How Does All Access Volunteers Select Its Partner Organizations?

At AAV, we carefully select each of our partner organizations. Most often, our partner organizations come from referrals through volunteers or colleagues. After much conversation and research, organizations are selected and added to our list of volunteer opportunities. Partner organizations are selected based on their ethical philosophies, leadership qualities, sound program management, and their ability to manage & support international volunteers.

Do I Have to Pay to Volunteer?

The fact is, you don’t. Most, but not all, volunteer opportunities are free of charge. That said, each volunteer most pay their own way including flights, accommodation, food, transportation etc. It is also typically the volunteer’s responsibility to make all arrangements, and it can be quite a time consuming and difficult task. Of utmost importance is finding the right project for you! Based on your individual skills and interests, selecting a project that is the right fit for you will enhance your volunteer experience. Often a volunteer may overlook important factors including; necessary Visa requirements and procedures, medical insurance, pre-departure education, set up of accommodation and arrangements for airport/bus terminal pick-up. Let AAV do all this for you, plus, we can help you book adventure tours, arrange Spanish lessons or provide helpful tips for the area you are visiting. We can even help you book your flights!

Who Can Volunteer?

The opportunities at AAV are open to people of all nationalities, ages and backgrounds. AAV, along with most of our partner organizations, are non-denominational. We are certainly open to working with people from any religious background. All of our partner organizations require that volunteers are a minimum of 18 years old.

Is There an Age Requirement to Volunteer?

All of our partner organizations require that volunteers are a minimum of 18 years old. We at AAV adhere to this for many reasons, most importantly for the safety of our volunteers. We are thorough in ensuring the safe travel of all our volunteers, with extensive prep work and support. However, developing nations, such as those AAV currently operates in, can be dangerous to young, inexperienced travellers. Though we appreciate and support the interest of minors, AAV and its partner projects are not able to offer volunteer opportunities UNLESS accompanied by a parent(s) and/or guardian. We, alongside our partner organizations, are open to working with high school groups. If you have any questions in regard to the age restrictions and/or you are interested in organizing a school trip, please contact us.

Do I Need to Know Spanish to Volunteer?

If you have Spanish skills of any level it will be a great assistance to your work in Latin America and will certainly add to your overall experience. However, it is not required that you have Spanish language skills. For many, Spanish is acquired in various levels after arriving in-country. We do encourage you to learn as much as you can before you depart as this will only help your transition upon arrival. We can also arrange Spanish language classes in all the areas we operate. As a side-note; if working with kids, they LOVE to teach and locals are always willing to help, so don’t be afraid to ask for help!

How Long Can I Volunteer For?

First and foremost, AAV is not a tour company. We assist those looking to volunteer by partnering them with reputable grassroots projects throughout Latin America. Those looking to volunteer their time, to help people less fortunate, must be prepared to make a small commitment.  Each of our partner organizations specifies their own minimum commitment requirements. Most organizations ask for a minimum commitment of 2-4 weeks. Adhering to this time commitment helps to ensure the long term sustainability of the project. In most cases, when working with children, a longer commitment allows you to build a relationship, earn trust and give the children some stability in what is often a very unstable life.   We guarantee the reward is far greater than the commitment, for everyone involved!

What Are the Visa Requirements?

We advise each volunteer to research the visa requirements of each country before travelling. We can certainly assist in this process. For citizens of Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand and most EU nations, you will receive a “90 day Visitor’s Visa” upon arrival in most Central & South American countries.

Can I Volunteer With a Partner or Friend(s)?

Yes! AAV accepts volunteers travelling together and will ensure you are placed in the same accommodation as your friend or partner. When you first contact us, please make a note of this and we will accommodate accordingly.

Can We Volunteer As Group?

Yes! AAV accepts groups looking to volunteer together. Groups will receive a discounted rate. If you have a group and are looking to volunteer with one of our partner projects, please contact us to arrange.

How Far in Advance Do I Need To Apply for a Program?

We highly recommend that you apply for a program a minimum of 60 days prior to your anticipated departure to ensure that space is available in the program of your choice, we can make all arrangements in regard to your accommodation, we have time to assist in your preparation, and allow you sufficient time to obtain any necessary immunizations. If you register less than 60 days prior to the desired departure date, and there is available space in the volunteer program of your choice, then arrangements will be made to the best of our ability.

After I Have Been Accepted to a Program, How Long Do I Have to Submit My Deposit?

We ask that all volunteers submit their $150USD deposit 30 days after acceptance into their chosen volunteer program. Deposits are non-refundable and will be applied to the total price of the volunteer program.

When is My Final Payment Due?

After we receive your flight information, we will issue an invoice for your volunteer program. Final payment must be received by our office no later than 30 days prior to your departure. If payment is not received by this time, we can not guarantee admittance to your chosen volunteer program as there will not have been adequate time to process your payment and send the funds to your volunteer destination. A $35 USD fee is assessed for late payments.