When should I apply for the volunteer/internship programs in Honduras?

We are able to offer placements on the first and third Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply at least two months in advance , but if you want to expedite your application within less than one month of time, please contact our office for more information .

What happens once I submit my documents and application to Global Crossroad?

Once Global Crossroad receives and reviews your completed application, it is then forwarded to our In-Country Coordinator in Honduras who will then finalize a specific placement as per your qualifications and request. Upon receipt of your finalized placement details, this information is then immediately sent to you.

How long does it take to process my application?

The application process can usually take anywhere from 1-3 weeks – occasionally longer (given the time of year). However, in the event that interested participants require their application expedited due to time constraints, they are requested to contact Global Crossroad's offices prior to submitting their application.

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

Usually, the only documentation required is the completed application form which can be found online ( http://www.globalcrossroad.com/apply.php). Applicants have the option to either submit their application online or download the application from the website and submit the completed form to Global Crossroad's USA-based offices either by post or fax.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Honduras-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are:

• An open mind and a willingness to teach others as well a passion for helping those in need.

• Enthusiasm for living abroad and meeting new people.

• Be in good health.

Visa Information

Honduras does not require a Visa from citizens from the USA , Canada or the UK . If you stay for longer than 90 days you will have to obtain a Visa. If you are unsure if you need a visa, please visit www.projectvisa.com for a complete and up to date list of visa requirements for Honduras.

A valid passport is required to enter Honduras . Honduras does not allow entrance if the holder's passport expires in less than six months; returning home with an expired passport is illegal, and may result in a fine as well.

It is a suggested that you have a photo-copy of your passport containing your photo, passport number, along-with your international travel insurance, air-tickets, and traveler's checks' serial numbers to prevent any loss of important information.

Global Crossroad suggests that ALL volunteers acquire tourist visa in their home country BEFORE arriving in-country to avoid any unnecessary hassles at the airport.

Project Information

Who manages the volunteer projects in Honduras ?

Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator in Honduras is responsible for researching appropriate volunteer projects as per the qualifications and skills of the applicants.

What are the daily schedules of the projects?

Project schedules vary for each project in Honduras . Most projects are from Monday to Friday for 4-5 hours a day. Most volunteers have the weekends off to sight-see or explore Honduras on their own.

How long has the Global Crossroad been sending volunteers/paid volunteers to Honduras ?

For the past three years, Global Crossroad has been successfully running its Honduras volunteer/internship programs with over 300 applicants having been sent to Honduras .

Where are the projects located?

La Ceiba is a port city on the northern coast of Honduras , bordering the Caribbean Sea . With a population of about 250,000, it is the third largest city in the country and the capital of the Honduran department of Atlántida. The city is named for the giant ceiba trees that were common to the area. Due to disorganized urban growth, few of these trees remain today. Its climate is tropical, with a latitude of 15° 46.0 and a longitude of 086° 50.0. Locally, the city is referred to as the Darling of Honduras and has been officially proclaimed the "Eco-Tourism Capital of Honduras" as well as the "Entertainment Capital of Honduras".

La Ceiba's economy is made up of mostly commerce and agriculture but there is also a significant illegal commerce in cocaine as it is a transit point between Colombia and the United States . Pineapple is the city's major export. Its largest producer is the Standard Fruit Company (A subsidiary of the Dole Food Company). Standard Fruit, which operates all over northern Honduras , is based out of La Ceiba. Fishing activities are also important and represent a significant activity in the area.

Known as "La Novia de Honduras", or “ Honduras ' girlfriend,” La Ceiba's blend of Latino, Caribbean , and Garifuna create a unique blend of cultures, and the city is known as a party town. There is a saying that goes that "While Tegucigalpa thinks, San Pedro Sula works, La Ceiba parties." Every year, on the third Saturday of May, the city holds its famous "Gran" carnival. During this time, the city is host to over 200,000 people from all over the world.

La Ceiba has many parks and natural reserves. Its most recognized is the Pico Bonito ( Pretty Peak ) National Park. This park's most recognized feature is its 2435 meter mountain peak of the same name, and the Pico Bonito mountain range provides a back drop to the city. The Rio Cangrejal, well known for its class III-IV river rafting, borders the eastern edge of the city and the Cuero and the Salado Wildlife Refuge is located a few miles to the west. The airport is also to the west of town.

What is the language spoken in Honduras ?

Spanish is the official language of Honduras .

