About • Inspire

About Inspire

Inspire Volunteer provides career break volunteering across 7 destinations around the world. Alongside our own charity, we partner with grassroots organisations to provide sustainable programs focusing across Education, health, Women’s Empowerment and various other specialist projects. Our knowledgable UK team provide all the help and guidance to planning your career break as well as listening to you and ensuring your skills are matched to the right project.

Why Choose Inspire

At Inspire, our mission and goal is to change the lives of those who live in the communities where we work. The most important thing to consider when planning and researching your career break, is to make sure your skills will be utilised in the most effective way possible. Although there are many organisations offering great projects, we truly believe that our process in ensure that volunteers skills are matched to the right program and our management of all our projects at a grassroots level, means you’ll be in a position to get as much out of your program as those whom you are helping.

By having our own charity, The FutureSense Foundation, we are able to offer sustainable programs which are run entirely by ourselves and our charity. We do not work with any third parties and can therefore guarantee responsible programs and projects developed by our own teams on the ground and at home.

Having been around for over 10 years we know that volunteers are key to the success of both Inspire and our charities goals. Although matching your skills to a project is an integral part of ensuring our volunteers are prepared correctly, we also have a fantastic team in the UK and in each of our destinations who are able to prepare you for your time abroad. We will talk to you in depth about the destination, the challenges you might face and even the logistics of taking your first steps on a career break.

Our key team members

We have a fantastic UK and overseas team to make sure your volunteering experience is as worthwhile as possible.

Within our UK team we have our helpful Volunteer Advisors who are happy to answer any queries you may have about volunteering abroad. With their extensive knowledge of our programmes they will help you to select a volunteer programme which is suitable for you.

Once you have booked on our Travel Team will give you more information and offer advice and guidance about flights, visas and travel insurance. Our Travel Team will ensure that you are fully prepared for your volunteer abroad experience.

Our overseas team host and manage our volunteers during their time abroad. They work tirelessly to make sure that you have the minimum of hassle while volunteering and enjoying responsible travel. They are on hand to offer support and guidance to all our volunteers.

Prakriti

Founder

William

Peru Country Manager

Sachita

Nepal Country Manager

Charlotte

Programme Development

Rachel

Tanzania Country Manager

Maria

Cambodia Country Director

Matthew

Logistics Manager

Erno

Romania Country Manager

David

Thailand Country Manager

Dawn

Customer Service Manager

Brian

India Country Manager

How we support you

What’s included:

• Pre-departure briefing
• Shared accommodation in volunteer house or a different accommodation option can be arranged
• At least 2 meals a day Monday-Friday
• Meet at airport and transfer to project
• In-country orientation & 24/7 support

What’s not included:

• International flights
• Visas, vaccinations and travel insurance
• Local transport
• Personal expenses

Accommodation

For us at Inspire ensuring that our volunteers have a safe place to stay while volunteering on one of our programmes is crucial. To ensure we have complete control of where our volunteer’s stay we have a network of trusted accommodation option in all our destinations.

Inspire volunteers are usually placed in local homestays, to provide a truly immersive experience within the local community. We have long standing relationships with all of the families we use, and they are regularly checked by our local staff to ensure they meet our standards for accommodation and hospitality.

FAQs

What is your question?

We are happy to answer all your questions! If your question is not listed on this page, please contact us.

Why take time out to volunteer?

A gap year or career break is an opportunity to do something different and discover more about yourself and the wider world. Volunteering abroad during your time out gives you the chance to make a difference in underprivileged communities while gaining new skills and experiences.

Who volunteers?

Anyone can be a volunteer overseas, whatever their age, nationality or background. Gap year volunteering is well established amongst younger travellers but mature volunteer travel is becoming increasingly popular. We’ve worked with volunteers aged 18 right up to 70!

Why pay to volunteer?

Volunteering through an organisation like Inspire ensures that you work on volunteer programs in genuine need of support that make a real difference in underprivileged communities. Your fee also covers pre-departure briefing and in-country support, accommodation, airport transfers and some meals.

How do I choose my volunteer programme?

