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VIDA Frequently Asked Questions

Can I participate in these trips if I am not a citizen of U.S.A., Canada, or UK?

Yes, we welcome citizens of all countries. Please check with the nearest Consulate(s) for each country you plan to visit as separate visas are required to enter each country (even if you are only traveling through that country, such as the U.S.A.) Normally, visas are granted for 30 days depending on the origin of your passport and are ONLY valid for ONE entry into that country, so you may have to select a service trip where you fly into one country and fly out of another.

• The visa process is a very slow process and may require our staff to submit documents from Central America so please inquire as soon as possible and no later than 60 days prior to your service trip.

Will I be safe in the countries we are visiting?

Safety is the number one priority for our groups. During the general orientation process we review safety, common sense safety practices (i.e. going out in groups of 3, not leaving belongings unattended), as well as alcohol policies, etc These safety tips and rules will help prevent the common issues of theft/pick-pocketing incidents. We will suspend service trips to any countries in which the U.S. State Department has issued significant travel warnings. Every service team travels with a first aid kit and VIDA Staff are trained by the Red Cross in basic life saving skills. The U.S. State Department has information regarding travel in foreign countries at http://travel.state.gov

Do I need vaccinations for my service trip?

We strongly suggest that you consult your physician for advice on any recommended vaccines or special precautions whenever traveling outside the United States. It is always recommended to be up-to-date on your tetanus vaccine as well as to consider Hepatitis A & B vaccines when traveling to foreign lands where you will be in close contact with local citizens. Malaria medication should also be considered when traveling to Central America.

• USA travelers can check the latest health information with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/travel or calling at 1-877-394-8747. Travelers from other countries can check the following government health websites: Australia  Canada  United Kingdom 

What kind of donations should I bring with on my service trip?

We encourage our volunteers to raise a minimum of $150 worth of donations for their service trip.

100% of monetary donations will be utilized according to your specifications. (i. e. utilized for direct donations to patients for follow-up procedures such as an x-ray or ultrasound, extra medications for clinics, etc.)

Click on How to contribute to review the medication donation list, dental donation list, and veterinarian donation list, as well as general donation list which includes items for our Partners for a Brighter Future.

• If you would like to donate dental or medical equipment, please contact VIDA staff directly at info@vidavolunteertravel.org.

I have too many donations to pack in my own luggage; can I ship them to VIDA?

Congratulations! All of your hard work has really paid off! If you have so many donations that they don’t fit in extra luggage, please notify VIDA staff at info@vidavolunteertravel.org as we may be able to have other volunteers bring some of the donations. Please double check that your donations are not expired and are on the medication list. Expired medications will most likely be confiscated in Customs and should not be brought to Costa Rica.

What should I pack on my service trip?

Above all, you should plan to bring comfortable shoes and clothing. Everyone should bring sunscreen and bug spray; you’re going to the tropics! If you are part of a medical/dental/veterinary team, you should bring at least 4 scrub sets and comfortable tennis shoes for clinics (boots if you are on a veterinary team). If you are part of a general service team, you should plan on bringing work boots/shoes, work gloves, t-shirts and pants/shorts, (that you may want to donate or throw away afterwards) hats, sunglasses.)

• Go to the Downloads & Training Center and review the Trip Preparation Guide for your team.

Will I be able to do laundry during my service trip?

Normally, you will have the opportunity to wash your laundry or have your clothing laundered for you at reasonable prices, at least once per trip.

How do I sign up for a VIDA adventure?

The first step in signing up for a VIDA adventure is identifying your reasons and expectations of a volunteer abroad experience to ensure that a VIDA service trip is a good match for you. Once you have made the decision that VIDA is the right program for you; you need to choose a service trip and date. Submit your application online, pay the application fee, and you have begun your VIDA adventure. Once we have received your application and application fee you will be sent a letter of confirmation via email. A current and correct mailing address is also important as VIDA will be sending out a package for you shortly after your application is processed. Volunteers will be sent program specific information after applications are processed. Participants should download the fundraising information, donation lists, and other relevant information. A team coordinator will be in contact with volunteers to provide updates on the status of the service trips via group emails and telephone calls as necessary. All participants will be provided with a detailed service trip itinerary at least 3 weeks prior to departure. To avoid late fees, participants should review the dates for payments and submit payments prior to the indicated dates. Volunteers should also review the cancellation and refund policies carefully.

• We encourage participants to contact us directly via telephone or email at info@vidavolunteertravel.org with specific questions that may not be answered on the website.

Does VIDA offer any type of financial aid assistance for volunteers?

Yes, there is a limited amount of financial aid available for students on each trip.

