Volunteer travel allows you to explore as part of a community. Learn about all the ways that you can travel while volunteering with Projects Abroad.

• Tab: • Text: Greenheart Travel’s teen volunteer abroad programs have specific start dates depending on the program destination. Read on to learn more about application deadlines and available discounts and scholarship opportunities. Volunteer Abroad Program Deadlines: Our volunteer in Costa Rica and Sri Lanka programs have varying deadlines and program start dates. While we suggest submitting an application 8 weeks in advance to the departure date, please note the summer months fill up quickly and it’s best to reserve your spot on the program as early as possible. May 15, 2017 Deadline to apply to volunteer in Sri Lanka on our exclusive teen group summer start date. Monthly Deadlines: Deadlines to apply to volunteer in Costa Rica are on a monthly basis.

Please note the summer months fill up quickly and we advise submitting up to 12 weeks in advance to secure your spot. CCI Greenheart Host Family Discount: Families who have hosted a student through CCI Greenheart in the United States are eligible for the following program discounts.

Programs must start within 12 months of the last date of hosting a student. Hosted one semester or less: $100 discount on a Teen Volunteer Abroad Program Hosted one full semester or longer: $200 discount on a Teen Volunteer Abroad Program • Tab: • Text: The decision to send your teenager abroad can be difficult and there are a lot of questions to consider. We understand your concerns and the Greenheart Travel staff is there for you every step of the way! Here are some of the common questions we get from parents as they consider the program. What does it mean to be in good mental health in the program eligibility requirements?

Moving to a new culture and staying in unfamiliar surroundings without your normal support structure can be very stressful, even to the most well adjusted student. Sending a student with pre-existing conditions on a program could exacerbate whatever challenges the student was previously facing. In order to ensure the safety of our students, we must be rigorous in our pre-screening of our applicants. We cannot accept students who have struggled with any kind of mental illness within the last 2 years and/or are reliant on medication to address their existing mental health condition. These include, but are not limited to: • Depression • Obsessive compulsive disorder • Debilitating anxiety • Eating disorders If the student’s mental health issue has been resolved (post-medication) for over 2 years, we will ask for a note from his/her relevant practitioner (psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, etc.) as part of the application process. Is the program fee tax deductible? Greenheart Travel is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, so a portion of your Volunteer Abroad program fees may be tax deductible.

Contact us for more information. We recommend that you also consult with your tax professional to discuss your particular case, as application of tax laws can vary based on individual circumstances. Can my child apply with a friend/family member?

We are happy to accept friends and groups. Will my child need to get any vaccinations prior to departure? When traveling to any destination, make sure their routine vaccines are up to date. Try to schedule an appointment with your doctor 4-6 weeks before they depart for the trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and a yearly flu shot. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that they also get the Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid vaccine.

What happens if my child gets sick or injured abroad? They will be covered by mandatory health insurance. Kerala School Sports Manual 2012 on this page. You will receive a policy brochure and insurance card via email 2 weeks prior to their departure. Our partners at the volunteer project will also be in contact with us notifying of any illness or medical needs that we would immediately communicate with you if anything were to happen.

How can they contact friends/family from home? While Skype is the best option as a free service, a second option for slow internet connection is to get a local phone card and call from the host family’s home or volunteer house. Keep conversations to a minimum, around 10 minutes, and make sure your child asks permission before using the phone to make sure the family isn’t expecting a call. Another option is to purchase a local prepaid SIM for your unlocked phone to keep in touch.