When are the Honduras-based projects available?

Literally, the projects are open year-round on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers are encouraged to apply anytime at their convenience.

How long can I volunteer in Honduras ?

We normally suggest participants volunteer from 2-12 weeks.

Arrival and Departure Information

Who will arrange my flight to Honduras ?

Airfare is the responsibility of the volunteer.

Which airport should I book my flight into?

All volunteers must arrive at La Ceiba International Airport.

When should I arrive in Honduras ?

Volunteers should arrive in Honduras the day before their projects start, which is usually on a Sunday. If you come in earlier to Honduras , you will need to arrange a place to stay and a return to the airport on Sunday to be picked up.

Will someone pick me from the airport? If so, how do I know about the person?

You will be picked up at the airport, but you must send your travel itinerary to our Honduras in-country Coordinator and to us at Global Crossroad before your arrival in Honduras (we'll pass it on to the Coordinator). You will be picked up by a staff member or our in-country coordinator who will be holding a sign with your name written on it, awaiting your arrival outside of the airport. In case no one is there, you can call our in-country coordinator, who can help with the picking-up or arrange the accommodations immediately. You will be supplied with all contact information in-case of the rare instance that you are not picked up. Make sure you look carefully for your pick-up, as it will be extremely busy outside of the airport.

What should I do if my flight is delayed?

• Try to call our Honduras in-country Coordinator from the airport and inform him of the possibly-delayed arrival time.

• Check your placement instructions pertaining to details of hotels that have been recommended for late arrival if your flight is to arrive after midnight;

• Call/email our Honduras in-country Coordinator once you arrive so that he can help with a pick-up accordingly.

How can I get to the hotel from the airport if I did not see Global Crossroad's local representative in the airport?

In the event that your arrival time is changed/delayed, requiring you to stay overnight in a hotel (or if you failed to meet Global Crossroad's representative at the airport), you should hire a taxi at the airport who will take you to a hotel designated in your placement details/pre-departure information (and do remember to request a receipt from the driver). ALSO: make sure that you call Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator BEFORE boarding the taxi. Participants are advised to contact Global Crossroad's Honduras In-Country Coordinator the next day and let him/her know their whereabouts.

What do I need prior to departure from my home country?

• Please make sure that you pack all your necessary documents – Passport, copy of passport, and at least one other form of ID.

• Prepare financially, in advance, to cover various expenses up to $100 USD/week for extra expenses and travel to your project each day.

• Get your mind and spirit ready for the duration you have committed to. Culture shock affects everyone and may be so strong that you want to quit the week after arrival.

If I want to arrive earlier than when the program begins, where do I stay and who will organize the accommodations?

You can arrive several days earlier or even up to a week early for your project, however, you will be responsible for these arrangements (including accommodations and food), and must still meet the Coordinator at the airport on the designated date.

When should I depart from Honduras ?

We ask participants to depart from Honduras on the Sunday after their project is completed.

Which airport will I fly out of?

All volunteers will depart from La Ceiba International Airport.

Who will drop me off at the airport?

GC does not offer airport drop service. You will need to arrange a taxi or bus ride to the airport after your project is finished. This is an easy process and our in-country coordinator in Honduras or your home stay family will be more than happy to assist you with this.

Can I store my luggage if I arrive earlier than my program starts?

Yes, you may, but please note that this service is usually charged and/or calculated on an hourly basis. So, do not leave your luggage at the airport for an extended amount of time.

Living Accommodations Information

Who will arrange my accommodations and what are they?

Your accommodations will be arranged by our in-country coordinator in Honduras . You will stay with a host family in Honduras . We attempt to place all of our volunteers with a host family by themselves, but in some cases, due to project location, you may have other volunteers at the same host family. If you want to travel with a friend, we can arrange for both of you to stay at the same host family if you like.

Host families in Honduras have electricity as well as hot and cold running water.

Are singles rooms available?

Yes, in most cases you will have your own room unless you request to stay with another volunteer. In some cases you will share a room with another volunteer.

If I arrive with my friend, or girlfriend/boyfriend, can we stay together?

Yes, but you need to inform our Honduras in-country Coordinator of this so that he can help prepare accommodations with the school and/or host family.

Will there be other foreign volunteers/interns at my placement?

This depends on the exact placement and your preference in this issue.

What are the bathroom facilities?

Most bathrooms will have a Western style toilet rather than a squat style. A shower with hot & cold water is usually installed in the bathroom.