Pick a country where we provide the kind of activity you would like to contribute to and contact us to tell us the kind of volunteer work you would like to do. To make the most of your time as an international volunteer, you should consider your own skills and experience and how these could be used to help others.

Do I need any particular skills or experience?

At Inspire we believe that volunteering is most effective when the needs of local communities are matched with the skills and aspirations of volunteers. Relevant skills and experience can make a real difference, though those who volunteer abroad simply with enthusiasm and commitment always have a lasting impact.

How long can I volunteer overseas for?

Our gap year and career break programmes can last as little as 2 weeks, or as long as one year. We recommend volunteering for three months or more as this gives you time to settle in, get to know the local community and make a lasting contribution.

Can I volunteer on more than one project?

Depending on the length of your stay and the type of projects that are available in the country you chose you may be able to volunteer on different projects. Contacts us to discuss your ideas with us!

How do I apply?

Pick a country in which we provide the kind of activities you want to contribute to and pay your 150£ deposit via PayPal, credit card or Direct Bank Transfer. We will contact you to ask you how many weeks you would like to volunteer and on which projects. Alternatively you can simply contact us and we will be happy to discuss your volunteer trip with you.

What is included in the price?

What’s included:
• Pre-departure briefing
• Shared accommodation in volunteer house or a different accommodation option can be arranged
• Three meals a day Monday-Friday
• Meet at airport and transfer to project
• In-country orientation & 24/7 support

What’s not included:
• International flights
• Visas, vaccinations and travel insurance
• Local transport
• Personal expenses

What preparation are volunteers given?

We provide a detailed pre-departure briefing, which gives you information on health, travel, finance and everything else you need to know before you volunteer abroad. On arrival at your destination our local coordinator will give you a guided orientation of the area, which will help you acclimatise to the country and its culture. We also offer TEFL training sessions for those needing preparation for a teaching placement.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

Volunteers are usually accommodated in local homestays, located within the communities in which they volunteer. These are managed and checked by our in-country managers and provide volunteers with home-cooked breakfast and dinner. For more information, click here.

What happens if I have any problems while volunteering abroad?

The benefit of having in-country management teams is that we can provide 24 hour support for the duration of your international volunteer programme. If you suffer from illness, crime or any other problem during your trip, our local managers and coordinators will be at hand to help. You’ll also be given an emergency contact number for our operations team in the UK.

What else can I do while I volunteer overseas?

Volunteering abroad is the perfect opportunity to explore some amazing locations while immersing yourself in local communities. As well as visiting local attractions at weekends you could book one of our +Adventures for some unforgettable scenery, wildlife, culture and adventure!

How do I book flights?

Inspire is partnered with TravelPack who offers fantastic fare prices and comprehensive service and support for those looking to volunteer abroad. They can be contacted either by phone 0208 585 4072 or by email [email protected], where their fantastic team will help you book the flights you need for your trip with Inspire. TravelPack are ATOL, ABTA and IATA bonded, which means you can book with the confidence and peace of mind that you will have a fantastic trip and enjoy the experience of volunteering abroad without worry.

What kind of insurance do I need?

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential to the safe enjoyment of your volunteer work. To make sure you have adequate cover, Inspire has partnered with Endsleigh Insurance Services to provide policies specifically designed for our programmes.

Why Inspire travel insurance?

Tailor-made policy for our gap year and career break programmes
Three levels of cover: choose from our Volunteer, Conservation or Adventure policies
With cover from just £9.04 per week we’re competitive and affordable!
24 hour assistance
Comprehensive range of activities covered as standard
Includes cover for cancellation due to exam re-sits
Personal items cover including laptops

Our insurance also provides cover for personal liability, medical and legal expenses as well as trip cancellation & curtailment.

Inspire Travel Insurance details: Download Here

Terms & Conditions:

Full terms and conditions for our insurance policy can be found here. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions then you must carefully read our terms and conditions as it is your responsibility to make sure that you qualify for the insurance you are purchasing.

Inspire is an appointed representative of Endsleigh Insurance Services Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). More information about Endsleigh can be found on the FSA register, which you can view on the FSA website – www.fsa.gov.uk

If you decide to purchase your insurance policy elsewhere please check that it covers you for volunteer work.