Why does volunteering abroad cost money?
Flexible volunteering abroad is a very sustainable form of travel and a budget-friendly way to gain valuable experience abroad for longer while doing something good locally. But why does volunteer work abroad cost money?
The Pricing structures at RGV are simple held. We offer numerous inclusive services, are transparent in the service overview and have no hidden costs in our programs.
How can qualitatively quality volunteer work be offered at fair participation costs? A look behind the scenes provides insight and transparency into the structural and organizational structure of Rainbow Garden Village (RGV):
1. RGV programs abroad are largely run by local people
We know from experience that local people have the best overview of which facilities in their community really need the support of volunteers. With the help of our participation fees, we support the long-term employment of more than 120 RGV employees worldwide and save costs by doing without comparatively expensive personnel from Germany.
2. RGV accommodation abroad is cost-saving and allows for maximum cultural exchange
In every RGV program, the Lodging included by default. We work long-term with experienced host families and with our own RGV Volunteer Houses and can thus have a direct influence on the quality while maintaining fair room prices. The accommodations are rented or leased by RGV all year round.
At all locations worldwide, at least the standard that is customary in the country or better is offered to our volunteers. Our type of accommodation promotes an authentic and cultural local experience compared to expensive hotels and also helps the hosts to earn a regular additional income.
3. RGV Community and Global Network
Thanks to our worldwide network, which we have been building up since 1999, we can offer programs within our Community cheaper than it would be possible for a single person to organize themselves. Our community counts more than 12.000 alumni volunteers, 250 aid projects and numerous RGV supporters worldwide.
4. As a non-profit gGmbH, RGV does not work for profit
RGV is one of the few volunteer organizations in Germany that offers flexible volunteer work worldwide as part of a state-approved non-profit organization. We review the price structures annually.
With RGV you have found a responsible volunteer organization with fair participation costs. In return, we enable you to do an authentic and meaningful volunteer work in your desired country, very close to the local population and other like-minded international volunteers.
What are your participation costs used for?
the primary, cost-inducing tasks our activities lie in the Preparation, mediation and implementation of charitable voluntary work and internships abroad as well as the development of concepts aimed at this.
The participation costs are thus raised for the most part to finance the implementation on site and for the administration of our organization.
Rainbow Garden Village uses part of the participation costs of volunteers specifically for projects for which RGV as the responsible body functions, such as the street children project in Ghana. The direct financial support of all other reception projects, such as schools and kindergartens, is not the focus of our charitable work. Instead, we focus on sustainably supporting local communities with the help of our volunteers and promoting intercultural exchange.
Our field of activity is not to be confused with development aid, which comes from state institutions such as GIZ, for example, which are equipped with EU funding pots.
Overview of how program fees are used
| Approx. 60% implementation costs in the host country |
| Approx. 19% Munich office |
| Approx. 12% public relations & marketing |
| Approx. 6% project funding & further development |
| About 3% scholarships and seminars |
Erläuterungen
Implementation costs in the host country
This includes services such as project placement fees (if required by the project, e.g. for animal projects), support, accommodation, other included program services such as airport pick-up, meals or social events, personnel costs for RGV teams as well as full-time and volunteer employees , maintenance of the RGV accommodations, organization and administration.
All RGV locations receive an agreed placement fee from us for each participating volunteer. This covers ongoing operating costs. The amount of these fees is not a flat rate and is always based on the area of ​​activity of the volunteer project. Medical, animal and wildlife programs, for example, receive a higher contribution margin on average, since equipment, feed, etc. often have to be financed here.
Munich office
This is the expense to cover general operating costs such as office rent and other running costs such as for office operations, staff, insurance and administration. All administrative tasks for our worldwide volunteer programs are coordinated in the office in Munich.
Public Relations & Marketing
These include costs for the creation of information brochures, partner agencies for the website and press work, social media, memberships and quality associations.
Project funding & further development
Project funding is part of the commitment of volunteer organizations that work abroad. However, it can and must only be regarded as a supporting tool, but in no way as an obligatory or primary task of our organization. For us, the supporting help of the volunteers and the cultural exchange are the main focus of our activities. >> read here, why you with RGV should do volunteer work.
Facilities such as kindergartens and schools are financed exclusively with funds from the host country. As a volunteer organization, we can also make donations in kind for the repairs and renovations as well as for the educational material in justified cases.
Volunteer programs sponsored by Rainbow Garden Village, such as this Street kid project in Ghana or our Volunteer Village in Mtwara, Tanzania are fully funded by RGV.
There are also costs for the ongoing further development of existing RGV programs, the development of quality controls and quality standards, the development of further programs and the further training of RGV employees.
grants and seminars
This includes the conception and organization of volunteer seminars (online and on site) to prepare for the stay abroad, to promote development education and personal development. In addition, RGV offers a scholarship abroad, whereby the program costs are partly borne by us.
Preparation
How far in advance do I have to register?
Ideally your registration takes place at least 3-6 months before the desired departure date, But also short-term registrations are up 1-2 months before the planned departure is possible.
But it could be that your dream project is already booked. In this case we will try together to find a suitable alternative for you.
Can I travel with a friend or in a group?
Yes! On request we enable a double room if you for two with a friend or a friend, or an apartment or other suitable accommodation for groups.
We are very happy to enable our participants to go on a project and share accommodation with friends. Shared accommodation is usually possible both in the volunteer house and with the host family, although the room in the volunteer house may also be shared with other participants. In some locations there is also the option of sharing an apartment.
