinary) are some of the mouth watering delicacies.

Cuisine

The land of the Philippines has some of the world's most epidemic species of animals in its womb. The Philippine

mouse-deer, Philippine Tarsier, Crocodylus mindorensis and the Philippine Eagle are just a handful of the names amongst

a long list of endangered and near to extinct species.

Wildlife


Things to do while volunteering in Philippines

14

Trip Notes

Combine some beach extension to enjoy your stay here

How to apply - The process15

From the drop down select either Volunteer Abroad, Intern Abroad or Summer programs abroad.

If you are already familiar with the website and are visiting just to apply ignore this step and simply click on the Apply Now button at the

end of the drop down header.

Where it will ask you to create a login and password for your My Account login. Your email id would be treated as the username or user

id. Click on the proceed to next step button. The next step button will take you to a form that you have to fill to pay your application fee

of $225. This application fee will book your seat in the placement until you pay the entire program fee amount. If we fail to provide you

the placement we will refund you the money.

**Points to Heed

**If you are a past volunteer and already have my account user id and password then login to your my account section directly.

**If you are a returning volunteer within a year, then you do not need to pay the application fee again. **If you are a returning volunteer within a year, then you do not need to pay the application fee again.

01

When you click on the apply now button, you will get a window like this:

02



Fill out the forms marked 2 to 4 and submit application, it will be redirected to your payment gateway, where you can make the payment.

If you make the application fee payment now, your My account login would be activated as soon as we receive the payment. In case of

any glitches if your My account login is not activated, please inform us and we will do it manually.

You will receive a Thank you mail for booking the application or making your my account

login. You will get this email irrespective of full payment made or not.

03

04

This email would be followed by a Welcome mail and a community email with platforms to

help you connect with our past volunteers. If you are using gmail, please check your

promotions folder or spam folder and mark them not spam and shift them to your inbox.

Actively participate in VolSol Facebook page and Groups and also join the social

community made by volunteers, that will help you better prepare for the trip.

05



One month prior to your booking you will get your pre departure booklet. The

pre-departure booklet would contain all the details about your project and project

location.

While on the project, we will send you an email to check on you, whether you are doing fine or not. You can send your pictures, blogs or

videos or anything related to your ongoing work to us and we will share it with other prospective volunteers.

After the completion of your project, we send you a feedback form, fill this form out and help us improve our services.

06

If your placement is confirmed you will get an email from us stating the same, along with

the final payment due amount.

You can pay your program fee from your my account section or from payment page. The

links for the same would be provided in the email. Payment details would be updated on

your my account page.

05

Know your coordinator

Ester(Program Coordinator - Philippines)

Ester is a graduate from the University of Philippines. She is the main program program coordinator in

Tacloban coordinating placements of the volunteers in different projects as well as assisting in

researching new projects in need of volunteers. She looks forward to welcome you in Tacloban.


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