A Comprehensive Guide to Volunteering in Latin America

Chapter 1: Getting Started - Volunteering in Latin America

About Latin America

Vibrant cities, breathtaking and diverse landscapes, colorful cultures, costumes and festivities, the romantic languages of Spanish and Portuguese, fascinating histories, exotic and diverse wildlife, flora and fauna and a vast range of relaxation, adventure and exploration opportunities -  no matter which Latin American country you decide to volunteer in you will have an unforgettable volunteering experience.

Many Latin American countries have a high portion of communities who live below the poverty line, in poor living conditions and little access to quality medical and education resources. Due to this there are many volunteer opportunities available to help create positive change, and enrich the lives of many Latin American communities.

Why you should volunteer in Latin America

Diverse and spectacular landscapes

Latin America is a continent blessed with a rich biodiversity and natural resources which contribute to the amazing landscapes. From mountains and valleys to deserts and jungles – you'll find them all as a volunteer in Latin America.

Cultural immersion opportunities

Every country in the Latin American region has unique aspects to its culture, and as a volunteer you'll have the unique opportunity to become fully immersed in it in a way that a regular tourist or traveler never could. Living, working and eating within a community provides every opportunity possible for you to see 'behind the scenes'.

Adventure playground

Latin America is an adventurer's paradise. Whether you are looking for thrill seeking adventures and activities, nature and wildlife explorations, marine life encounters, jungle expeditions, mountain trekking, cultural and historical experiences, city discoveries or relaxation activities you will find it in Latin America.

Impact other’s lives

A large number of Latin American countries suffer from a lack of economic stability, which means many communities throughout the continent are living below the poverty line. Consequently they have poor living conditions and limited access to quality health care and educational resources.

When you volunteer in a Latin American country you will have the opportunity to enrich the lives of others by providing support, assistance, resources, skills and learning opportunities.  

Rewarding experience

No matter which Latin American country you choose to volunteer in you will be rewarded by both the small achievements and positive impacts that you have on the environment, communities, and individuals, and by the opportunity to live amongst breathtaking landscapes and friendly people.

You will experience personal growth

When you made the decision to volunteer it was probably because you feel passionate about changing the lives of others for the better. Your Latin American volunteer experience offers you the chance to do this, and during the process you will also experience personal growth in your own life.

You will be immersed into a new culture and through this experience you will discover your strengths, gain confidence, learn to adapt to new situations and open your mind to new experiences and ways of living.  It will be a life changing experience.

You will use your skills to benefit others

Throughout your Latin America volunteer experience you will have the opportunity to apply your skills, knowledge and passion to create positive benefits for the environment, communities or individuals connected to your placement.  

Whether you are sharing hands-on skills or passing on your knowledge in education, construction, conservation, medicine, childcare, or community development you will find that what you impart to others offers many benefits to individuals and communities.

What are some popular volunteer projects in Latin America?

Orphanage work

Due to various economic and social issues there are many children across Latin America who have either been abandoned or living in unsuitable conditions. Orphanages have been set up across the continent to provide these children with a positive, nurturing and encouraging living and learning environment.

Volunteers in orphanage programs across Latin America will generally get involved with a range of different duties with the children. These could include: including: reading, teaching, leading activities and games, working on arts and crafts activities, maintaining their general hygiene, providing genuine care and support to the children and undertaking some daily chores such as cleaning, cooking, washing and ensuring the facility is a safe and comfortable environment for the residents.

Teaching English

Either Spanish or Portuguese is the first language of Latin American countries, but developments in the global trade and tourism markets means there is an increasing demand for English speaking skills. There are many volunteer English teaching positions available in Latin America.

Whether you want to be based in a city or a rural location there are projects on offer working with children and adults, in private classes, schools and community centers. Volunteers in Latin America work with local teachers and typical tasks include: preparing and teaching lessons, assisting with homework, assessments, participating in extracurricular activities and sometimes teaching in other subject areas.

Medical/Healthcare

In Latin America there are many communties with little access to quality medical or health care facilities and services, which results in illness, disease and poor general heatlh. Consequently medical/healthcare volunteers opportunties exist in both city and rural areas across Latin America.

Volunteers on these Latin American projects work alongside medical professionals to provide assistance, support and health education. Duties include caring for patients, helping with basic medical procedures and check ups and delivering courses to the community on various health protection topics. If you have experience in the medical/healthcare industry than you may be invited to assist in some more technical tasks and procedures.