What are the laundry arrangements?

Laundry will be done by volunteers

Can I use appliances if I bring them from my home country?

Yes. Please note that Honduras uses 110/220V, 60HzHz.

Electrical plug details

American-style plug with two perpendicular flat blades above a circular grounding pin

Japanese-style plug with two perpendicular flat blades

What are the local cuisines? Who manages food?

Global Crossroad manages food and accommodation from the very first day to the last day of the program in collaboration with the local host families involved. What, might you ask, is Honduran food like?

First, tortillas. And then, more tortillas. Tortillas are an every day staple, just as bread is in North America . Second, beans. Beans come in all colors but in Honduras , the food usually included red or black ("turtle" for those familiar with Caribbean cooking). Beans and tortillas: the country of Honduras runs on these foods. Rice is also a staple, with many different flavors and seasonings to be added. A salad of some sort is often served with your food in Honduras . Frequently, it will be a shredded cabbage, a few slices of carrots, and moistened with a light oil/vinegar (hint of sugar) dressing. Meat (inland) is usually included, or fish ( North Coast or Bay Islands ), or salty white cheese (salt has preservative qualities in a country with less than perfect refrigeration). The average Honduran can not afford these types of food luxuries. Salsas grace every good table and often spice up the food.

Can you supply special diets?

Global Crossroad can provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Occasionally, in the event that you require a special diet, you are responsible for your own meals. Participants are strongly urged to inform Global Crossroad of any special dietary need prior to arrival in-country.

Is the running tap water safe for drink?

In most places in Honduras tap water is not safe to drink. We recommend that you purchase bottled water for your consumption, but make sure that the cap's seal is not broken! You can request that your host family boil water for you each day to consume.

Are there hot and cold water facilities available?

Specifics pertaining to availability of hot water will be included in participants' placement details.

Will bottled water be provided?

No, if participants require bottled water, they are responsible for obtaining it themselves.

Health and Safety

How safe is Honduras ?

Compared to many other countries, Honduras is considered a safe country for tourists. But, petty crime has increased in recent years, especially in and around the major cities. However, serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare. Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching occur somewhat frequently (especially in crowded areas such as stations, markets, shopping areas, sight-seeing destinations, etc.). So, it is wise to be cautious with your personal possessions in public places. Following are some precautions to avoid potential problems:

•  Do not show off your wallet or valuable goods in public
•  Keep enough money for your immediate needs in your pocket, and hide the rest on your body or leave your backup supply in a safety deposit box at your hotel
•  Always keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel instead of leaving them in your room
•  Remove any jewelry that may draw a thief's attention before you go out for strolling
•  Never wear a bag or purse on your street-side shoulder in order to avoid becoming a target of the "snatch-and-ride"
•  Never carry your passport/visa, credit cards, traveler's schedules or other travel documents in your shoulder bag.
•  Ensure that you aware of the values of different local banknotes to avoid being deceived
•  Be particularly cautious about your possessions in crowded areas such as local festivals, markets, tourist sites, railways, bus stations, or on trains and buses.
•  Always let your hotel or guides know where you are on your free days during your tour.
•  Respect the customs of the local ethnic groups.
•  Do not quarrel with anyone during your trip.
•  Any disputes should be reported to your local guides for resolution.
•  Avoid traveling in any areas or sites that are not open to foreigners.
•  Do not voice publicly any opinions contrary to Honduras 's laws and code of ethics and morals.

I am young girl. How safe it is to travel alone?

Traveling alone can open you up to unique personal experiences in Honduras . As mentioned above, Honduras is a foreigner-friendly country. However, traveling as a girl by yourself, you should be aware of the following issues

• If you get a hotel room during your free time, request a room that isn't on the ground floor, which can offer easy access through a window when you are sleeping in a hotel.
• Get to know the area where you'll be staying, and trust your intuition; avoid places that look risky.
•  Dress like a local resident, or at least try to look inconspicuous in your dress and behavior.
•  Be cautious when meeting new people. Try not to easily tell them that you are traveling alone.
•  In case you run into trouble, contact your embassy / consulate or the local police immediately.