We also have the following scholarships available:

(1) Full Scholarship per team per University for any individual who organizes his/her own group, minimum of 15 students, then that individual is eligible for a full scholarship (does not include airfare). Large groups of 40 or more from the same University shall be granted 2 Full Scholarships for the 2 individuals coordinating the group.

(2) Partial Scholarships per team for those individuals who are certified translators in Spanish/English and are interested in translating for fellow students during clinics. You can receive a discount of up to$300.00! A telephone interview will be conducted to ensure that individuals are satisfactorily fluent in Spanish along with presentation of certification as a translator in the U.S.A. or E.U.

(1) Partial Scholarship per team if you recruit a volunteer health professional (parent, sibling, etc) who is a licensed general medicine medical doctor, internal medicine doctor, physician’s assistant, family dentist, veterinarian, or a nurse practitioner. This individual would need to enjoy teaching, volunteer experience/volunteer spirit, and pay for his/her own airfare, food, and bring his/her own spending money. Medical Professionals need to submit their current license and University diplomas to VIDA Central America at least 75 days prior to trip for pre-approval by health officials. You are eligible to receive up to a $300 discount on your trip with this scholarship!

We are working hard to obtain sponsors for our scholarship programs and we post new scholarships as they become available.  Please check the Financial Aid and Scholarships page for full details.

• These scholarships are on a first come first serve basis. Please inquire about availability as early as possible for your desired dates by emailing VIDA staff directly at info@vidavolunteertravel.org.

Avicenna, Persian physician

Can I get academic credit for my service trip?

Students can coordinate with their schools and/or professors to earn credit for their trips, sometimes by their simple participation, or with an evaluation from a VIDA group leader. In other cases students have been able to do an investigation or research paper about their VIDA adventure.

Do I need to be bilingual to participate in the service trips?

No, participants do not need to be bilingual. We provide bilingual guides, assistants, and translators for every VIDA adventure. We offer a survival Spanish class as part of our orientation process with every service group. We offer a discount to those participants who are certified translators and would enjoy translating. Please see the section on Financial Aid and Scholarships for more details.

Will I be able to call home often during my service trip?

Typically, you will have the opportunity to call home or have access to the internet at least twice during the trip. However, due to the remote nature of some of established routes, you may not always have the opportunity to call home.

Why should I pay to volunteer?

Excerpts quoted from Le Ann Joy Adam, Overseas Resource Coordinator at Stanford University, Transitions Abroad article.

“When I arrived in Nicaragua, the organization that I had planned to work with had fallen victim to lack of funding and interference from government bureaucracy.”

“However, determined to make good use of my time in Esteli, I studied Spanish in the mornings and in the afternoons worked with members of the community in development projects.”

“Overall, it was a powerful learning experience. I now encourage everyone I talk to about volunteer opportunities to go through a well established placement organization. Organizations establish long-term relationships with community groups and help compensate them for the time they spend mentoring volunteers. This is particularly important in poor, grass-roots settings. In Nicaragua, I often heard the comment that “volunteers come and go” with apparent regard for the importance of long-term sustainable development. I also learned that volunteers are sometimes “more a burden than an asset” to many organizations because of their lack of technical knowledge, language skills, and cultural sensitivity. Yet volunteer programs do benefit the host country’s economy, promote positive values, enrich lives, and serve the important purpose of strengthening the people-to-people ties that have proven such a powerful instrument of international mutual understanding. Placement organizations have invested the necessary time, patience, and resources needed to build trust and ensure safe and appropriate placements for volunteers.”

Benefits of Organizations

While going through an organized program can also have its pitfalls, the benefits include:

• Orientation: This usually includes important pre-departure reading material as well as on-site orientation on local culture, history, and customs.
• Language and technical training
• Arranged accommodations: A supportive and caring homestay environment provides an important connection to the culture and a first-hand view of social and political events in country.
• A Safety net: Staff are there to provide logistical and emotional support.
• Clear expectations: The volunteer’s responsibilities are clear and well-defined.
• Affordability: When you calculate the difference between traveling to a country on your own and the cost of participating in a program, you might be surprised by how little the difference is. Of course, many people successfully arrange their own volunteer placements. But in virtually every case, those who come away with a satisfying experience have strong ties in the host country as well as technical experience or specialized skills in areas such as teaching English, construction, and agriculture. Even with an organization, there is no guarantee that the experience will be 100 percent trouble-free. Those who want such guarantees should probably consider a vacation on a cruise ship.
• Advice to the would-be volunteer with good intentions, great organization skills, and a real interest in international development and cross-cultural education is to allow an experienced organization to channel that energy, intelligence, and good intentions into an established volunteer program.

How much does a VIDA Adventure cost?

Please see the VIDA Service Trip Schedule for current prices.

How is the money for my service trip spent?