Women's Empowerment projects

In the past Latin American culture hasn't always promoted gender equality, leaving many women unable to access  which has led to women lacking the,confidence and support systems necessary to succeed in business or as community leaders.

To counteract this many countries across Latin America now host projects set up to nurture, encourage and prepare women to become entreprueners and play a variety of other positive roles in the community. Volunteers on these programs generally help run workshops on topics  such as life skills, education and business related issues, while providing a supportive and encouraging environment for the women to learn in.

Wildlife Conservation

Latin America is home to an abundance of exotic and rare species of wildlife, and volunteer programs have been set up to monitor, protect and sustain their lives and habitats. Volunteers on projects in Latin America work in conservation and wildlife sanctaries, helping with tasks such as protecting habitats, rescuing and rehabilitating animals, monitoring and tracking behaviours, educating communities on the importance of protecting species and a range of general duties.

Where are some popular countries to volunteer in Latin America?

There are many volunteer opportunities across Latin America where you can help develop and strengthen communities and the environment. To help you choose here is a list of the most popular destinations for volunteering in Latin America adventures.

Peru

Famed for the ancient city of Machu Picchu, Peru is a destination which offers breathtaking landscapes, a rich culture, fascinating archeological sites, vibrant cities and many outdoor adventures to enjoy. From floating reed islands and beautiful beaches, to the highest peaks of the Andes and sacred valleys, Peru has so much for you to discover and enjoy.

Volunteers in Peru help improve the environment for many Peruvians in rural areas who endure poor living conditions, and limited healthcare or educational resources. From looking after street children to teaching English or working in areas of conservation, helping hands are needed everywhere.

Brazil

Brazil boasts spectacular scenery, a high profile football team, the Rio Carnival and a fascinating cultural heritage with its mix of African, Caribbean and Portuguese influences. The largest of all the South American countries, Brazil is an amazing country to visit and volunteer in.

Unfortunately, even though Brazil is blessed with many natural, cultural and historic wonders the country still suffers from an unstable economic situation, and there is now a large gap between rich and poor communities. The latter facing high unemployment rates, low incomes and poor living conditions. Your help on Brazil volunteer projects is much appreciated.

Honduras

Honduras is a small untouched paradise just waiting to be discovered. From historic cities, tropical islands, mountains, forests, rivers and lakes, Honduras is blessed with many beautiful natural resources, and offers some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in the world.

Not only is the country blessed with natural beauty, it is also rich in culture and history. Honduras is a developing country which has suffered from economic and political instability, natural disasters and consequent social issues for many years. Volunteers who are willing to help turn this situation around are welcomed with open arms.

You can find volunteer positions in Honduras in various fields, including: marine and environmental conservation, teaching, childcare, orphanage work, health and medicine.

As a volunteer in Honduras you get to enjoy time in an untouched paradise, along with the opportunity to help improve the quality of life for many Honduran people.

Costa Rica

For such a small country, Costa Rica definitely packs a punch when it comes to nature, outdoors activities, wildlife and thrill-seeking adventures.  Home to magnificent landscapes, a number of active and dormant volcanoes, stunning waterfalls, pristine beaches, and lush green jungles, the country of Pura Vida (Pura Life) has no Army Corp and is often claimed to have the happiest people in the world.

Whether you are looking to volunteer in construction, farming, conservation, education, animal rehabilitation, healthcare or human services you will be able to find your ideal volunteer program in Costa Rica.

Ecuador

Known for the Galapagos Islands and the chance to encounter rare wildlife species, Ecuador has this and so much more to offer. Rich in natural resources and fascinating cultures and traditions, Visitors can enjoy diverse landscapes, from the depths of the Amazon jungle to the heights of the Andes, making Ecuador a destination full of amazing surprises.

Ecuador is a developing country in need of assistance and development to provide its citizens with a better quality of life. Whether you have skills in conservation, construction, medicine, education or human services, volunteering in Ecuador provides adventure combined with the chance to discover more about yourself and the world.

Guatemala

Guatemala is a country of hidden paradises, and a playground for the action and adventure enthusiastic. Yet, with its unique natural biodiversity and diverse landscapes this is also the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. Guatemala also has a rich culture, with Mayan ancestry, and vibrant colonial cities full of character and charm.

A high percentage of the population is living below the poverty line. Wherever your skills, interests, knowledge and passions lie, volunteering in Guatemala will be a life changing experience. The country welcomes and appreciates the assistance of volunteers in the development of employment, education, training and health facilities and services.

