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

Global Crossroad has been running volunteer/internship programs in Tibet 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 Tibet 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 Tibet-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

All tourists visiting Tibet require a valid China visa & a special Alien Travel Permit, which they can obtain only by joining tours organized by recognized travel agencies. In this case, contact our office about your visa well before departure. You can also visit a Chinese embassy in your country or see the website www.projectvisa.com for more information.

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 Tibet ?

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

Where are the projects located?

Most of the projects are located in or around Lhasa .

Lhasa is one of the highest cities in this part of the world, and has a population of about 300,000. Its name means “realm of the gods,” and indeed, it is the traditional seat of the Dalai Lama. The city was a significant royal and economic hub as early as the 14 th century. It enjoys a rich and varied cultural and religious legacy, though the Chinese government has imposed harsh restrictions on religious practices, particularly on the Buddhist monks. Lhasa has seen many political uprisings and protests against the aggressive rule of the Chinese.

What is the language spoken in Tibet ?

The official language of Tibet is Tibetan.

When are the Tibet-based projects available?

Volunteer projects begin on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month throughout the year. 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 Tibet ?

We normally suggest participants volunteer from 2-12 weeks.

Arrival and Departure Information

Who will arrange my flight to Tibet ?

Airfare is the responsibility of the volunteer.

Which airport should I book my flight into?

All volunteers and interns must arrive at Lhasa International Airport , where our staff will meet you. Many volunteers come to Tibet by land. They should contact the Tibetan office as soon as they reach Lhasa .

When should I arrive in Tibet ?

Volunteers should arrive in Tibet the day before their projects start, which is usually on a Sunday. If you come in earlier to Tibet , 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 Tibetan in-country Coordinator and to us at Global Crossroad before your arrival in Tibet (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 Tibetan 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 Tibetan 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 Tibet 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 $50 USD/week for extra expenses, personal items, and travel to your project each day (depending on your personal preferences).

• 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 Tibet ?

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

Which airport will I fly out of?

Volunteers must fly out of the Lhasa Airport .

Who will drop me off at the airport?

Global Crossroad does not offer airport drop-off/return services. 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 Tibet 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?

Global Crossroad arranges the accommodations. There are two different types of accommodations in Tibet (local hotel or project hostel, or dormitories). The Chinese government does not allow volunteers to stay with host families. The facilities are usually quite moderate. One should not expect deluxe or luxury accommodations in Tibet . Our partner's hostel can house 4 to 6 people.

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.

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?

There is generally a facility for showering but no hot water.

What are the laundry arrangements?

This really depends on your placement. In the cities, you'll be able to go to a Laundromat or pay to have your laundry done.

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

Probably. Electricity in Tibet is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. You will require a voltage converter if you are carrying a device that does not accept these specifications.

Electrical plug details

or or

What are the local cuisines? Who manages food?

Global Crossroad manages food and accommodations from the very first day to the last day of the program in collaboration with the local host families involved. What is Tibetan food like?

Traditional Tibetan food consists mainly of barley, meat and dairy products. Vegetables are scarce in the high altitude. Tsampa is the staple food of Tibetan people, which is consumed daily. It is actually barley flour made from parched barley, unhusked and ground into fine flour. Put some flour with salted butter tea in a bowl, rotate the bowl with the left hand and mix the food with your fingers of your right hand, roll it into small lumps, then squeeze it into your mouth with your fingers. Other ingredients may also be added to add flavor. Tibetan people eat Tsampa at every meal and bring it as instant food in travel. The salted butter tea is an indispensable Tsampa pal.

Yogurt is important daily dairy for Tibetan people. The creamy milk produced by yak cows is superb. Dried beef and mutton strips are also popular food in Tibet . In the winter, beef and mutton are cut into long stripes and hung in shaded places to be air-dried. The dried meat is crisp and tastes good and can be eaten raw since the chilliness in the winter has killed bacteria during the process. Blood sausage, meat sausage, flour sausage and liver sausage are also favored by many Tibetans.

Source: www.travelchinaguide.com

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 Tibetan 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 Tibet ?

Tibet is a safe country, and you can relax while you are there. Nevertheless, always use common sense when in a foreign country. 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.

More about Travel Safety to Tibet

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 East 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: 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 East 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 .

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, always make sure to wash your hands before and after you eat, drink lots of water, and eat food that was prepared as sanitarily as possible. Furthermore, make sure to get all the vaccines suggested above, and never have unprotected sex. Also, be careful not to provoke any guard dogs that Tibetans keep.

