General

Why do I choose Asia Horizon?

Asia Horizon’s volunteer and trek programs are unique and highly affordable. We guarantee to fulfill the requirements, interests and desires of our volunteers. We are committed to provide individually customized projects and travel opportunities. We offer precise and amazing 1-2 week language and cultural immersion program before the start of volunteer program.

What is the program duration?

Our volunteer opportunities start on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month run throughout the year for a period of 2-12 week. However, we are flexible to host volunteers in any time depending on their desired date.

What age do I have to be a volunteer?

You must be at least 18 years old to be a volunteer and you should be in good health; there is no upper limit.

Do I have to speak a foreign language?

Volunteers on our short-term (2-3 week programs) do not need foreign language skills. Those volunteers interested in participating on one of our long-term programs need to have intermediate language abilities in the spoken language of the program country. Orientation will include an intensive introduction to your program country and you will learn basic language skills quickly.
Will there be any volunteers present during orientation time?

Asia Horizon receives 20-40 volunteers a month (depending on season) most long-term volunteers join the language and culture program. We offer language and culture program in fixed dates to make a small group. Usually there are between 3 and 10 volunteers at the orientation.

Is prior experience essential to volunteer?

No prior experience and skills is required to volunteer in our programs. However, volunteers joining health projects require submitting their proof of certification as a medical student, doctor or nurse due to the risks involved. The basic requirement you need is to have a desire to help the people and environment of developing countries. Flexibility, self-motivation and openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn about country and its culture are advantageous.

Safety Concerns

Asia Horizon always ensures you that you are placed in safe environments while volunteering. We organize intensive orientation to inform our participants about safety situations, field conditions and local culture. So you will have most basic understandings before joining volunteer program. Participants will have 24/7 access to our coordinators. They are ready to support you when ever it is needed. We visit our volunteers in every 2 weeks to make sure whether they have any problems. By offering established projects and experienced host family, we further ensure volunteers safety.

Monetary Concerns

Why should I pay for registration fee?

The registration fee is required to run the organization (office space, computers, Internet, supplies and Staffs). Asia Horizon maintains country offices in different countries where we run our programs. It has international office in USA to run the coordinated program. Part of the fee goes to maintaining these offices. Furthermore, we have been running school construction and renovation project in Nepal to offer more schooling opportunities for children of Nepal. We are also developing some conservation projects. The remaining money of the program directly goes to support these programs.

How could I make my payment?

All payments have to be done after the confirmation of your project. We do not accept monthly installments. If you want to stay longer than your committed period, you have to inform us and pay accordingly.

Is the program fee tax-deductible?

Asia Horizon is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. The program fees and all expenses related to your volunteer program, including airfare, are tax-deductible for US taxpayers. However, any amount given by donors for your specific volunteer program is NOT tax-deductible for the donors. Please consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation.

Are Master, Visa and other cards accepted?

Nowadays, there are ATM services in most of the cities in everywhere. There are also several banks and money exchange services. You can bring Master/Visa card, cash $/ Euro or travelers checks, these all are accepted.

Do I need extra money?

We manage food and accommodation for volunteers from the first to last day of program so you do not need more money. However, it depends on how much you want to expend. You may need some extra money if you plan to take part in activities outside the organization or if you just want to buy some souvenirs. You must also remember the VISA and VISA extension fee. There is also an airport tax, which you pay upon your departure from destination country.

Is it possible to raise fund?

Of course, you can raise fund for your volunteer expeditions and also for the project.

Visa

All foreign travelers need visa to travel in Asian countries. You need a valid passport including two passport size photographs and visa fee. Though, it is possible to get tourist visa of Nepal and Sri Lanka upon arrival, we strongly suggest volunteers to get visa in their home country especially if you are traveling to India. The permit to Tibet can only be obtained from Chinese consulate. Please contact us if you need any further information regarding visas and you can also find more information in the pre-departure guidebook. We suggest all our participants to apply for tourist VISA.