Mexico

Mexico is one of the largest of the Latin American countries, and is rich in cultural heritage, (there are 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites), history, natural resources, festivals and interesting experiences.

Due to a poor economy many parts of Mexico are still exposed to inadequate living conditions, with little access to quality healthcare and educational resources, facilities and services. When you choose to volunteer in Mexico it will not only be a journey of adventure and exploration but a chance to contribute to creating positive changes for those in need.

There are many volunteer opportunities available across Mexico, including projects in teaching, marine and environmental conservation, orphanage work, social and community development, agriculture and sustainable farming, and healthcare and medicine.

Argentina

From the stunning glaciers of Patagonia and the famous vineyards of the Mendoza region, to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls and vibrant, European style cities, Argentina has lots of charm, beauty and character.

Whether you are a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, culture or history buff, city explorer or foodie you will find lots to enjoy in this amazing country.

Unfortunately Argentina faces significant, social and environmental challenges, and volunteers are needed to help improve the quality of living and the sustainability of the environment in many areas across Argentina. 

Volunteer opportunities in Argentina include: teaching, (both specialist subjects and English), healthcare and medicine, community development, childcare, sustainable farming and conservation.

Chile

Diverse and beautiful landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains, desert plains, glaciers and endless coastlines, vibrant modern cities, diverse wildlife, and friendly people are what make this country such an exciting destination.

Although Chile has a relatively stable economy the gap between rich and poor is evident, and a high proportion of the Chilean population live below the poverty line. Consequently there are many opportunities across the country for volunteers to help disadvantaged people secure a better quality of life.

Popular volunteer projects in Chile are in the areas of: English teaching, orphanage projects, childcare, health and medicine, women’s shelters, working with at risk children, animal rescue and conservation.

Colombia

Blessed with the coastlines of both the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, Columbia is a vibrant and colorful country which boasts fantastic natural resources, a rich history, diverse cultures, lots of opportunities for adventure and cities full of character and charm.

Colombia has high levels of poverty throughout the country, and many people don't have access to regular healthcare or educational facilities. Volunteer projects in Colombia tend to focus on promoting economic growth and community development.

Popular volunteer programs in Colombia include: healthcare, conservation, education, working with children, social work, elderly care and construction.

Chapter 2: Choosing the Right Volunteer in Latin America Project

There are lots of exciting volunteer projects available across Latin America, so the first step is to decide which country you want to volunteer in. Once that is done you can look seriously at the projects on offer in your chosen destination.

With so many volunteer organizations offering similar projects it can be difficult to choose the best one. Volunteering in Latin America involves investing your time and money, in return for a placement which is organized, supportive and valuable to the host community in some way.

You will have a better experience when you book through a professional, reputable and honest volunteer organization. Here are a few tips to help you identify a good company.

How you can select the best organization

Quality website

First impressions are powerful, so website presentation is vitally important.  A site which is visually appealing, easy to navigate and has clearly presented information with relevant images is a good sign.

Things to look for:

• Company history, mission and goals
• Clear, concise and up to date details
• Reviews from previous volunteers, or volunteer forum spaces/communities
• Any recognition awards or praise for success and achievements in the industry
• Easy to find contact details including either online chat or a 24 hour support line
• Photos or videos of volunteers and projects
• Links to social media pages (blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

Industry experience

Industry experience can be a good indicator of the company’s success and reputation in the industry. When researching organizations check how long they have been operating, the number of countries/projects they offer and how many volunteers have been placed on their projects. These figures should not be hard to find on their website.

Social Media

Social media plays a big role in influencing people’s decisions these days, and a professional organization should have a strong presence across a variety of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. When choosing an organization check their social media pages and look for things like:

• Videos and photographs of volunteers, projects, communities, host families and the destination itself
• Frequency of posts and how often they are updated
• How engaging their posts are, how many people are communicating with them
• How well they interact with their followers
• How many followers they have

Reviews

Reviews are a great way to find out what previous volunteers in South America think about the organization and what they

Value for money but support local programs

Volunteer projects range vastly in price, with some costing $1000 plus for a one week placement, but you can't always judge the quality of a project by the price tag. Compare differently priced programs to see which offers the best value for money, what is included, and how much goes towards supporting local NGOs, projects and host families. You should be able to find this information on a reputable company’s website.

Chapter 3: Getting Ready to Volunteer in Latin America

After you have decided on a country and been accepted on a project then it is time to start the pre-travel planning process. This stage will help you have a successful volunteering experience from the moment you arrive at your Latin American destination.