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 Tibet . 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 Tibet – 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, probably not! While you are in Tibet , 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 Tibet , 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 Tibet ?

• Be prepared and never expect a clean toilet 100% of the time, or a western-style toilet. Carry some tissue in-case you need to use the public toilet. Also, like in many Asian countries, there may be no western-style flushing toilet or any toilet paper at all.
• In some areas/restaurants, toilet systems are old and have very narrow plumbing and get blocked easily.
• 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. Exercise caution with ATMS since they are a common for criminals to target – don't use them at night if you can, and try to only use machines that are either inside a building or in a well populated place. Obviously, in rural villages there will be no ATMs or banks, so in these cases you'll need to carry cash on you.

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

The official currency of Tibet is the Renminbi (RMB).

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?

You may exchange money at the airport, banks, and some tourist places. You could also just use your ATM card at a bank ATM, and procure currency that way. Most major international credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, are accepted in a few tourist establishments, although outside the cities, facilities are 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 expenditure. Global Crossroad manages food and room for volunteers from the first to last day of program so there won't be need of more money. You may need some extra money if you plan on taking part in activities outside the organization or if you just want to buy some souvenirs. You must also remember the visa fee, which varies depending on nationalities. There is also an airport tax (US$ 12), which you pay upon your departure from Tibet .

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 Renminbi. You may be asked to show proof of the exchange. Without receipts, you will not be able to exchange the Tibetan 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 Tibet ?

International Direct Dialing from Tibet is available in 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 Lhasa . You can use any type of communication to call back home.

Are internet services easily available?

The internet is available in Lhasa .

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 Tibet 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?

Your cell phone probably won't work in Tibet , though you can check with your service provider if you want.

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

This generally isn't an option in Tibet .

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

Especially near or in religious sites, women should try not to show their shoulders and should wear knee-length or longer skirts and shorts. Dress conservatively for your project, jeans and t-shirts are fine.

What should I know about Tibetan religious conduct?

Tibet respects different cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and moral concepts. You may practice on your own accord. Remember to be respectful of Tibetan customs and traditions while traveling: in particular, respect for monks is important, and remember to never touch the head of a Buddhist as this is extremely disrespectful.

How do I respect the Tibetan people?

Be more inclusive and show respect of other cultures. Tibetan culture is rich in customs and traditions. The Tibetan people enjoy sharing their customs and traditions with foreigners so feel free to take part with them. Respect superiors whether they hold higher positions or they are simply older than you. You may need to take off your shoes off and leave them outside family houses and temples. Two very important things to remember are: never talk to Tibetans about politics, as this could put them at personal risk; and never photograph a “sky burial” site, which refers to a burial practice where the remains are allowed to be consumed by birds.

Additional Information

Climate

What is weather like in Tibet ?

Tibetan weather is famously extreme – indeed, the winters can be excruciatingly harsh, while the summers can also be hot. Lhasa is less intense than some areas of Tibet , though you should still be prepared for very cold winters and hot summer.

Required Clothing

In summer, lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). In winter, you should bring clothing that will keep you warm through these very cold months. A solid pair of walking shoes is highly recommended for trekking.

Average Temperature

Average Rainfall

Official Tibetan Holidays

1st January New Year 2007

26 th January Republic Day of India

18-20 th February Tibetan New Year

3 rd March Choe-nga Choe-pa

10 th March Tibetan Uprising Day

23 rd March Men-Tsee-Khang's Founding Day

31 st May Sa-ka Da-wa (Buddha Shakyamuni's Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana)

30 th June Zam-ling Chi-sang (Universal Prayer Day)

6 th July Birthday of H. H. the Dalai Lama

18 th July Choe-kor Due-chen (Buddha Shakyamuni's First Teaching)

15 th August Independence Day of India

2 nd September Democracy Day of Tibet

2 nd October Gandhi Jayanti

1 st November Lha-bab Due-chen (Buddha Shakyamuni's Descent from Heaven)

10 th December Coronation of 1989 Nobel Peace Prize to H. H. the XIV Dalai Lama)

15-16 th December Ngan-pa-Gu-Zom (nine Bad Omens)

What about tipping in Tibet ?

Tipping is expected in most urban and tourist areas, so you should tip if the service has been good.

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
• Cold-weather clothing if you'll be there in the winter

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.