I am not an American citizen. Can I participate this program?

Anyone, regardless of nationality, can join our program.

What should I expect for living conditions during my stay in Mongolia?

The living conditions of your placement depend on the area to which you are assigned. Although a charming and friendly country, you should not expect luxurious accommodations in Mongolia. As part of a volunteer program, you will be placed within a host family who will do everything possible to assure that your stay in Mongolia is comfortable. If you volunteer for either the Mini-Adventure or a customized program, you will be staying in a ger—a traditional Mongolian tent. Most placements will have electricity. Our host families are, on the whole, educated and well-respected people who are experienced in interacting with international visitors. Additionally, some members of host families may speak English.

Ulaanbaatar has a number of supermarkets stocked with Western goods, including food, drinks, and toiletries.

When I'm packing for Mongolia, what should I remember to bring?

What you pack will depend on the season during which you will be visiting Mongolia. However, regardless of the season, you will almost always need warm clothes, a flashlight, a sleeping bag, sunglasses, a hat, a warm jacket, a sweater, boots, a raincoat, a first-aid kit, sun block, and mouthwash. Before you arrive, we will clarify details based on the season.

Please ask us about travel insurance in the event that you loose an important item or get sick during your stay.

If I'm dissatisfied with where I am placed, will it be possible for me to change locations?

Global Crossroad will consider all requests for a change in location. In many cases it is possible to change the working location to better meet our volunteer’s expectations. However, we cannot change positions frequently without genuine and sufficient reasons.

Can I volunteer in Mongolia at any time, or are there certain dates the program is offered? Are the dates fixed or open?

You may volunteer in Mongolia at any time, as long as you don't mind cold weather. In Ulaanbaatar, the winter (October to March) is long and cold with temperatures often dropping into the range of minus 20-35 C. Some of our programs are only offered in certain seasons and, thus, the dates are fixed. All of our programs begin on the 1st and 16th of each month.

Do I need to make my own arrangements to travel from the airport once I am in Mongolia?

When you arrive in Mongolia, one of our staff members will be waiting for you at the airport terminal. S/he will be holding a sign with your name (or your group leader's name) on it. Please remember to send us your detailed flight itinerary so this arrangement can be made.

Will I have enough time to explore Ulaanbaatar during my volunteer program?

There will be plenty of time for you to explore Ulaanbaatar during your volunteer program.

Will I need extra money? If so, how much?

Global Crossroad manages food and accommodations all of our volunteers, so you shouldn't need any more money for these expenses. However, you'll need to bring extra money for snacks or treats. Approximately $2.50 (U.S.) per day will be more than sufficient. You will need extra money for souvenirs, nightlife, intra-country travel, and any events/festivals you may want to attend.

Mongolia’s airport departure tax is about $12.50 (U.S.) and visa extension fees are about $75 (U.S.). Our in-country coordinator will organize these services.

What forms of communication will be available for me to access in Mongolia? Will I be able to gain access to the Internet, telephones, or a post office?

Your placement will be in Ulaanbaatar, which is both the capital and largest city of Mongolia. Unless you are taking a trip to the countryside or any historical sites outside the city, you will have no problems gaining access to the Internet, telephones, or a post office. Ulaanbaatar’s internet facilities are numerous and extremely cheap.

In some cases foreign mobile phones will work in Ulaanbaatar. (Please check with the service provider in your country before departure.)

Can I bring a friend with me as a volunteer? Will it be possible for us to stay together?

Yes, but you should each apply separately to Global Crossroad and pay necessary application fees. Please be sure to note on your application that you would like to live and/or work together.
Joint living arrangements can be made with no problems.

What would happen if I decided not to stay for the entire duration of the program?

Once a volunteer pays the program fee, Global Crossroad WILL NOT issue a refund. Thus, if you decide to leave before the end of your program, your fee WILL NOT be refunded. Moreover, any additional transportation costs (for example, the change of airline tickets and related costs) are entirely the responsibility of the volunteer.

What vaccinations will I need for Mongolia?

This will depend on what vaccinations you already have and your country of origin. No specific vaccinations are required for Mongolia. Some vaccinations, which have been recommended by Western health authorities, include rabies, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, polio, typhoid, tuberculosis, and tetanus. We do not cover the liabilities and insurance of volunteers. Therefore, volunteers must have appropriate insurance before joining the program.