Here are some handy hints and tips to help with your travel planning.

Visas

Each Latin American country has different visa regulations, application processes and payment costs. For some visas may be available at the point of entry, while others may involve applying several weeks before the intended arrival date.
It is vitally important that you find out the specific visa requirements for the country that you decide to volunteer in. The following website is a useful resource for visa information relating to Latin American countries.  

Passport

To be granted entry into any Latin American country all foreign nationals must hold a valid passport, with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry into the country. Passports must also have at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Vaccinations

When volunteering in any Latin American country it is important that you visit a doctor or specialized clinic to arrange for any shots you may need. The following vaccinations are recommended for travel to all Latin American countries: tetanus, mumps/measles and rubella, polio, hepatitis A & B and typhoid.

Some countries also require proof of a yellow fever vaccination, which is worth having if you plan to travel in the Amazon or wetland areas. On your return from Latin America you may be required to show proof of your yellow fever vaccination to gain entry into your home country.

Check the exact requirements for your specific destination carefully, and in plenty of time to get all necessary health precautions in place.

The following websites offer more information this topic:
http://www.cdc.gov/
http://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/Worldwide/Travel-Immunizations-What-You-Really-Need-in-South-America

Air ticket

Finding a good deal on an airfare to join a Latin American volunteer opportunity is not always easy, and depending on your destination flights can be quite pricey. However, there are some things you can try to find a cheaper flight, some of which are listed below.

Look at all airports There may be a regional airport which is either closer to your volunteer project's location, or simpler cheaper to fly into. You may also get a better fare by devising a route which combines international and domestic flights.

Receive alerts:  Sign up to get special offers and deals as soon as they are available from both online airfare search engines and direct from airlines.

Flexible travel dates being flexible about your travel dates can have an impact on flight prices, as airfares often vary in price between seasons, days of the week and even times of day. If you plan to travel before or after volunteering in South America it's easy to widen your search dates.

Check for any major national or international events happening in your location at the time of your planned travel, as this may increase prices dramatically.

Book in advance: Booking in advance can save you some money if you can grab an early bird special. If you are lucky you might even be able to find a bargain airfare last minute, however this is not something you should depend on. On general it is cheaper to buy sooner rather than later.

Remember the cheapest is not always the best: When you find a cheap airfare it’s important to check the exclusions and fare rules. The price you see may look appealing to begin with but if you then need to add in baggage, and pay expensive change or cancellation fees you could end up spending more than you originally expected.

Also check the route plan, as many cheap flights are non-direct, and involve several transfers or lengthy stopovers. These will inevitably involve spending cash on food, drinks, entertaining yourself and possibly on accommodation too.

Raising funds

Volunteering in Latin America is an experience which will be well worth all the money you invest in it. However, with your program fee, airfare and other travel expenses it can soon add up to be quite an expensive undertaking, and possibly one you need help to cover.

Many volunteers face this situation, but the good news is there are lots of ways you can raise money for your venture.  

Here are a few ideas:

• Host an event such as a picnic, game day, film night, talent show
• Ask friends, family, local community and work colleagues for donations
• Hold a garage sale or sell some of your unwanted or  unused goods on online auction sites like EBay

Or check out these sites for more ideas:

http://volunteersocietynepal.org/fees/fundraising-support/
http://www.volunteersummernepal.org/fundraising-ideas

There are also several established online organizations which provide a space for you to share your plans, raise funds to cover costs and let the public know about the South American volunteer project you plan to join. These are relatively easy to set up, manage, promote and receive online donations from.

Here are some examples of online campaign sites:

http://www.gofundme.com/tour/      https://www.volunteerforever.com/

Suggested Reading

If you are looking to do some reading up on Latin American destinations, culture or history before you go here are some suggested reads:

• Lonely Planet – South America on a Shoestring Travel Guide
• Lonely Planet – Latin American Spanish
• Lonely Planet – Central America on a Shoestring Travel Guide
• Volunteering in Latin America: A volunteering guide for Central and South America by Justin Lotak
• One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
• Viva South America! A Journey Through a Restless Continent by Oliver Balch
• The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on a Latin American Journey by Ernesto Che Guevara
• Lost City of the Incas by Hiram Bingham

Packing Advice – Tips for Packing

Latin America's geography and climates differ greatly from country to country and again within a country itself. Consequently, you need to research the climate of the region(s) you will experience during the season of your South American volunteer trip and pack accordingly.
You also need to take into account the cultural expectations re dress and the type of volunteer work you will be doing.
Whatever else you decide to take with you – the following things can be considered pretty much essential:

