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

Global Crossroad has been running volunteer/internship programs in The Philippines for more than three years. 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- three months in advance , but if you want to expedite your application within less than three months 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 the Philippines 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 2-3 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 Philippines-based volunteer programs?

It is NOT necessary to speak Spanish before you arrive in Philippines , although it is always helpful. Our country coordinator is there to help you with anything and everything you need. For specialized placements, such as medical and health related projects, volunteers are required to take at least a 7-day crash course in Spanish. We strongly recommend Spanish classes for volunteers staying longer than 4 or 5 weeks.

Visa Information

You can enter the Philippines without a visa if you're staying less than 21 days. If you intend to stay longer, you must contact your Filipino embassy to procure a visa. If you decide to lengthen your stay, you can easily extend the visa for up to 59 days for P3500. After the 59 days you may extend your visa again for a smaller fee.

Global Crossroad suggests that ALL volunteers acquire the appropriate 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 Philippines ?

Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator in the Philippines 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 the Philippines . Most projects are from Monday to Friday for 5-6 hours a day. Most volunteers have the weekends off to sight-see or explore the Philippines on their own.

Where are the projects located?

Most of the projects are located in and around Tacloban.

Tacloban is located on the northeastern edge of the Leyte area of the Philippines , and is a port city operating extensive international trading. It's one of the fastest growing Filipino cities, as well as one of the wealthiest. Historically speaking, it is relatively young, having been just a small fishing village until the 18 th century. The city was liberated by American forces during WWII. It's currently known as a booming town and as a student city – there is a student population of about 40,000!

What is the language spoken in Philippines ?

Filipino is the official language of the Philippines .

When are the Philippines-based projects available?

Spanish language classes begin every Monday. Volunteer projects begin on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Volunteers arriving early will need to pay for additional nights of accommodation. Global Crossroad suggests that volunteers adjust their flight schedule according to their project/program itinerary.

How long can I volunteer in Philippines ?

We normally suggest participants volunteer from 2-12 weeks.

Arrival and Departure Information

Who will arrange my flight to Philippines ?

Airfare is the responsibility of the volunteer.

Which airport should I book my flight into?

You should fly into Tacloban's domestic airport, Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport .

When should I arrive in Philippines ?

Volunteers should arrive in the Philippines the day before their projects start, which is usually on a Sunday. If you come in earlier to The Philippines, 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 your final destination, but you must send your travel itinerary to our Filipino in-country Coordinator and to us at Global Crossroad before your arrival in the Philippines (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 Philippines 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 Philippines 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 The Philippines 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, clothes, and documents)

• Prepare financially, in advance, to cover various expenses up to $75 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, as the cultural shock might be so strong that you may even want to quit the next 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 Philippines ?

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

Which airport will I fly out of?

Volunteers must fly out of Tacloban domestic 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 the Philippines 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?

Volunteers will be placed with ordinary Filipino families that we have carefully selected to host our international volunteers. Living arrangements will be simple. Volunteers will have their own room but most houses only have one “C.R.” (Bathroom) for the family. Most placements will have electricity; rural villages have no running water.

Are singles rooms available?

Depending on availability, rooms may be shared or private, and bathrooms are generally shared.

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

Contact our office about this issue, since it may depend upon individual circumstances, but we will try our best to put you together.

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

This depends on the exact placement and your preference in this issue. If you want to travel with others, we allow people to come with a friend or even as a group. You may be placed in different homes, but these homes will be located within one to two miles of each other. In addition, we can place any volunteer near another volunteer already working in the field. Please be reminded that two different genders of volunteers are not allowed to stay in the same house unless they are a married couple.

What are the bathroom facilities?

A shower with hot & cold water is usually installed in the bathroom.

What are the laundry arrangements?

Laundry services are offered for an additional fee, or you may use a Laundromat.

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

Yes. Electricity in the Philippines is 220 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. You will require a voltage converter if you are carrying a device that does not accept these specifications.

Electrical plug details

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 is Filipino food like?

Filipino cuisine has developed from the different cultures that shaped its history. As such it is a mélange of Indian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Malay, American, and Spanish influences. Though it is not as renowned as Thai and lately Vietnamese cuisine, Filipino cooking is nonetheless distinct in that it is possibly the least spicy of all South East Asian cuisines. Don't make the mistake to think of Filipino food as bland; it is just that instead of spices, Filipino food depends more on garlic, onions and ginger to add flavor to dishes. Painstaking preparation and prolonged cooking time is also a characteristic of most Filipino dishes, and this often is what brings out the flavor of the food as opposed to a healthy dose of spices.

Filipinos usually eat with a spoon and fork, with the spoon held in the right hand and the fork used for pushing food onto the spoon. But sometimes, Filipinos eat by their hands, usually on provinces and remote areas or when they are on a picnic and making banana tree leaf as their plate.