When registering, please always mention the person(s) traveling with you!
Which previous knowledge do I need?
For most projects are Soft skills such as reliability, initiative and a sense of responsibility as well as the motivation to support a project are sufficient. Good linguistic proficiency (English or Spanish or French) are a great advantage. For some projects, however, specific knowledge necessary - you can read about this in the respective project description.
What insurance do I need?
In order to be able to take part in one of our projects, you need the following insurance:
- Health Insurance
- Private liability insurance
Make sure that the insurance is valid in your destination country!
When do I have to submit the documents?
Documents are only required after a binding registration. You should send us a letter of motivation and your CV by email immediately after registering. We need all the remaining documents no later than 4 weeks before departure.
Here you have one Overview of all required documents.
How do I change money into local currency?
It is best to take a credit card with you and withdraw money from the machine on site. Here you will find information about a free Visa card.
Will the project be recognized by my university?
As a rule: Yes! It is important that you let us know in advance Requirements of your university/college to a project (e.g. nursing internship). Internship specifications and focal points can be adhered to as long as we are informed about this and can therefore search for the appropriate placement.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, for some countries there will be one Visa needed! For many RGV destination countries, a visa must be applied for in advance. We will give you thorough instructions and obtain the necessary letters of invitation from your destination country.
Will I receive a confirmation of participation?
Yes, after your successful participation in an RGV project you will be issued with a confirmation of participation.
How can I get involved in my project after I return?
There are many ways to get involved as an RGV returnee upon your return. On the one hand, educational work in your area is a good start to make people aware of the project and the need. For example, organize an event at your university or in your community.
You can also send donations in kind and money to your project, which are always gratefully accepted. Find out in our magazine article about other ways you can continue to support your project from home.
>> Ask us an individual question <
We are happy to answer you from Monday to Friday between
10: 00 and 12: 00 clock and 14: 00 and 16: 00 clock
your individual questions. Just give us a call! Plan an individual consultation appointment with us or send us your message.
Costs & Financing
What additional expenses can I expect on site?
We have already covered most of the costs with your participation fees. Nevertheless, you should have additional costs of average 75 to 130 euros per week plan on. The largest additional costs usually arise from your personal expenses and your leisure activities. The amount varies depending on the country and activities.
During the preparation of the trip, costs for the entry visa may arise. Not every visa has a fee associated with it.
What are the participation costs?
The program costs vary depending on the country, project and duration of participation. At the end of each of our project descriptions you will find the program costs and the included services.
What does the organization use my money for?
Meaningful volunteer work abroad is associated with numerous cost factors. What are they and why is that so? => Detailed information can be found in our Article on the subject.
Sign in
How can I sign up?
Did you find your dream project? Perfect! Then you can now register with binding effect. Simply click on the "Register now" button in the respective project description and fill out the form. You can find more detailed information on the registration process in our Volunteer Guide.
How does the flight booking work?
As soon as we have confirmed your registration by email, nothing stands in the way of booking a flight. We have clearly described the best way to book your flight here:
Can I combine projects?
Yes! You can combine projects at one location, at different locations, but also in different countries. It is also possible to combine a project with a trip. You can specify your desired combination directly when registering.
Combination options at a glance:
- Combine programs in one country
- Combine programs across countries
- Combine a program with a language course
- Combine a program with ours Adventure & Trips
There are a few things Project combinations to note: The minimum length of stay per project must be observed and you may incur additional costs for country combinations, for example for an intermediate flight.
Can I extend on site if I like it?
Yes, this is possible from our side! The following points must be checked:
- Availability on site: The project must not be fully booked at the time.
- Validity of the visa: Your visa may need to be valid long enough.
- Rebooking the return flight: If you have already booked a return flight, you should be able to rebook it.
Health
Which vaccinations are recommended?
The required vaccinations vary greatly from country to country. For example, more vaccinations are required in the tropics than in the extratropical latitudes. In the health care we recommend using several information channels as a matter of principle:
• Consultation with the doctor
• Information from the Foreign Office
You can get general information about recommended health care and vaccinations online Center for Travel Medicine as well as on the side of Foreign Office.
On site
Are there other volunteers on site?
Yes! At our larger locations and in most animal welfare projects, you can be sure that you will meet other volunteers on site. Only in exceptional cases can it happen that there are no other volunteers on site.
Most of our volunteers come from German-speaking countries and other European countries.
=> Feel free to ask us by phone, how your project and your participation period look like.
Are there contact persons on site?
At all of our locations we have contact persons and RGV teams on site who will be happy to be there for you during your stay.
What are the working hours in the project?
Working hours can vary greatly between individual projects. Most of the time, however, you will be working on the project between 5 and 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. In the social field, the weekends are usually free.
Is there internet on site?
Often there is WiFi in our accommodations. If this is not available, the mobile network is usually sufficiently developed to go online. You can get a SIM card cheaply on site. Your team leaders can give you tips on this.
Can I travel on the weekends?
Almost all of our participants are in theirs free time very active and use the weekends or the days off to Journeys!
At most locations there are always several participants on site, so you can go on tour together. Our teams have plenty Tips for you and will be happy to advise you on organizational issues, such as public transport.
Can I travel after my project?
Yes, of course you can continue to explore the country after your assignment. However, you must observe the expiry date of your visa. You can also find them all here travel deals from RGV, which you can optionally book.