• Important documents, including: passport, visa, travel itinerary, extra passport photos, travel insurance policy
• Credit cards (be sure to notify your bank that you plan to use the card out of country).
• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
• Travel adapter for your electrical devices
• Camera, charger, cables and memory cards
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Day pack or lightweight small bag for excursions and day trips
• Lightweight rain and windproof jacket.
• Travel towel, toiletries and personal first aid kit
• Tissues, toilet paper or wet wipes
• Latin America or country specific guide book
• Spanish or Portuguese phrase book
• Any medication required

Gift for projects

Volunteering in Latin America will be an invaluable experience, one of giving back to those in need, but also of self-discovery and personal growth. Your project will play a huge part in this journey, so bringing some small gifts as a token of your appreciation for the opportunity to help out is a nice gesture.

The type of gift you give will probably depend on your project. If you are working with children you could bring games, books, toys, stationery supplies or basic educational resources.

Gift ideas for other projects include small tokens or memorabilia from your home town or country such as t-shirts, photobooks or other souvenir type gifts.

Chapter 4: Information You Must Know Before Volunteering in Latin America

No matter which Latin American country it's natural to experience a mix of both excitement and nerves at what lies ahead. Preparing a much as possible will help ease some nerves, and make for a smoother start to the amazing experience you are about to have.

Here are a few tips to guide you through this preparation process.

Get detailed information about project and what is expected of you

Gathering information before you go will help you be mentally prepared for your Latin America volunteer experience. Before you leave it is important to find out the following:

• Name and address of your project
• Contact person and details for your project
• Your roles and responsibilities
• Day to day duties and tasks
• Expected hours of work – start time, finish time and any break times
• Who you will report too
• How many people you will be working with or looking after
• Any guidelines or protocols which you need to follow
• Any equipment or specific clothing that you will need to take with you
• Where your project is in relation to your accommodation, and how you will get there

Learn more about host family

Getting to know something about your host family before you meet them is a really good idea, and it will definitely help you establish a comfortable relationship from the start.
Here are some ideas for things you may wish to ask:

• How many members in the family and their names, age and gender
• The contact details and address of your host family
• Whether you will have a shared or private room. If shared will you be sharing with a family member or another volunteer?
• Will you have access to other areas of the house, (say lounge or kitchen)?
• If there are any laundry facilities which you can use, or whether laundry will be done for you
• Their religious or cultural beliefs
• If they have hosted any volunteers in the past, and how many
• Whether if they have any house rules you need to be considerate of
• If they offer any cultural immersion opportunities

Get connected with local support

Most organizations provide local/in-country support to provide you with information, recommendations and assistance with any questions or concerns while you are volunteering.

Make sure you get current contact details for your support team before you leave, and keep them with you at all times. It is a good idea to send an email or give them a call just to touch base with your point of contact before you arrive in South America.

Make a final call before leaving

Reduce the risks of any misunderstandings over airport pickup plans or placement expectations and get the answers to any last minute questions by calling your volunteer organization a few days before you leave.

Help everything to run smoothly with this handy checklist of things to ask about:

• Confirm your organization has your flight details, including airline, flight number, arrival date and time. This is especially important if any changes have been made since you first passed these details on.
• Make sure your airport meet and greet is organized, get the name and contact number of the person picking you up, confirm where the meeting location is and ask how to identify them.
• Ensure that there have been no changes made to your project placement (start dates, working hours and so on).
• Make sure you have contact details for your project staff, host family and local support team.
• Confirm your organisation has all necessary details for an emergency contact in your home country.

CHAPTER 5: Arriving and Volunteering in Latin America

Whichever destination or project you chose from the many volunteer opportunities in Latin America on offer you are bound to see many eye opening things, develop new skills and experience personal growth.

Throughout your journey the influences of beautiful landscapes, the rich cultural heritage and warm hearted locals will touch your heart, just as being exposed to poverty, poor living conditions, economic and social problems will break it a little.

How to make your volunteer experience rewarding

Know what is expected of you

Before you begin your volunteer placement in Latin America it is a good idea to find out what will be expected of you from both your volunteer project and host family.  This information will help you gain a clear insight into any rules and expectations and protocols, and avoid any awkward misunderstandings further down the line.

Learn the language

Learning another language is a rewarding experience in itself, but when you are able to communicate (however basically) with your host family, or the people who live in your local community, you'll have a much higher chance of achieving true cultural immersion during your volunteer in South America experience.