Source: wikitravel.org

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?

The Filipino tap water is generally 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 Philippines ?

The Philippines is a safe country, and you can relax while you are there. That said, it's still important to use common sense. There are a few areas that are not as safe to visit, mostly in the south. These areas are dangerous because they have a history of violence and insurgencies from multiple political and religious groups. However, the island of Leyte is free of these issues and very safe. Here are some tips:

• Be careful if traveling on buses, as petty theft is common.

• Ask for a receipt when you store your backpack or luggage.

• Do NOT carry your passport or any credit cards and cash that you will not need.

• Use only registered taxis.

• Do not walk into unknown areas by yourself at night.

• Avoid any contact with drugs, as laws are very strict in the Philippines .

More about Travel Safety to Philippines

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 the Philippines and Southeast Asia . 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.
• Japanese encephalitis , if you plan to visit rural farming areas and under special circumstances, such as a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.
• Malaria: your risk of malaria may be high in some of the countries 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 Southeast Asia .
• 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 , particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region. 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
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles and a one-time dose of polio for adults.

Required Vaccinations

• None.

Source: www.cdc.gov

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

Carry a first aid kit and have contact phone numbers with you. Generally, sanitation will not be as thorough as in your home country, so you may experience some stomach issues. Bring you may want to bring some anti-diarrheal medicine with you. To avoid this problem, always make sure to wash your hands before and after you eat, drink only bottled water, and eat food that was prepared as sanitarily as possible. Also, never have unprotected sex and wear insect repellant to avoid mosquitoes.

Do I need health insurance?

Global Crossroad takes out comprehensive medical insurance for its volunteers. Western medicine is widely available in most urban areas in the Philippines . So, your health insurance is crucial. 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. For some larger expenses, the insurance company may be able to arrange direct payment to the hospital or medical provider, but this is rare. 

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 the Philippines – 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 the Philippines , 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 the Philippines , 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 Philippines ?

• Be prepared and never expect a clean toilet 100% of the time. Carry some tissue in-case you need to use the public toilet. Be prepared to not have toilet paper all the time, and don't expect a western-style toilet all the time.
• The Filipino 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.

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' ATM machines, but $2-4 USD surcharges apply for each transaction.

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

The official currency of the Philippines is the Peso.

Money exchanges can be made at various banks and at the airport. Current exchange rates can be found using a website like www.xe.com or looking in a newspaper like the Wall Street Journal.

Where do I exchange my money and how much?

Most major international credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, are accepted in the main establishments, although outside the cities, 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. ATMs are available in the main cities.

How much money should I bring with me?

Carrying extra money depends on your personal spending habits, and you may want some extra money for personal expenses, sight-seeing, souvenirs, etc. Generally speaking, we recommend bringing about $ 250.00 (USD), or just bring your credit card.

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 Pesos. You may be asked to show proof of the exchange. Without receipts, you will not be able to exchange The Filipino currency back to any other currency upon your departure.

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

You will receive the detailed contact information of the coordinator with your placement details.

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

International Direct Dialing from the Philippines is available in most cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices, hotels and 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?

Phone access is normally not a problem in the Philippines . Phone service is easily available in homes, offices, and pay phones on the street. In some very remote project sites, volunteers may need to rely on satellite phone service which is not always guaranteed.

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 the Philippines at the airport. Of course, they call also email you and you can reply using internet café services.

Can I bring my telephone from my home country?

US cell phones may be functional, but you'll want to contact your cell phone provider to make sure that your phone will work while you are in the Philippines .

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

This is not usually an option in Philippines .

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

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

What should I know about Filipino religious conduct?

Filipino people respect different cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and moral concepts. You may practice on your own accord. Remember to be respectful of Filipino customs and traditions while traveling, for example, it may be customary to remove your shoes before entering a home.

How do I respect the Filipino people?

Be more inclusive and show respect of other cultures. Filipino culture is rich in customs and traditions. The Filipino 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 Philippines ?

The weather in Tacloban is better than many surrounding cities, because it is luckily shielded from the monsoons by a ridge of mountains to its north and south. The weather is generally the same for much of the year, with humidity, warm temperatures, and rain.

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 Temperature

Average Rainfall

Official Filipino Holidays

2008
1 Jan New Year's Day.
9 Apr Bataan Day. 
20 Mar Maundy Thursday.
21 Mar Good Friday.
1 May Labour Day.
12 Jun Independence Day.
31 Aug National Heroes' Day.
13 Oct Eid Ul Fitr (exact date varies).
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
30 Nov Bonifacio Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
30 Dec Rizal Day.
31 Dec New Year's Eve.

What about tipping in Philippines ?

Tipping is expected everywhere and sometimes restaurants add it to the bill.

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
• Mosquito net

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.