More about Travel Safety to Honduras

International travel does present risks, especially with the threat of international terrorism. The U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings and advisories in many countries for U.S. travelers. These travel advisories and warnings change frequently as situations in each country change. We suggest that all volunteers consult their own governments before participating in a Global Crossroad program. These links provide travel information:

British Foreign Office Advice
http://www.fco.gov.uk/

American State Department Advice
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Australian Government Advice
http://www.dfat.gov.au/

Canadian Government Advice
http://canada.gc.ca/main_e.html

What are the principle health risks?

We use the Center for Disease Control traveler's health recommendations (www.cdc.gov). Your travel doctor will be knowledgeable about current epidemics and should be consulted.

Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications

The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to Honduras . Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
• Hepatitis B , especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
• Malaria: if you are traveling to a malaria-risk area in this region, see your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug. For details concerning risk and preventive medications, see Malaria Information for Travelers to Central America and Mexico .
• Rabies , if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.
• Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors
• Yellow fever , a viral disease that occurs primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America , is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus is also present in Panama and Trinidad and Tobago . Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers to endemic areas and may be required to cross certain international borders (For country specific requirements, see Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country .). Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10 year intervals if there is on-going risk.
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles .

Required Vaccinations

• You may be required to be vaccinated for Yellow Fever. For detailed information, see Comprehensive Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements . Also, find the nearest authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccine center. Also, find the nearest authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccine center .

What health precautions should I be aware of and tend to?

Carry a first aid kit and have contact phone numbers with you.

Malaria occurs in rural areas, Roatán and other Bay Islands .

Dengue fever is endemic in both urban and rural areas.

If hiking or spending significant time in the great outdoors, be prepared for a wide range of natural threats and nuisances including snakes, spiders, scorpions, and mosquitoes. On the upswing, however, you can actually pick fruit off the trees.

Source: wikitravel.org

Do I need health insurance?

Global Crossroad takes out comprehensive medical insurance for its volunteers. It is suggested that you pay up-front costs and then file an insurance claim to get reimbursed back home after medical expenses such as doctor's visits, medicines, etc.

Who do I contact in case of a health-related emergency?

East or west, home is the best. There is no place better than home when you are ill. But if you do get ill, don't panic. Participants can obtain information pertaining to medical assistance through a number of channels:

• Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator;
• Assigned host-family;
• Your country's embassy in Honduras – participants are greatly encouraged to obtain and maintain contact information for their respective embassy; keeping it on their person for easy access.

Is the food safe if I buy it from a street vendor?

No! While you are in Honduras , food safety should be the major factor in your decision to abstain. You can hardly resist the tempting novelty of street vendors and their food variety. Our suggestion is to avoid eating on the streets until you get familiar with the general situation. The food will likely taste quite different than anything you have had before. Food safety problems can range from chemicals and contaminants, to bacteria as well as some other diseases. In Honduras , poor food cooking, preparation, and storage, as well as improper cleaning and disinfecting of cooking supplies is very common among street vendors. So, we do not suggest buying food from street vendors.

What are the sanitary conditions in Honduras ?

•  Be prepared and never expect a clean toilet 100% of the time. Carry some tissue in-case you need to use the public toilet.
•  Honduras toilets generally do not do well when flushing large amounts of items or feminine hygiene products so do not flush them and throw them away in the trash.
•  In some areas/restaurants, toilet systems are old and have very narrow plumbing and get blocked easily. In these cases a small basket is usually placed beside the toilet (for your used toilet paper).
•  Use hotel lobby toilets; these are everywhere and are always clean. Still, they may not always have toilet paper. It depends on the class of hotel that you are using.

What vaccinations are required?

See the questions above about health to find out what vaccines you should get. Global Crossroad STRONGLY suggests volunteers follow the Center for Disease Control's travel advice ( www.cdc.gov ).

Money

Are ATMs easily available? If yes, which debit and credit cards are accepted?

Credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Master and Visa are accepted at the local large hotels or tourist stores. You also can withdraw cash from most international banks and credit cards from ATM machines, but $2-4 USD surcharges apply for each transaction. You should be prepared, monetarily, to not have access to ATMs or banks while on your project.

What is the local currency and how do I know the exchange rate?

The official currency is Honduras currency is the Lempira (L).

Money exchanges by cash or traveler's checks can be made at various branches of the Bank of Honduras or Commercial Bank of Honduras . Current exchange rates can be found using our currency converter.

Where do I exchange my money and how much?

Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards, including Diners Club and MasterCard, are accepted in the main establishments, although outside La Ceiba, facilities may be limited. Traveler's checks may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and travelers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and shops in the main cities accept US Dollars for payment. Casas de cambio (exchange bureaus) often give better rates than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.

