Once you think about volunteering, your mind may be full of questions, doubts and excitements. We hope to provide satisfactory answer for most of these initial queries in this part.

1. Why do I choose Tibet?
2. Is Tibet safe?
3. What is the program duration?
4. What age do I have to be a volunteer?
5. Do I have to speak a foreign language?
6. Why should I pay for registration fee?
7. How could I make my payment?
8. Is the program fee tax-deductible?
9. Are Master, Visa and other cards accepted?
10. Who organizes my flights?
11. Do I need travel insurance?
12. What Should I bring for myself?
13. What should I bring for kids in project?
14. Will there be any volunteers present during orientation time?
15. What are the existing conditions of my placement?
16. Will there be someone to pick me up from airport?
17. Will I have time to explore Lhasa during my language and culture program?
18. How much extra money do I need?
19. Traveling
20. Will I have communications access?
21. Can I accompany with other volunteers?
22. Is it possible to change placement if I get dissatisfied?
23. What happens if I decide to return home before the placement is over?
24. Vaccinations and Medication
25. Are Asia Horizon programs only for International volunteers?
26. Visa
27. Where is the arrival and departure point?
28. Clothes and Climate in Placement Areas
29. Emergency Contact
30. What are the characteristics of good volunteer?

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Why do I choose Tibet?

You will have remarkable opportunities to explore breathtaking Tibetan rich culture. Tibet is unique with its hospitable people, marvelous monasteries and stupas and lovely landscapes. Tibet can be considered true paradise for its unique cultural atmosphere, implausible Buddhist temples and stupas, dazzling landscapes and attractive rural settings. Whilst joining our Tibet program, you will solely enjoy the times you spend in this captivating destination.

Is Tibet safe?

Asia Horizon always ensures you that you are placed in safe environments while volunteering. Tibet is a safe country. However, be cautious while traveling on local transportation and do not forget to get a receipt when you store your stuff or luggage. Moreover, always be careful while walking to unknown areas.

What is the program duration?

Our volunteer projects start on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month and run throughout the year for a period of 2-12 week.

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 Tibetan language and you will learn it quickly.

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 has international office in USA to run the coordinated program and we have country offices in different countries where we run our programs. Part of the fee goes to maintaining these offices. The remaining money of the program directly goes to support the projects.

How could I make my payment?

All payments have to be done after your placement is confirmed. We do not accept monthly installments. If you want to stay longer than your committed period, you have to inform us and pay accordingly. Payment can be done either by wire transfer or by card.

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 Lhasa, which will be open during the day. There are also several banks and money exchange services. You can bring Master/Visa card, cash $/ Euro or travelers checks, these all are accepted.

Who organizes my flights?

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

Do I need travel insurance?

As with any overseas traveling, health insurance is recommended. Please obtain necessary health and travel insurance before going to Tibet. 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. With the exception of medicine and first-aid-kit, you can buy everything that you would need for your placement in Lhasa (likely cheaper than in your home country). 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
• Books about your country
• Photos of your family / friends / home etc.

What should I bring for kids in project?

It is not obligation to bring gift for project but they would appreciate, if you bring any gifts. You could bring gifts like toys, books, chocolate, pencil etc.

Will there be any volunteers present during orientation time?

Asia Horizon receives 3-6 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 5 volunteers at the orientation.

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 project hostel/hotel/tent (not with a host family, as local authorities in Tibet do not allow it) in Lhasa 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 Tibet. 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 having electricity.

Will there be someone to pick me up from airport?

Be assured that you will be picked up well. One of our representatives will be waiting for you at the airport terminal. He will be holding a card with your name on it. Please do not forget to send your detailed flight itinerary in advance.

Will I have time to explore Lhasa during my language and culture program?

You will have plenty of time to explore Lhasa and surrounding areas during orientation. As a part of the language program, we offer a tour.

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 much money. It depends on how much you want to expend. The things in Tibet are inexpensive. 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 Tibet permit fee depending on the length of stay. There is also an airport tax, which you pay upon your departure from Tibet.

Traveling

If you are planning to travel Tibet after or before volunteer programs, you will need some extra money. Tibet is a cheap place for shopping and travel. If you want to buy gifts for family and friends, you can buy it in Lhasa. It is possible to get hotel room in $10-$15 per night in Lhasa. You can change your major currencies and traveler checks in Lhasa and at the airport. It is good idea to change your travel check at the airport.

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 to Tibet.

Can I accompany with other volunteers?

We allow people to come with a friend or even in a large group. We can place any volunteer to the same project with other volunteers. Please be reminded that two different genders of volunteers are not allowed to stay in same room unless they are a married couple.

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 position 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 volunteers 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 hostel 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.

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. Asia Horizon does not cover liability and insurance of volunteers. Therefore, volunteers must have appropriate insurance before joining the program. However, you should consider the following vaccinations:

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

Are Asia Horizon programs only for International volunteers?

We mobilize national volunteers along with international volunteer as their counterparts.

Visa (Tibet Travel Permit)

While traveling Tibet you require a valid Chinese visa & a Tibet Travel Permit. When you fly or travel by land from any city to Lhasa, you will need to show this permit. Tibet Permit will be arranged by us. Please contact our office about your Tibet permit well before your departure. You can also visit Chinese embassy in your country.

Where is the arrival and departure point?

Lhasa Gonggar Civil Airport is the airport in Lhasa, so you will arrive and depart from there. Our representative will meet you at the airport.

Clothes and Climate in Placement Areas

Climate in Tibet is much different in different areas and temperature varies greatly within a single day. Climate in Lhasa is normal and nice for traveling. You would feel neither cold in winter nor hot in summer. The best season for traveling is from March to October. Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season starting from May to September. Generally, it rains at night in Lhasa. Lightweights and rainwear clothing is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings.

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 arrive. If you failed to get our representative at airport or if your flight changed suddenly, please book a taxi that is available inside the arrival lobby and go to hotel or the hostel. Please call our office from the hotel.

What are the characteristics of good volunteer?

If you have attributes like Independence, Patience, Sense of humor, Tolerance Willingness, Flexibility, Self-motivation and Open-mindedness, you get the most out of your stay in Tibet.