If possible learn some basic phrases before you arrive, then one there you can either enrol in a class or just practice by talking to local people.

Get to know the country

You probably chose a country in South America as your volunteer destination based of what you have seen or heard about it, so make the most of your time before, after or during your time as a volunteer to go and explore the country, have some adventures and uncover the character and charm of Latin America.

Get to know your host family and locals

Make the most of your time with your host family, the local staff involved in your project and people in the wider community. Get to know them, their culture and the places they hangout. Ask for their recommendations on things to see do, eat and shop.

When you embrace the local scene you will find that it easier to integrate into a community easier, which in turn leads to a more rewarding experience.

Remember why you are volunteering

Even though you may experience moments of sadness and heartache over some of the things that you see or experience, it is important that you remember why you chose to volunteer in South America, and hold on to the belief that you can make a difference to people's lives, albeit in small ways are not always immediately obvious.

Embrace learning

Volunteering allows you to share your skills and knowledge with those in need, however it also provides you with many life lessons; facilitating new skills, knowledge and personal growth. Enjoy this unique experience at every opportunity presented.

Do not expect to make a difference immediately

It is vitally important when you are volunteering in South America to acknowledge that the help you are providing may not lead to obvious improvements straightaway. Remembering that positive changes come from progressive and continual work creates a realistic perspective for your important volunteer work.

Safety while volunteering in Latin America

Your safety while traveling abroad is paramount. While most areas of Latin America where volunteer projects are located are generally safe, it is important to remember that many of these countries' economic and political situations are unstable.

The best way to get a clear picture of any safety risks is to research current potential dangers, threats and concerns in the country you plan to volunteer in.

Before you leave

• Make sure that your passport is valid and that you have got either an appropriate visa or the documents required to obtain one on arrival
• Keep up to date with travel safety warnings advice and current news events which may have an impact on your safety while you are there, (including crime and natural disasters). Embassy sites are a valuable resource for keeping up to date with current warnings.

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html

• Register the travel details for your Latin America volunteer trip with your consulate in case of an emergency situation where you or your next of kin need to be contacted. Some countries now have online portals where you can register this information. Here are links to some of them:

Australians - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/default.aspx
New Zealanders - https://register.safetravel.govt.nz/login
US Citizens - https://step.state.gov/step/

• Research your destination, and find out as much as you can about the culture, customs, religions and expectations of behavior to learn more about how to stay safe and avoid standing out as a newly arrived tourist
• Purchase a travel insurance policy with maximum coverage and protection from a reputable company
• Talk to a medical professional about any health concerns, and ways to prevent illness, while traveling and volunteering in Latin America and ensure that you get all the required vaccinations and medications
• Be sure to obtain contact details of all emergency services for your destination
• Email all your important travel documents to yourself, and provide a copy for your family or close friends in case you happen to lose any of them while traveling
• Notify your bank of your plans to travel to and volunteer in Latin America, and let them know which countries you plan to visit, in case you have any problems with your card at an ATM or it is lost, stolen or subject to credit card frauds or scams. It is also a good idea to put a daily limit on your card in case it is stolen, and to have a back-up card - connected to a different account - so you are not left stranded if there's a problem with one of them
• Learn some basics of the language

While in Latin America

• Always stay alert to what is going on around you
• Obtain all contact details of your in-country project support staff
• Find out where your closest local authorities and services are located (police, fire brigade, ambulance, hospital, consulate and tourist information)
• Keep up to date with current events that may impact your safety and stay informed of any travel and safety warnings
• Always carry around a copy of your passport and visa (do not carry around original documents)
• Be aware of potential dangers
• Keep a copy of your host family or hostel contact details with you

The following site offers some useful safety advice for Latin America:

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/South_America/Warnings_or_Dangers-South_America-TG-C-1.html

Dos and Don’ts in Latin America

Every Latin American country has a unique culture with informal social rules, attitudes, expectations of behavior and ways to do things. Below are some general dos and don’ts for your Latin American volunteer adventure. For specific guidelines it's best to research the specific country you have chosen to volunteer in.