How much money should I bring with me?

It is suggested that you bring US$100 and cash it into Lempiras after arrival at the Honduras airport. The money will be sufficient to cover the first 2-3 weeks for shopping and travel to your project.

Is it safe to carry cash with me?

Carrying cash is not safe, therefore, don't carry a large surplus of cash with you.

Important Reminder: Retain your receipts whenever you exchange any currency or traveler's checks to Lempiras. You may be asked to show proof of the exchange. Without receipts, you will not be able to exchange Honduran currency back to any other currency upon your departure.

How do I make contact with Global Crossroad's local coordinator?

Details contact of our Honduras in-country Coordinator will be given in final placement sheet. You can contact him by email or telephone; we suggest all volunteers talk with country coordinator before they arrive.

How do I contact my family once I arrive in Honduras ?

International Direct Dialing from Honduras is available in cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices, hotels and phone booths on the streets. In hotels, local calls are generally charged at a nominal fee. Internet cafes are available in most towns, although they can sometimes be noisy as they are a popular spot for the youth to play online games. You can use any type of communication to call back home.

Are internet services easily available?

Internet cafes are available in La Ceiba, although the cafes can be very noisy as they are a popular venue for the youth to play online games and for students to do work.

How can my family members contact me?

Once you settle down at the host family, you will want to use your calling card to contact your family if you have not already done so when you arrived in Honduras at the airport.

Can I bring my telephone from my home country?

Yes, you will want to contact your cell phone provider to make sure that your phone will work while you are in Honduras .

Can I purchase phone service once I arrive in Honduras and how much will it cost?

This is not usually an option in Honduras .

Is there a special dress code that I should follow while staying in Honduras ?

Volunteers should dress conservatively when at their projects. Jeans and a t-shirt are acceptable. No high shorts and tank tops please.

What are customs like at the Airport?

All volunteers must fill out customs declaration forms to present on arrival. The copy should be kept on-hand for arrival and departure. Reasonable amounts of currency (including Lempira) can be brought in along with alcohol, cigarettes, cameras, camcorders, radios, and tape-recorders (for personal use). Certain valuable items, such as digital cameras, office machines, computers and gold declared on the form must be brought out of Honduras or else import duty/taxes will be charged on them. Prohibited imports include arms, ammunition and explosives, dangerous or narcotic drugs; infected animals, plants or food. It is also forbidden to take out any of these items, or endangered species of animals or plants as well as antiques without export permits.

What should I know about Honduran religious conduct?

Honduras respects different cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and moral concepts. You may practice on your own accord.

How do I respect the Honduran people?

Be more inclusive and show respect of other cultures. Honduran culture is rich in customs and traditions. The Honduran people enjoy sharing their customs and traditions with foreigners so feel free to take part with them. You can go with your host family on outings if they ask you to or invite them along with you to go on an outing. Simply helping your family do household chores will be another bonding experience that you can enjoy.

Additional Information

Climate

What is weather like in Honduras ?

Honduras is quite hot and humid for the entire year. The national average high temperature is 90F, while the low is 68F. When traveling, you will find that the temperatures cool as your ascend to higher altitudes. On the Caribbean coast (where La Ceiba is located) it will be the rainy season from September to February.

Required Clothing

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A solid pair of walking shoes is highly recommended for trekking.

Average Rainfall

Average Monthly Temperature

Official Honduran Holidays

Jan 1: New Year's Day.

Apr 13: Maundy Thursday.

Apr 14: Good Friday; Day of the Americas .

May 1: Labor Day.

Sep 15: Independence Day.

Oct 3: Soldiers' Day.

Oct 12: Americas Day.

Oct 21: Armed Forces Day.

Dec 25: Christmas Day.

What about tipping in Honduras ?

Tipping is not obligatory and service charges are normally included in your bill at either hotels or restaurants. Taxi drivers never get tipped and never expect to be.

Materials to Bring

•  Day pack
•  Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
•  Sandals
•  2 pairs of pants (lightweight)
•  2 T-shirts
•  3 short-sleeved shirts
•  2 long-sleeved shirt
•  3 pairs of shorts and bathing suit
•  Hat or cap
•  Towel and personal bath kit
•  Sun block, sun glasses
•  Camera

NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is generic information and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly. Participants should consult Global Crossroad or travel advisors to verify this information.