(1) Tell me more about the Global Volunteer Network?
The Global Volunteer Network was set up by Colin Salisbury, its founder and director, after spending time volunteering in Ghana, West Africa. While he was there he saw the tremendous difference volunteers can make in helping local organizations achieve their goals. Upon returning to New Zealand he spent some time researching the different volunteer organizations around the world and was amazed at how expensive some programs were and how limiting many were in terms of volunteer options. The Global Volunteer Network was launched in December 2000 with the aim of providing quality placements for volunteers.

(2) Tell me more about Ecuador?
Ecuador is bordered by Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific Ocean. There are three distinct zones: the Sierra or uplands of the Andes, the Costa, a coastal plain between the Andes and the Pacific with plantations of bananas, cacao, coffee and sugar; and the Oriente, the upper Amazon basin to the east, consisting of tropical jungles threaded by rivers. Quito, the capital city is in a setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the volcano Pichinca with its twin peaks of Ruca and Guagua. For more information I suggest you purchase the Lonely Planet's guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

(3) Tell me more about the expedition?
You will be part of a team of 10 volunteers and 2 GVN staff members. The expedition aims to further our understanding of the environmental impact of deforestation in different forest areas and to film a documentary to be shown at schools around the world.

(4) Do I have to be from New Zealand?
No, you can volunteer through the Global Volunteer Network from any where in the world.

(5) What age do you have to be to join the expedition?
You must be 18 years old and above. There is no upper limit. You just have to be in good health.

(6) Do you provide any financial support?
We unfortunately are not in a position to offer any financial support. You may want to consider enrolling in a later program to allow enough time to save the funds required.

(7) What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
This will depend greatly on what country you are from. Once you have paid your application fee you will be sent a pack that includes the vaccine information required. You should always consult your doctor before having any medication as some may not be necessary. In many countries you may have already had some of the required vaccinations as a child.

(9) When do I need to arrive in Ecuador?
Before Saturday the 5th of July 2003.

(10) What countries do most volunteers come from?
The majority of volunteers that come through the Global Volunteer Network are from the United States, Canada, England and Australia. We also have smaller numbers of people from the Europe, Japan and New Zealand.

(11) Are the fees and expenses tax deductible?
No, we are only registered as an organization in New Zealand.

(12) Do you have any ideas for fundraising for my volunteer experience?
Yes. Once you have paid your application fee, We will send you the link to our 23 page program guide which includes fundraising ideas.

(13) What are the living arrangements when volunteering?
When you first arrive in Quito, (capital) you will stay with expedition memners in a guest house. During the expedition lodging is provided in cabins, which are shared with other team members.

(14) Do you need travel insurance?
As with any overseas traveling, insurance is recommended. Talk to your travel agent about this or check out our 23 page program guide which includes links to some online insurance companies. Make sure you look into the details of the policy. You may like to make sure an emergency flight home is included for health reasons. Always include medical or health insurance as part of the deal.

(19) Can you tell me more about your partner in Ecuador?
Our partner was establishment in July 1989, by the government of Ecuador. It is private, non-profit Ecuadorian foundation. Besides protecting ecologically important forest habitats, the foundation's biological stations are nationally and internationally recognized as leaders in the development of innovative and concrete programs in community agroforestry, and environmental education.

(23) Who organizes my flights?
You do. Once you have paid your application fee, We will send you the link to our 23 page program guide which includes links to discount travel sites.

(24) Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
If you need one you will organize your Visa through your travel agent before you leave for Ecuador. Also our 23 page program guide which includes links to Ecuadorian Embassies through out the world.

If we have not answered your question. Send us a message below. (We aim to answer all emails with in 48 hours).