Taking a service trip is the ultimate way to invest in a non-profit, and invest in yourself. We think of the cost of volunteering as a huge investment in yourself – you will be expanding your knowledge about the world, and rejuvenating yourself emotionally through serving others. You are also making an investment in the non-profit you volunteer for, both financially and through your service. Your service might become a tangible investment (i.e. constructing a school building) or an investment in the lives of the people the non-profit serves by providing them with knowledge, hope, and experiences.

program fees

costs per program

What is included in my program fee?

The program fees above cover your placement fee, accommodation, food, orientation, transport, and in-country support staff during your placement. Aside from your placement fee, every bit of your program fee goes directly to our non-profit partners and the people you have chosen to support. Our non-profit partners use a portion of your volunteer fee for their program development which includes purchasing materials they need to expand construction, or paying teachers and doctors, etc. They are almost solely funded by volunteer fees, with occasional donations from fundraising events. When trying to justify paying your program fee, imagine what you would spend at a hotel and eating at restaurants, and think of whether you would rather that money go toward an organization that is revolutionizing their community and changing lives.

What is a placement fee?

Your placement fee ($199) is included in your program fee and is paid to Hopeland Volunteers. This fee covers your placement coordination and helps us keep our organization going so we can find amazing volunteers like you. This fee is the ONLY source of income Hopeland Volunteers receives and is very affordable compared to other volunteer programs. You could compare it to a fee that a travel agency would charge, but in our case we are doing this because we are passionate about the non-profits we work with and want to help them change lives while giving you a life changing opportunity to serve others!

Will I have any other expenses?

You will need to purchase your own airfare, travel insurance, visas, and any vaccinations you need prior to travel. You will also be responsible for your in-country transport (daily travel to and from your project and airport transport are covered in your program fee), excursions, and spending money for necessities like bottled water and optional items like souvenirs.