The money that volunteers pay goes towards two areas:

1. Directly to the costs of the volunteer’s trip this includes 2 meals a day, hotel costs, homestay costs, transportation, professional staff such as doctors, dentists, veterinarians as well as guides and translators and necessary supplies for clinics or service projects.
2. Administrative costs include pre-trip service and support to volunteers, organizational costs such as clinic and service project coordination, etc.

Any proceeds after direct and administrative costs are covered will be allocated for program development and a fund for our “Partners for a Brighter Future”. VIDA supports ongoing sustainable development projects, sustainable agricultural projects, women’s cooperatives, and community development among many other global efforts.

Arroz con Pollo (Chicken with Rice), a typical Costa Rican dish

What kind of food will I be eating during my VIDA adventure?

All meals offered by VIDA will be prepared to strict food safety standards and all meals will be well balanced. Many meals will be typical Central American fare which may include the staples of rice, beans, plantains, vegetables, and tortillas. Most meals will include chicken or fish along with rice, beans, and cooked vegetables.

• All volunteers with special dietary needs should indicate them on their application form. VIDA staff will do their best to accommodate different dietary needs, but strict vegetarians should plan on bringing their own sources of protein. VIDA will provide bottled water upon arrival and throughout your service trip. 

What currency is used in Central America?

Please use the Currency Calculator for current rates.

• Please do not exchange money in your home country. We will allow for time for participants to exchange money after arrival in host country.

If I am interested in going on a VIDA trip, but can’t go on the dates posted, can I still come?

Yes, one option would be for you to organize your own group and we can accommodate the dates of your choice. Please contact us directly for further details regarding special groups.

Another option would be to join the group late or schedule an early departure from the dates listed. There is a $100.00 fee for flexible arrival & departure dates as VIDA staff will personally pick you up and drop you off as needed.

If I have a group organized, can we participate in a VIDA trip?

Yes, we welcome all groups; corporate retreat groups, church groups, student groups, community groups, family groups, men’s groups and women’s groups. We would be happy to include your group in an already scheduled service trip or offer you the opportunity to choose your own dates. Groups of more than 18 people will be offered their own service trip dates to choose from and have the opportunity to develop a specialized itinerary for their group’s needs. Please contact VIDA staff at info@vidavolunteertravel.org.

If I have a friend who is not in studying a health related field, can he/she still come?

Yes, VIDA programs are open to lay people, retired professionals, siblings/parents of volunteers, health professionals, engineering students, advisors, and university students in any field and all others interested in helping the global community. Families are also welcome on selected VIDA service trips. Unaccompanied young adults under the age of 18 will be considered on a case by case basis; please contact VIDA staff at info@vidavolunteertravel.org.  regarding special requests.

Ancient Greek surgical tools

I would like to volunteer for more than 2 weeks, is that possible?

Yes, there are several ways that you can volunteer for more than 2 weeks. The Tropical Adventures organization based in Costa Rica offers individualized volunteer programs for extended periods of time in areas of conservation/wildlife, community development, children and families. Please visit www.tropicaladventures.com for more details.

Another option is to volunteer for one of our “Partners for a Brighter Future” once you are finished with your VIDA adventure. Please see our list of “Partners for a Brighter Future” and contact them directly to coordinate your extended stay. Volunteer opportunities with these programs will vary in cost.

VIDA is currently accepting volunteer interns for a minimum of 12 weeks in beautiful and tropical Costa Rica. Want to immerse yourself in Latin American culture and improve your Spanish? Want to spend your summer or January term volunteering or interning in Costa Rica? Come and join us, experience the ideal learning environment where creativity flows and a team environment really exists.

Ideal candidates would have previous experience in one of the following areas: grant research, grant writing, word, excel, powerpoint, excel or marketing. Experience preferred, but definitely not required.

Requirements: Positive attitude, dynamic self – starter, and a flexible personality!!

Basic Spanish helpful

Interns are required to work 30 hours per week in exchange for lodging in the central valley of Costa Rica. Priority will be given to those interns who are able to make at least a six month commitment.

Persons interested in a longer volunteer internship (minimum 12 months) may qualify for meals and lodging.

Intern Candidates need to submit the following items to be considered for the following opening:

• Cover letter and resume
• Copy of first page of valid passport
• 2 Page written personal statement regarding interest in internship with VIDA in Costa Rica
• 4 References (1 may be personal)
• Current driver’s license
• Homeland Security criminal check (no more than 60 days prior to departure)- U.S. Citizens

Interns are required to have International health insurance, major credit card in case of emergency, sufficient monetary funds for extra food, personal items, transportation, etc as well as a return ticket home.

