Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Go
1. Can one person really make a difference?
2. Am I eligible to apply?
3. What if I have dietary or health concerns that may restrict my ability to participate?
4. How does the application process work?
5. When can I go on exchange?
6. Aside from program fees, are there other costs I need to consider?
7. What do I need to get prepared?
8. What should I bring with me?
While You Are There
9. What is provided while I am overseas?
10. What does an Exchange Manager do?
11. Where will I be living?
12. What will my work schedule be?
13. Is it safe?
After Your Exchange
14. Will there be an opportunity to travel in the country of my exchange and the surrounding region?
15. Will a placement with Humanity Exchange help me to find future employment?
1. Can one person really make a difference?
Yes. You will have a direct positive impact on the community you are working with. Participants donate many hours of valuable work. Also, the cultural exchange that results from a placement enables the sharing of unique ideas and ways of life. By giving their time, energy, and talents, participants make major contributions to the communities in which they work.
2. Am I eligible to apply?
Anybody who is over the age of eighteen and is physically able to go overseas may apply. That being said, The Humanity Exchange is looking for mature participants who possess ambition, sound judgment, compassion, and an interest in international development or human rights.
3. What if I have dietary or health concerns that may restrict my ability to participate?
It is essential that participants are in good health. There are no exceptions to this rule. If you have specific dietary restrictions or conditions, you may contact us to see if these would limit your participation in an exchange.
4. How does the application process work?
The application process is not competitive, nor is it based on quotas. We are looking for committed, motivated individuals who are driven by a desire to gain a deeper understanding of, and contribute to, overseas development. A positive attitude, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are essential for an exchange.
5. When can I go on exchange?
We send participants on exchange year round. Generally, we prefer to have six weeks at the very least between when you first contact our office and your departure date. That being said, we are skilled at making things happen. In some circumstances we have prepared participants for exchange in as little as three weeks.
6. Aside from program fees, are there other costs I need to consider?
Yes. Your program fee does not cover airfare, insurance, required medication and vaccinations, visas, and local transportation. Generally, these costs are quite predictable and easy to plan for ahead of time. The amount of pocket money spent on shopping, potential travel opportunities that arise, and social activities vary from person to person. Consider these costs when planning your budget. We will allot time to discuss these costs in the planning stage of your exchange. A full description of what is and is not covered through the program fee is on the costs page of this website.
7. What do I need to get prepared?
Once you have decided to embark on an exchange, we will send you a pre-departure package to guide you through the preparation process. You will need to obtain travel documents including a passport and visa, and required vaccinations and medications. We also advise you to do your own personal research on the country where your exchange will take place. For those taking language lessons, we recommend investing in a dictionary and verb conjugation resource. We will do our best to make sure you are prepared and confident to participate in your exchange.
8. What should I bring with me?
Whatever the length of time you plan to spend overseas, less is more. In fact, those who don’t follow this rule often decide that they want less whilst living abroad and leave belongings behind. A detailed list will be provided in your orientation guide. Generally speaking you will want clothes that are modest and comfortable in the heat. For women this means skirts below the knee, shirts that fully cover the midriff, and no spaghetti straps. Do not bring jewelry, expensive clothing, or unnecessary electronics. If specific clothing items are appropriate for the work you will engage in, we will help you to plan accordingly.
9. What is provided while I am overseas?
The Humanity Exchange will provide transportation to and from the airport, trip planning guidance and pre-departure orientation, an experienced Exchange Manager coordinating in-country support who is available 24/7, housing, two meals per day, tuition (for language courses), and placement with a local organization.
10. What does an Exchange Manager do?
The Exchange Manager arranges aspects of your exchange before you arrive, and acts as a guide as you settle into life overseas. Before you arrive, the Exchange Manager arranges everything including language courses, homestays, research plans, and volunteer and internship placements. Upon arrival, your Exchange Manager will pick you up from the airport and bring you to your host family. In your first week he or she will set you up in language class and introduce you to the organization you will be working with. The Exchange Manager will guide you through many aspects of local life from how to use public transportation and make a phone call, to how to eat according to local customs. The Exchange Manager will help you to become self sufficient while abroad, and is available 24/7 to help managing all aspects of your exchange.
11. Where will I be living?
You will be living in a house with your host family where you will have electricity and running water. You may have a room to yourself or share with another family member. Most exchanges take place in major cities, though some volunteer and intern placements are in smaller cities or rural areas, and have a more basic standard of living.
12. What will my work schedule be?
Schedules vary for each exchange participant, and a tentative schedule will be determined before you leave for your exchange. Your schedule is dependent upon the type of work you are doing and whether or not you are taking language classes. As you become familiar with your work, your schedule may be adapted to suit your needs or the needs of the organization.
13. Is it safe?
We partner with communities in developing nations with widespread poverty, and some countries may have had political unrest in recent years. A certain level of caution must be exercised at all times. In your exchange orientation, and in consultation with your Exchange Manager, you will learn steps you can take to stay safe whilst on exchange. Whilst in country, your Exchange Manager is available 24/7, and you can get in touch with our head office at any time.
Participants are expected to register with their respective governments before departure. Upon arrival, your Exchange Manager will take you to register in person at your embassy. By registering, your government can contact and assist you in an emergency, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home.
14. Will there be an opportunity to travel in the country of my exchange and the surrounding region?
There will likely be time to travel to nearby areas during your exchange. After your exchange has finished, you can travel as you wish. If you decide to do so, your Exchange Manager can help by providing travel information and, if necessary, help you to obtain onward visas.
15. Will a placement with The Humanity Exchange help me to find future employment?
A placement with The Humanity Exchange is an asset on your resume. Many participants go on an exchange to gain valuable work experience or learn a second language, helping them to reach future career and education related goals. The overseas experience compliments your work and education, and often demonstrates adaptability, initiative, and compassion. You will rise to the challenge of living in a foreign country. In doing so, you will gain:
A demonstrated ability to be flexible and work effectively in a cross-cultural environment.
Credibility for your international portfolio
Confidence and comfort managing international situations
An advantage when exploring employment on an international level
Depending on your placement, skills you will gain include:
Project planning & coordination
Project monitoring & data collection
Needs assessments
Understanding of issues such as HIV/AIDS, human rights, gender, conflict resolution, community development, and the environment
Public speaking
Peer and adult education
A second language
As our mission states, we aim to foster leadership in international development. As such, we will work with you to stay involved in international development once you have returned from your exchange. We are happy to act as a reference when you are applying for work or further education. If you need a reference letter, you must request this prior to your departure. Internships may be considered for course credit at your university or college.