Flight/Arrival Information

Who organizes my flights?

You will have to arrange your flights to and from your program country since you are not charged for airfare.

Will there be someone to pick me up from airport?

Asia Horizon arranges airport receive and project transfer services to volunteers. Our Airport representative will be waiting to greet and pick you up at the airport terminal. He will be holding a sign with your name on it. If you couldn't arrange your flights according to your project date, we suggest you to inform us in advance. Please don’t miss to update your detailed flight itinerary to us in advance.

What happens if my flight is delayed or if I fail to get airport staff?

If you fail to get our representative at airport or if your flight changed/delayed suddenly, please go directly to local hotel and call our coordinator from the hotel.

Emergency Contact

You have three parties available to you 24/7 in case of emergency, health-related or otherwise: Asia Horizon staff, your host family, and your program supervisor. You will have contact information for all three before you depart.

Health and Insurance

Do I need travel insurance?

Asia Horizon does not cover insurance of volunteers. Please obtain necessary health and travel insurance before your departure from home country. Talk to your travel agent about this or search on the internet to see what offers are available, and make sure you look into the details of the policy. Find out if it covers airfare in case of a medical emergency.

What should I bring for myself?

This will vary depending on what activities you want to participate in and how much you need to be comfortable during your placement. Here are a few suggestions:

• Sleeping Bag
• Hiking boots
• Waterproof jacket (a fold-away windcheater is fine)
• Mosquito repellent
• Sun cream
• Water purification tablets and/or good quality water purifier
• First aid kit
• Flashlight (torch)
• Penknife

Vaccinations and Medication

This all depends on what vaccinations you already have and what country you are coming from. We suggest that you consult a travel doctor from your country before you depart to your destination country. (NOTE: Some vaccinations are needed as much as 2 months before your departure). Please consider the following vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A & B
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Yellow fever
• Rabies
• Tuberculosis
• Malaria tablets

Placement Details

What are the existing conditions of my placement?

You are provided with food and accommodations; your program fee covers them. During the training, you will stay at hostel/hotel with other volunteers. We offer food and accommodations from the first day of the program to the last day. Local food trice a day is provided for you while training and volunteering. You are advised to buy your own bottled water once you arrive in destination country. For the volunteers who arrive earlier or who want to stay longer, it is not possible to offer accommodations and food, but we will help volunteers to find a quality, inexpensive place to stay.

The living conditions of the placement depend on the area. One should not expect luxurious accommodations with cozy bed, hot showers and a bathroom like in your home country. You will be placed within a family setting with your own room. Our host families are mostly educated and experienced with international volunteers.

Can I accompany with other volunteers?

We allow people to come with a friend or even in a large group. You sometimes may be placed in different location situated nearby. We can also place volunteers near to another volunteer already working in the field. Please be reminded that two different genders of volunteers are not allowed to stay in same house unless they are a married couple or engaged.

Is it possible to join more than one project during my stay?

We are more flexible to satisfy our volunteers. We allow you to work in more than one project to give you additional experience and to benefit local communities. You can simply inform our in- country coordinator for necessary arrangements.

Is it possible to change placement if I get dissatisfied?

Asia Horizon will consider request of volunteer seriously for the change of placement to meet the expectation of volunteers. We cannot change placements frequently without genuine reasons.

What happens if I decide to return home before the placement is over?

Once the volunteer makes a decision and pays for the program fee, upon receipt of invoice, Asia Horizon does not refund any program fee under any circumstances. Nevertheless, if the volunteer have unavoidable circumstances (such as illness, death of in the family etc.) may request to leave the program, we will consider to return 30% of the host family cost, if volunteer are registered for more than 30 days program. No refund will be made if program is less than 30 days and if volunteer leave program in their own decision.

Communication

Will I have communications access?

This all depends on your placement. Almost all placements will have access to a Post Office. If you are in a city placement, you can have phone and e-mail access. However, this information will all be given to you before your departure. s