GVN Be The Change Program - FAQ
Tell me more about Colorado?
What is the climate like in Colorado?
What will I be actually doing?
When do I need to arrive in Colorado?
What kind of orientation will I receive when I arrive?
What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
Are we able to do any sightseeing on the training program?
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
Tell me more about the accommodation?
How much do things in Colorado typically cost?
How many participants are there at the Be The Change program at the same time?
Can I bring my family, including children, to this program with me?
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
Do I need travel insurance?
How do I pay my fees?
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Tell me more about Colorado?
Colorado is located in the Southwest of the United States. It is bordered, clockwise, by Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Utah. Denver is both the capital and the largest city of Colorado. This state is home to the Rocky Mountains, which dominate the western half of the state. Colorado is the highest state in America and has an average altitude of around 6,800 feet. There are 54 mountains that reach higher than 14,000 feet, and more than 1,000 that are higher than 10,000 feet. The eastern half of the state is defined by high plains.
With a wide range of natural attractions including forests, plains, rivers and mountains, Colorado offers numerous adventure activities to enjoy. In fact, tourism has become one of the largest industries in Colorado. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy trekking, kayaking, rafting, fishing, hunting, mountain climbing and skiing.
Main tourist attractions include the Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, the Great Sand Dunes and Dinosaur National Monuments, Colorado National Monument, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument.
What is the climate like in Colorado?
The climate of Colorado is more complex than that of other states, as the variations in landscape greatly affect the local climate. The Eastern Plains are characterized by relatively low humidity, plentiful sunshine, light rainfall and a wide range in daily temperatures. Summer temperatures are often at 95� F or above, while in the winter temperatures can drop to zero degrees or lower. In the West, summer is cool and refreshing with temperatures averaging 60� F. Very cold temperatures are common in winter and the highest levels of rainfall for the year are also found during the winter months.
What will I be actually doing?
The GVN 'Be The Change' Course is designed to be flexible and self-determined to allow participants to cater the program to their specific interests and goals. Each day we will have a workshop that will provide you with specific skills that you can then directly apply to your project/idea or goal. Additionally we will be going on day trips with the focus of getting to know each other better. By the end of the course you will have become friends with a diverse an interesting group of individuals from all over the world. Additionally, each day you will have time to discuss ideas and workshop your interests with Colin Salisbury, GVN's Founder and CEO. This program gives you one on one time with one of the top social entrepreneurs in the industry of international development.
When do I need to arrive in Colorado?
The program starts on a Sunday and ends on a Sunday. The dates are:
Participants will be greeted at Denver International Airport.
What kind of orientation will I receive when I arrive?
Orientation day- 22nd of June
- Breakfast
- 1. Meeting with Colin Salisbury, founder of GVN - Greeting, Introduction to 'Be The Change' Course
- 2. Meet staff, introductions and explanation of what everyone does
- 3. Know exactly the Goals and Objectives of the 'Be The Change Course'
- 4. Skills/Passions Identification- How are you Wired? Workshop
- 5. In the afternoon you will have into town ) for a group activity.
What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
Although you are traveling in a developed country and there are no legally required vaccinations we do recommend Hepatitis A and B as well as tetanus.
Are we able to do any sightseeing on the training program?
The program will expose you to some of the most dramatic scenery in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. During the week we will most likely visit some sites in and around Breckenridge but there will not be time for individual travel. Many of our participants choose to arrive to Colorado early or leave late so they may do their own traveling before or after the course (often interns will travel together, therefore planning on staying late is usually the best option).
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
The in-country fee covers accommodation, meals and transport costs while working. If you arrive early or intend to stay beyond your volunteer time in Colorado then you will need to have additional money for this time. Other expenses not covered by your fees include: your flights, entry visa (if applicable), travel insurance, departure tax, and any personal spending.
Tell me more about the accommodation?
You will be staying with other participants; the accommodation is modern and has most amenities people will be used to (TV, internet access, washing facilities etc). The accommodation is run like a cooperative style house where you will share duties such as cooking and cleaning with the other interns. Bedding and 3 meals per day will be provided.
How much do things in Colorado typically cost?
To give you a idea of the average cost of living in the Colorado, a cup of coffee costs US$1.75, a restaurant meal out US$15.00, a movie ticket US$8.00, a bus ticket US$2.00. Some things will probably be a bit cheaper while some items may be a bit more expensive then you are used to, depending on where you are traveling from.
How many participants are there at the GVN Training program at the same time?
The GVN Be The Change Course is limited to no more than 7 participants at any time to allow for maximum individual attention and productivity.
Can I bring my family, including children, to this program with me?
Because of the nature of the accommodation, and the work that you will be involved with, it is not appropriate to bring children with you for this project. However, it is fine to volunteer as a couple.
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for interning in this specific program. We look at volunteer and work experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program before making our decision. Please try to be as specific as possible and provide as many details in your application as possible.
Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
You will, if you require one. If you are from a country which has a Visa Waiver Agreement with the United States you will not need a visa to stay for up to 90 days. If you need to obtain a visa you will need to contact your nearest American Embassy.
Do I need travel insurance?
As with any overseas travelling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc (up to US$8,000). If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/.
How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully refundable if you decide not to take part in the program). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program.
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Question not covered here? Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please ask us a question here (we aim to answer all email within 48 hours).
Click here to apply for the Be The Change program.
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