Do

• Enjoy your volunteer work and show both dedication and enthusiasm about what you are doing to help the community
• Take up all opportunities  for cultural immersion that you are offered, as these will help you integrate into the community
• Try to live like a local in terms of what you eat, how you dress, where you hang out and so on.
• Spend time getting to know your host family, the people you work with and locals
• Explore your surroundings and discover the local hangouts
• Make the most of your time off from volunteering to travel within the country
• Try to learn the local language
• Experience the local cuisines
• Go to some traditional festivals and events
• Respect the people, culture, customs and environment of your chosen country
• Always use a registered taxi service. You might have people offering to take you places for a cheaper price, however these services are unregistered and may by unsafe.
• Ask before taking photographs of people

Don’t

• Stand out in the crowd; conceal any valuables and dress appropriately
• Trust everyone you meet, as con artists/scammers operate by having one person try to distract you while an accomplice picks your pocket
• Go on any hikes in national parks or the jungle on your own, or without notifying someone of where you are going. Guides may seem a little expensive but they know the land and are there for your safety.
• Venture into any unlit, empty or undeveloped areas which feel unsafe, especially at night
• Ignore any kind of illness or symptoms
• Interfere with the natural habitat and environments
• Ignore any warnings of dangers or treats
• Stick only to the tourist areas
• Carry around large quantities of cash

For more hints and tips specific to the country in which you are volunteering in be sure to check out: http://www.traveltaboo.com/category/south-america/

Culture shock:

Research

To help you prepare for volunteering in Latin America it's vital to do some research on the economic situation, living conditions, politics, religion, history, and culture of the country you are heading for.  This kind of information will help you process and better understand all the new experiences you'll be faced with.

Additionally, read as many blog posts from past volunteers and travelers who have experienced culture shock and learn how they dealt with it. You can never be fully prepared for your life changing journey; however any insights into what you may encounter will help to prepare you mentally and emotionally.

Be open-minded

When you volunteer in Latin America it is highly likely that you will come across things that you are not used to or feel uncomfortable with. Keeping an open mind and being open to learning about, embracing and adapting to new living conditions, cultural practices, religions and customs will greatly reduce the effects of culture shock.

Observe the local scene

Watching what the locals do, how they interact with each other and where they hangout is all part of losing the tourist tag and embracing your integration into a new community. Spend time observing behaviors and attitudes and the ways in which people interact with others (male to female, young to old etc).

Network with volunteers and locals

At times being in a foreign country where you do not know the language or have any of your comforts from home can be hard. Make the most of your time by getting to know other Latin America volunteers, the local staff, and your host family, and try to make some local friends.

Making connections to others helps to beat loneliness, and will prove to be a great resource at those times you miss friends and family from home.

Things to do in Latin America

Every country that makes up Latin America has lots to offer visitors. Vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes and exotic wildlife are not difficult to find, but there's rich culture, fascinating history, and the individual charm of each location to discover too.

Wherever you decide to volunteer in South America you are guaranteed many fantastic adventures and opportunities to learn about the country and its people. Why not:

• Capture your memories through photos, videos or a blog
• Integrate into the community by embracing the local scene
• Visit iconic landmarks and destinations
• Experience the Amazon or jungle
• Make the most of adventure and action opportunities
• Visit rural and indigenous communities and learn about their ancient customs and traditions
• Embrace any cultural immersion opportunities which are presented to you, to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the country
• Explore stunning landscapes including beaches, desert, wetlands, national parks, waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, rivers, jungles, islands, sand dunes and caves
• Try the local and regional cuisines
• Take park in a festival or community event
• Take part in local activities
• Explore and discover the secrets and hidden gems of the cities and towns
• Look out for the diverse marine life  and wildlife
• Discover the essence of the country and its people
• Become friends with locals

Do your research and find out the best things to experience and see at your Latin American volunteering destination. Here are some sites for more recommendations of things to do.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-america/things-to-do/top-things-to-do-in-south-america
http://travelblog.viator.com/top-25-in-central-south-america/

CHAPTER 6: Completion of Project & Follow Up

Wherever you volunteer in Latin America it is likely to be an eye-opening, invaluable learning and life experience, where you will gain equal satisfaction from both what you achieve through the project and the impact the country and its people have on you.

It is not uncommon for volunteers to experience mixed emotions when they return home at the end of their South American volunteer placement; gratitude for the experience, nostalgia when thinking about the people they met, satisfaction from contributing to a good cause, sadness that it's over and excitement about the chance to share their stories and experience with friends and family are all feelings likely to compete for your attention for a good while afterwards.

The good news is that there are several things you can do to ease this emotional turmoil, and make sure the work you did doesn't get forgotten.

Share your experiences: Let the world know more about your rewarding volunteering adventure by sharing some memories and tales on a blog. This is also a great way to help raise awareness of your specific project, the destination you chose and the overall volunteering in South America experience.

