Resources for Volunteers

Browse this page for more information about other volunteering options, discounted flights and accommodations, health insurance, and frequently asked questions.  We encourage you to contact us if you know of more information that we should add to this page.  Also please explore our area-specific Reading List>>

Other Volunteering Options: Featured Collaborators

If you want to volunteer in a more structured setting than Omprakash is able to provide, please consider serving with the following international volunteering organizations.  Note: unlike Omprakash, these organizations involve some amount of administrative fee for volunteering. 

  • Roadmonkey Adventure Philanthropy combines first-rate geographic travel with meaningful volunteer work. Roadmonkey expeditions are  physically challenging, intellectually stimulating and, by completing meaningful volunteer projects that help communities and people in need, deeply gratifying. With “planned serendipity” as a guiding principle, Roadmonkey is designed for explorers on a journey, not tourists on a schedule. Through its collaborative relationship with Omprakash, Roadmonkey works to direct volunteers and fundraisers towards projects within the Omprakash network.  Learn more>>

 

  • YMCA Go Global is a voluntary service and capacity-building program that places young Americans at YMCAs and community organizations around the world. Go Global volunteers fully immerse themselves in the culture of their host countries and assist in developing programs that build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.  Go Global directs volunteers to projects within the Omprakash network, and Omprakash works to help Go Global volunteers build a long-lasting relationship between their host organization and their campus or community in the United States.  Learn more>>

 

Logistical Resources

Volunteer Card for Voluntourists; Travel Insurance, 24/7 Assistance, and Discounts for Volunteers

International Volunteer Card

For a reasonable price, get travel insurance, 24/7 assistance, and discounts with airlines, Lonely Planet, and more.  Learn more>>

Other Volunteer Opportunity Networks 

www.worldwidehelpers.org

Flights/Travel Assistance

Fly for Good- Discounted flights for volunteers!  Visit the website below, create a user account, identify yourself as an Omprakash volunteer, and start saving up to 30% on airfare.  www.flyforgood.com

International Student Travel Confederation:  http://www.istc.org

STA Travel:  http://www.statravel.com/

Travelocity:  http://http://www.travelocity.com

Travelzoo:  http://www.travelzoo.com

Kayak:  http://www.kayak.com

Travel Cuts:  http://www.travelcuts.com

Orbitz:  http://www.orbitz.com

Courier Flights:  Google “Courier Flights” for more information. 


Accommodations

Hotel Hotline– A great resource for researching cheap hotels: http://www.hotelhotline.com

Help and Host– A network of opportunities to receive free accommodation in exchange for a few hours of work per day: http://helpandhost.net/index.asp

 

Health Insurance

iNext Travel Card.  Full coverage insurance offered by CIEE at a Basic or Premium level.http://www.inext.com/inextweb/guestpages/


Before You Go

You should probably be able to answer the questions listed below before embarking on your trip: 

What are my goals for embarking on the experience?  What are my expectations and assumptions?

What sort of support will I have on site?  What sort of safety and emergency support can I expect?

How do I obtain a passport and/or visa?

What special documents do I need to enter the country even if I will be there only for a short time?

What sort of medical facilities are available to me abroad and do I have insurance to cover me while I am abroad?

What are the health and safety issues I will be facing abroad?

How will I access funds abroad?  Do I have a back-up plan if my wallet/purse gets lost or stolen?

How will I stay in touch with family and friends and how will they stay in touch with me?

What are the cultural issues I will be facing?  Will I need to alter my dress or behavior?

What will the weather be like?  How do I pack accordingly?

Is there a departure tax for this country?

 

More Information>>

 

Disclaimer

The information on this website is being provided as a general resource for individuals planning to travel and volunteer abroad.  The Omprakash Foundation and/or its representatives assume no liability based on the information contained herein in the event of accident or illness, or for damage or injury to person or property of any nature whatsoever.