FAQ
Why choose to volunteer with United Playground?
We don't believe volunteers should have to pay a fortune when they are giving up their free time. Therefore we have affiliated ourselves with programmes that do not charge the earth. Please see the comparison chart on the home page for details.
What are the costs for Volunteering?
United Playground work with a number of charities and NGO's, as such program fees can vary. When signing up for a volunteer program a mandatory administration fee of £130 is required to secure your place. All costs shown on this site INCLUDE the administration fee. The remainder of the program fee is required within 4 weeks of having paid your admin fee.
Do I have to give a deposit?
Yes, we require a £130 deposit, (the administrative fee), to save your place at your chosen program.
Cancellations
A non refundable fee is payable unless cancelled by United Playground, whereupon your fee will be refunded.
When I am on my placement, is there someone I can call in case of an emergency?
Yes, we will provide you with all the emergency contacts. United Playground is affiliated with NGO's and charities who have offices in all our program destinations.
What is a CRB check?
Criminal Records Check. We require all UK volunteer to have this before they travel. However, it can take up to one month to receive the all clear from CRB, so the volunteer may leave for their program beforehand and if the check comes back proving their criminal background, United Playground and all of its affiliations have the right to ask the volunteer to leave their program. For more details on the CRB check please see their website http://www.crb.gov.uk/.
What age do I have to be to be able to volunteer?
Minimum age to volunteer is 18 years of age. As long as you are fit and healthy, there is no maximum age. We may ask for a doctor's letter if you are over 60.
If I am travelling with a friend, can we be placed at the same program?
Yes of course. When you apply, add in the note section your friends name or drop us an email and we can make the arrangements.
What skills do I need to be a volunteer?
All we ask is that you speak English. We are looking for people who are articulate, adventurous, love children (if your choosing to work with them), passionate about meeting new people and new places. You do not need to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate) although it would be to your advantage if you choose to work in a school.
Do the volunteers need to speak English?
Yes, all volunteers need to speak fluent English
Do I need to have a British Passport to Volunteer?
No, most passports are welcome. Feel free to contact us with any queries.
How long can I go out for?
Two weeks is the minimum stay, as we need to make you beneficial to the program you are working with. However you can stay up to a couple of years, depending upon the visa.
How far in advance do I have to book my placement?
Around a month, due to needing time to book your flight, get injections, travel insurance and CRB check.
Do you have any fundraising ideas to help me fund this trip?
Yes, please refer to section on the homepage.
What injections and medications do I require for travelling?
Please consult your local Doctor with regards to this. Medication changes constantly and they will have the most up to date information.
Where can I get my visa from?
United Playground will email you the visa forms once you apply for a program. Alternatively you can contact the embassy directly and organise the visa yourself.
How do I apply to be a Volunteer?
Once you have chosen a program, following the link at the top of the page and click on 'Book my place now!'
Who arranges my food and accommodation when I am a volunteer?
This will depend upon which program you have chosen to work with. If you are staying with a host family, they will take care of everything. If you are staying in a guesthouse, you will cook your own food.
I am a vegetarian. Is this a problem?
Not at all. When you fill in the form to apply, simply mention this in a note at the bottom on the form.
Can I contact the program directly that I wish to volunteer at?
Once you have paid the admin fee, we will put you in touch with the co-ordinator who is leading the program you wish to visit.
Will there be internet access at my chosen destination?
You will find this information on the program pages. However, the internet will almost always be in the towns but not always in the villages
Will I have time to sight see?
Yes. All programmes work differently, however it is likely you will have the weekends to explore.
Is there an orientation?
United Playground does not provide an orientation. However, once in your chosen country, the co-ordinator will provide you with an orientation to gently introduce you to their culture.
Do I need to speak the local language?
No. You just need to be fluent in English.