Highlight your stories, thoughts and feelings with photos where possible, to help engage your readers and give them a greater insight into what you did, the people you helped and those you worked with, and even the sights you saw along the way. In the long term such blog posts provide valuable material for any prospective volunteers too.

Provide feedback and reviews:  Providing honest and constructive feedback and reviews about your project, host family and general experiences helps those looking for future volunteer in Latin America opportunities find useful information, and it also benefits your volunteer organization, which can use it to make sure they can continue to provide meaningful and fulfilling projects.

Keep in contact with project staff, host family and other volunteers: Maintaining contact with the people who shared your volunteer experience is easier than ever these days with social networking sites like Facebook making it so easy to communicate.

.

As well as reminiscing over shared memories these connections are often a useful resource for things like references, or travel information, tips and contacts.

Continue your support: Once you have left your project you may wish to offer some long distance support. Contact the organization or project you worked with and ask about ways that you can do this. You could help by promoting Latin American volunteering, raising awareness of the project itself, donating resources and supplies, or by setting up an online fundraising campaign on a site such as those mentioned below:

https://www.causes.com/
http://www.globalgiving.org/

CHAPTER 7: Most Frequently Asked Questions From Volunteers

How will I get from the airport to my host family/volunteer house?

Your organization will arrange both a meet and greet at the airport and transfers to your accommodation for you. Transfers may be included as part of your program fee or be an additional cost. Please check with your organization for which applies to your specific destination and project.

Will there be support from staff in country?

Yes, in most instances there will be an in-country support team in your country of choice. Check with your organization for contact details of your support team.

How many other volunteers will be participating with me?

This will really depend on what season you decided to volunteer in, and how many volunteers your project accepts at any one time. To find out more check with your booking organization.

If I volunteer with my friend can we be placed in the same project and housed together?

Yes, in most circumstances this will not be a problem, and you and your friend will be able to be placed in the same project and accommodation facility. Please notify your booking organization of this at the time of booking so arrangements can be made.

Are meals and housing provided?

In most instances your program fee will include accommodation with either a host family or in a hostel. If you are placed with a host family than you are likely to receive 2-3 meals a day, however if in a hostel you may need to arrange your own meals, at an extra cost. Check with your organization for more details.

Will my host family be able to speak English?

In most cases there will be at least one family member who will understand and speak some English, but in some circumstances this may not be possible. If you are concerned about this it's best to let your organization know your preference is to be placed with a family who definitely have some English skills.

Can I travel to other cities during my days off?

Yes, part of making the most of your Latin America volunteering experience involves exploring, sightseeing and generally gaining a greater insight the country you are volunteering in.

Do I have to bring my own bedding and mosquito nets?

If accommodation is provided for you this will include bedding and linen. If you plan on visiting the Amazon region or areas with high humidity it's worth either taking a mosquito net with you, or buying one when you get to your destination.

What if I don't speak the native language?

You should be able to get by, however it is recommended that you learn some basic greetings, words and phrases, to help you communicate a little.

How will I get to my project every day?

This will depend on how close your placement is to your accommodation. On some projects you will need to make your own way between the two, either on or by public transport, while others may arrange transport for you. Check with your volunteer organization for full details.

Can I speak with a volunteer who has worked on my planned project in the past?

Some organizations have a database of previous South America volunteers who are willing to be contacted regarding their experiences, while others have an online volunteer community or forum set up to provide assistance and support. Check with your organization to see if any of these are available.

What kind of food will I eat while I'm there?

When you are placed with a host family you will be served traditional local cuisines. As these will vary greatly from country to country, and even from region to region, check with your booking organization for more details.

How many hours per day will I be volunteering?

On average volunteers in Latin America will work between 4-6 hours a day, although this can vary between projects. Ask your volunteer organization contact for information on your expected work hours, including start and finish times.

How much money do I need to bring?

This will really depend on your plans. Devise a realistic budget by thinking carefully about the lifestyle you expect to have while volunteering. That way you can include money to cover everything from eating out, socializing in bars, and sightseeing – especially if visiting tourist attractions with entry fees – to any travelling you plan to do before, after or during your volunteer placement.

This free eBook is just written to help volunteers. So please use this book just as a general reference or source of information. We cannot guarantee the validity of information as changes in the field can be sudden. As it is impossible to provide a definite or authoritative guide it is vital you verify information directly with a relevant and up to date source. We cannot be held liable in any way for damages caused should you choose to overlook this advice.