Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is included on my trip?

Encountour trips include all in country private transportation; a trained, bilingual Volunteer Coordinator who is with the group during all scheduled activities, all materials needed for volunteer work and cultural activities; a donation to the nonprofit; meals during the work days; and accommodations with homestays, eco-lodges and hostels/hotels.

2. When will I receive my itinerary?

You will receive your detailed itinerary at least one week prior to your departure date. Volunteer work that is integrated with locally driven projects is going to be determined by the specific needs of a community or nonprofit organization, and these needs are constantly changing. Our trips are NOT cookie-cutter projects designed only to fit the interest and time frame of a volunteer. So it takes a great deal of collaboration and communication with our non-profit partners to determine the exact nature of the volunteer work and to create a structured schedule around that project. Therefore, in most cases itineraries are not finalized until two weeks before a trip begins, when the community informs us precisely what help is needed from our volunteers.

3. Is it safe?

Safety is our top priority. We thoroughly pre-screen each of the projects we work with in addition to each of the hotels, homestays and eco-lodges where we place our volunteers, and each of the transportation providers we utilize on the ground. We stay in close communication with officials at the local and national level to be informed of any developments on the ground. We work exclusively with trained and knowledgeable guides who are with our groups during all scheduled volunteer activities, and these guides are carefully informed of our contingency plans in the event of emergency. Encountour takes many precautions to limit risk, but we must acknowledge that every activity, and especially volunteer travel to a developing country, carries some element of risk. Please see the Safety (link to Safety section) section for further information on our safety procedures.

4. Are flights included?

No, the trip cost does not include flights. Volunteers are responsible for purchasing their own flights.

5. Why isn’t Encountour a non-profit?

Encountour is a social enterprise with a triple bottom line: people, planet and profit. Our direction is shaped by the needs of our partner organizations and the collective interests of our volunteers rather than by external foundations. As a social enterprise, Encountour’s capacity to make an impact is not limited by a dependence on grants and donations. In addition, by maintaining fiscal incentives within our organization, we are motivated to operate in the most economically efficient manner possible, and we are careful to avoid many of the high administrative costs that often times direct resources away from the most important things: the volunteer experience, the communities and the projects. Our structure enables us to keep our trip costs low so that as many students as possible are able to benefit from the experience of Naked Travel.

6. How can my parents contact me while I am on the trip?

In your finalized itinerary, which will be sent to you at least one week before your departure, Encountour provides phone numbers at which you can be reached throughout your trip. In addition, we have a local emergency line that your family can use to contact you in the event of an emergency. Depending upon the circumstances of your community, casual communication between parents and volunteers can sometimes be difficult since many volunteer communities are in remote locations and often times do not have basic luxuries such as internet and phone.

7. What are the homestays like?

Although some volunteers can be apprehensive about homestays before their trip, by the end of the trip, almost all volunteers say that staying with local families was the most valuable aspect of their experience. The families live modestly. Some have luxuries such as hot water; many do not. All have electricity, running water, and a private bedroom for the volunteers. The families generally do not speak English, but they are friendly and hospitable. This is the best opportunity to really understand another culture and way of life!

8. What is the food like?

Volunteers eat the same food that the families and community members eat: mostly tortillas, local fruits and vegetables, and plenty of rice and beans! Sometimes the families will honor their volunteer guests by serving meat and familiar food such as pancakes. Families can accommodate specific dietary restrictions, but Encountour must be notified ahead of time to make arrangements. We encourage our volunteers to try everything they are served, both to be polite and for the experience.

9. I don’t speak Spanish. Is that a problem?

Not at all! Your group’s Volunteer Coordinator is bilingual and will act as cultural and linguistic translator during all scheduled volunteer activities. When you are with your host families, the best means of communication is sign language and facial expressions--it may sound silly, but it has been done by hundreds of volunteers with success! Communication is a learning experience for both parties, and a great chance to practice what Spanish you do know. It’s also a great idea to try and pick up a few basic words and phrases before your trip begins.

10. What is the name of the Encountour NGO or nonprofit partner with whom I will be working?

Encountour partners with several nonprofits and communities in Central America on many different volunteer projects. We have spent a great deal of time exploring and pre-screening the best communities and non-profits to ensure an amazing experience for all of our volunteers. Because the needs of local non-profits and communities are constantly changing, we generally cannot advertise which organization you will work with. The name of your specific organization will be included in the finalized itinerary, which will be sent to you at least one week before your trip.

11. How long has Encountour been in operation?

Encountour is in its third year of operating volunteer travel in Central America. We work with extremely experienced and professional on-the-ground partners to operate our trip logistics in Guatemala and Costa Rica, and so far we have worked with close to 700 student volunteers.

12. How is my trip money spent?

As part of our responsible travel policy, Encountour strives to keep a large portion of trip funds in the local community. Last year, we spent approximately 75% of all trip funds in Central America. For more information on this topic, please read our How Trip Funds are Spent document.

13. Will someone pick me up at the airport?

Yes. During the trip registration process we require you to submit your flight arrival and departure information. When you arrive, you will see an Encountour representative waiting for you at the airport with an Encountour sign.

14. Do I need any medicine or vaccinations?

Encountour follows the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which can be found on their website http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx. We also advise that you check with your doctor or local travel clinic to see what they recommend in order to make an informed decision if any medicine or vaccinations are appropriate for you.

15. Do I need a visa?

If you are traveling as a citizen of the United States or Canada, then no. However, if you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you will need to contact the local embassy of the country to which you are traveling to determine if a visa is required. All volunteers should have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after their trip date.

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