Volunteer Intern responsibilities:

1. Assist with grant writing and research
2. Assist with data entry in excel documents
3. Assist with running office errands as needed
4. Sort and package medications/supplies for service trips
5. Assist with office support as needed
6. Research health statistical data worldwide
7. Organize PowerPoint presentations
8. Organize Fundraising campaigns
9. Assist with organizational charts, manuals, etc.
10. Other various tasks
11. Develop and implement marketing plan

Unable to come to Costa Rica, but still want to help VIDA in Central America?

Consider becoming one of the growing numbers of volunteers we work with that volunteer from home. There are so many opportunities for those who have a few hours to donate per week and would like to do so from home. We always have small research projects, internet investigation projects, on-going fundraising projects, etc that we need assistance with from people like you! Please see the “Internship” download for further details.

If I can’t participate in a VIDA trip how can I help?

There are many ways to help even if you can’t participate in one of the service trips.

VIDA is always in need of ongoing volunteers in the U.S.A., Canada, and the European Union. Volunteering from home is a great way to help make a difference. VIDA needs people with experience in grant writing, data entry, statistical research, computers, webpage design, graphic design, non profit consultants, media consultants, and distribution of donated medicines/supplies, scholarship acquisition, fundraisers, material/supply acquisition and networking with other non profit organizations. If you are interested in any of the above projects or would like to participate in a different project, please contact VIDA staff in Central America at info@vidavolunteertravel.org.

How much money should I bring?

We recommend that you bring at least $400 with you for a 2 week trip; many volunteers bring much more than that amount to purchase souvenirs, gifts for family and friends, food, etc. We also recommend that volunteers bring a well recognized credit card such as VISA.

Chosa in Almirante, Panama

Will my service trip be all work or will I see some of the country’s natural beauty as well?

All of the countries in Central America are beautiful and seeing some of the breathtaking beauty is integrated in each VIDA service trip. VIDA trips are designed to have just the right amount of work and play. Typically we will offer a minimum of 7 work days and 2 recreational and 2 days of travel per trip. Our Spring Break and end of the year trips typically include 4 days of service and combined recreation/travel days. Our host countries are largely Christian (Roman Catholic) and therefore Sunday is still regarded as a day of rest. We will use Sundays for orientation, travel, or recreation days as needed. Believe it or not, you will need to rest, as we work hard and you will understand and appreciate your day off once you have begun your service trip.

• See our sample itineraries to get an idea of how you will spend your days

How do I obtain the required international travel/health insurance?

Please contact VIDA staff at info@vidavolunteertravel.org for travel and health insurance information.

What kind of illnesses will we be seeing in the medical clinics?

Some of the most common diseases that we will encounter are the following:

• Parasites
• Gastritis
• Muscle-Skeletal pains
• UTI
• Upper respiratory infections
• Pneumonia
• Cold/Cough
• Fungal infections
• Scabies
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Malnutrition
• Skin Infections

What kind of procedures will we be assisting with in Dentistry?

You will be actively participating with an emphasis on a truly “hands-on” experience with the following processes:

• Basic dental exams for children and adults
• Cleanings
• Extractions
• Fillings (depending on site)
• Fluoride treatments
• Public health education

Can I get a letter of recommendation from VIDA or VIDA staff members?

VIDA staff members are always happy to assist with the application process for employment, U.S. Peace Corps, volunteer experiences, as well as fill out paperwork for internship experience and academic credit.

VIDA will issue a letter which includes an outline of volunteer hours and project information upon request.

Requests for letters of recommendation will be assessed on a case by case basis. Please contact VIDA staff at info@vidavolunteertravel.org 

Can I adopt an animal and bring it home with me?

Yes, adopting a dog or cat from your host country and bringing it home with you is possible. Certainly adopting from your local animal shelter is easier and cheaper as adopting an animal from Central America will be several hundred dollars. You will need an airline approved kennel such as vari-kennel, a health certification from the host country certified veterinarian (usually around $150.00), shots and vaccinations (up to $150.00), and a reservation with the airline for transport of a live animal. Due to the remote location of our trips it may be difficult for you to gather all the required documents in a timely manner and as with any pet adoption you should not make any spur of the moment decisions.

• You should check with your country’s laws regarding entry for domestic animals.

What dates should I schedule my flight for when choosing a VIDA trip?

The first and last dates of the scheduled trip as indicated on the trip schedules page.

What airports should I fly into and out of when buying my airline ticket?

Please check the trip schedules page for the trip you have chosen.

What time should I schedule my flight to arrive?

Please schedule your flight to arrive in the early afternoon if possible or as early in the evening as possible.

I am required to purchase health/travel insurance?

Yes, all VIDA volunteers must submit proof of health and travel insurance prior to the scheduled trip to info@vidavolunteertravel.org.

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