What is your policy regarding payments? Are there any deadlines?

All payments must be made at the beginning of the volunteer program. We do not accept payment in installments or in parts. If you want to stay longer than your committed period, you will have to inform Global Crossroad and pay accordingly.

What kinds of food and accommodations should I expect while volunteering?

In collaboration with a host family, Global Crossroad manages food and accommodations from the first to the last day of the program. We are also able to cater to vegetarian diets. Though the Mongolian diet is heavily meat based, vegetarians can enjoy rice, noodles, vegetables, and tofu, among other foods.

Volunteers who choose to arrive earlier than their initial program start date or those who wish to stay past their last volunteer date will be responsible for funding their extra meals and accommodations. However, Global Crossroad will help volunteers to find affordable and adequate food and lodging.

How much do visas cost, and how would I be able to get one?

Any traveler to Mongolia can stay up to 1 month with a tourist visa. You can get a tourist visa at the Mongolian embassy in your country. It is the responsibility of all volunteers to purchase and manage their own visas.

These details will help you To help determine which visa you need, please see the details below:

4 weeks – apply only for a "J" category visa (a tourist visa)
4-12 weeks – apply only for an "O" category visa
12 or more weeks – apply only for an "HG" category visa

Can I get a visa extension?

It is possible to obtain a visa extension from the Office of Immigration and Naturalization of Foreign Citizens in Ulaanbaatar. You are allowed to stay for up to 30 days with a tourist visa. After that, if you wish to obtain an extension for more than a month, you must pay a visa extension fee of about $75 (U.S.).

What do I need to know about traveling and sightseeing in Mongolia?

Some of our programs have traveling and sightseeing included in them. However, on such programs any additional excursions are your responsibility. For programs that do not have any traveling or sightseeing included, the volunteer is responsible for paying for such trips. If you want to see museums, concerts, or circuses, you will need some extra money. Indeed, if you wish to purchase souvenirs, these are at your own expense.

Where can I find more information about Mongolia?

Once you have registered for our Global Crossroad program, you will receive a volunteer booklet that includes a short introduction to the country and the region to which you will travel. Other sources of information can be found at your library, in a bookstore, or on the Internet. There are many reputable publications, such as those published by Lonely Planet which include information about Mongolia.

Where is my arrival destination?

The only international airport in Mongolia is in Ulaanbaatar. Thus, all international flights arrive and depart from there. Volunteers are responsible for their tickets, but once you are in the country, a representative will meet you at the airport. Please send us your travel itinerary so that we can arrange to meet you.

Another option is the Trans-Siberian Railway, the train that runs between St. Petersburg (Russia) and Beijing (China) and stops in Ulaanbaatar. Many visitors to Mongolia prefer this method of travel. The main boarding points in Russia are St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Irkutsk (near Lake Baikal in Siberia) and in Beijing, China. The train travels in both directions and runs about twice a week in the summer. Remember that you will need extra visas if you use the train—either from Russia, China, or both if you intend to do the entire journey. Please also remember that Russian visas require a letter of invitation.

What is the best season to visit Mongolia?

The best seasons to visit Mongolia are late spring, summer and autumn (from May to October). Mongolia is a country of four seasons with the annual fluctuation being almost 75 degrees! This means summer in the Gobi Desert can be +40 C while winter in the north can be minus 35 C.

Is it very cold in Mongolia? Should I pack very warm clothes for this?

You will need to pack warm clothes if you come between October and March. You'll need a scarf, gloves, beanies, sweaters, a jacket, a hat, and warm boots. However, you will probably need some warm clothes in the summer also because summer mornings and evenings can be cool.

If I get lost, whom should I contact? Is there an emergency number that I should know?

Please be sure to take the telephone number of Global Crossroad’s in-country coordinator before you leave for your destination. Once you arrive in Mongolia, we will take care of you. Ulaanbaatar is a small city (population 800,000) so you not likely to get lost.

Will the program include insurance?

Our program fee covers volunteer’s travel and health insurance. Please contact us for more details.

Safety

International travel presents risks for travelers, 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://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp

Global Crossroad is not responsible for any damage resulting from your negligence in failing to take appropriate travel advice offered by your home country.