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FAQ’s - Useful-Stuff - Africa and Asia Venture
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FAQ’s - Useful-Stuff - Africa and Asia Venture
FAQ’s
What makes AV different?
AV is one of the most experienced gap year organisations in the country.
- We will get to know you and treat you as an individual - before departure, whilst you are abroad and after your return. That's why over half of all those who join us come on the recommendation of someone who has been an AV.
- We will interview each AV to ensure that individuals are matched as well as possible, in pairs or house groups, and that the project you choose is the best and most suitable for you.
- All AVs are provided with the opportunity of up to 3 weeks of independent group travel, in each region that the Company operates, built into the scheme.
- All AVs have a 6-8-day safari built into their programme as part of the deal.
What do I get for my money?
Pre-departure interview/meeting to discuss the schemes on offer (not for AV Adventures).
- Correspondence and help with the thorough preparation of your trip with AV.
- Careful selection of suitable partners to share accommodation and work experience.
- One of the best and most relevant medical and kit insurance policies for the duration of the scheme, extendable if required (not for AV Adventures).
- Donation of funds to the school or project materials, as appropriate.
- Seeing you off at London Heathrow and meeting you at your destination.
- Transfer to your Orientation Course site.
- A detailed programme of 2 -12 days on an Orientation Course, including teaching or community/conservation preparations, as appropriate.
- Food and accommodation (not drink) throughout the Orientation, school/project and safari parts of the scheme.
- Vehicle support as required to fulfil tasks as required.
- 24-hour emergency back up in country throughout your time abroad with AV, from people who know the country really well and live there. Also, 24-hour emergency contact in the UK.
- In Africa, membership of the Flying Doctors Society (or equivalent) throughout the scheme.
Why does AV select the places to which we go?
We select areas that we believe will derive great benefit from having young, enthusiastic volunteers to help with the work, provide a window onto the outside world and provide some additional financial support to the community. This usually means going to the poorer, rural communities where relatively small amounts of effort and money can make a big difference. Our aim is to turn you into a lifelong friend of the country and the project. We work in conjunction with Ministries of Education.
Will I be able to cope?
During the first 2-3 weeks, you may be slightly overwhelmed by a wide variety of culture shocks and you may wonder if you can cope. This feeling is pretty universal and almost everyone finds that, after the first few weeks, life just suddenly gets better and better. About 1 in 200 of our volunteers return home early and, of these, only a small percentage because they find themselves unable to deal with the situation.
Will my mobile phone work and are there email facilities handy?
Mobile phones are becoming more widespread in the developing world, but mostly on local circuits. If you take your phone with international roaming it will probably work (ask us and your provider in advance) but be very expensive. Also, our experience is that frequent connection to family and boy/girl friend makes the settling in period more difficult. Our advice is to take one, but resist making calls for the first 2-3 weeks. In some places it is possible to buy a local simcard, but others restrict purchases to residents. Even then, it's better if you can get them to call you! Email is available within reasonable distance of most places. However, this often involves a bus ride. Letters can arrive (and be posted) every day - so letter is usually better. Parcels are a different issue altogether.
Can I travel in the area after AV?
We will arrange your flight to be flexible on the return leg, so that you can change the date of your return. In Africa the first 2 changes are free, but in Mexico and Asia this will involve a small fee. Please let us know at the earliest possible stage and we will help you re-arrange your flight, whenever possible. You will also need to notify us in good time to extend your insurance, at a small cost. Please consult us if you want to travel on.
What happens in an emergency?
Risk assessments have been written for all the areas in which AV operates and our experienced in-country staff is on hand to take the lead in sorting out emergencies. We constantly review our placements in the light of the developing situations and the risks posed. Our UK staff is also available to assist at very short notice, should the need arise.
What are your links with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO)?
Our in country staff stay in regular contact with the FCO (through meetings, on the telephone and their website), to stay abreast of the security situation and other matters that may be of interest.
What happens if I get sick?
There are well-practised procedures in place on all AV placements to deal with AVs who get sick. You will be well briefed on them during the Orientation Course. AV has in country staff that will be available to advise and make whatever arrangements are necessary.
How do I go about raising the money?
AV will send you some very helpful tips about how to raise the money you will need to see you through your trip. We have been helping young people with this vital part of their Gap Years for 13 years now, so are getting quite good at it!
How much Spending Money Will I Need?
This is the most commonly asked question and the one that is hardest to answer, not least because there is huge variety between countries and between individuals. In general:
- During the attachment. It will depend on how social you are.
- In Africa you can spend as much as £400-700 on visiting friends, beer and travel to do interesting things.
- In Asia costs are less and £200-£400 should be enough - many even get by on their allowances!
- During the independent group travel and safari period.
- In Africa and Mexico we recommend you bring £600-800 to cover travel and fun.
- In Asia travel is generally cheap, and we recommend £400-500.
- Extra Excitements. If you decide to do all the expensive things such as bungee jumping (£35), white water rafting (£90), see gorillas in Uganda (£190), climb Mt Kilimanjaro (£500), flying anywhere, you will need more
Which documents should I take with me?
- Passport (it must have at least 6 months left to run on it from the date of arrival in country).
- Travellers' cheques (ensure you bring the original receipt with you and that your signature matches the one on your passport).
- The appropriate credit/debit card
- International Students' Identity Card (ISIC).
- Vaccination certificates.
You should leave copies of all these documents at home and take copies with you to leave with the AV in country staff. It is also an excellent idea to scan the essential documents and email them to yourself, so that you can call them up if you need to (lost passport, etc).
What Malaria tablet should I get?
We recommend you contact your GP for advice. We also recommend that you contact Interhealth on tel: 0207 902 9000. They are experts on such matters and will advise you on the best prophylactics for the country/countries you are visiting.
What If I'm not visiting a Malaria area until the end of my trip?
You have quite a lot of free time and you never know when you will be travelling through a Malaria area. It is best to be well prepared. Obviously, if you are certain you will not be anywhere near a Malaria area, don't take the pills. Just remember to start taking them as prescribed before you do travel into a Malaria area.
Which is the best mosquito net?
This is a matter of personal preference, but we do suggest that it has something attached to tie it up to the ceiling, such as a sticky-backed hook (you'll need several for your trip).
Is It safe to drink the water?
Probably not. You can either boil the water or use only bottled water, which is in plentiful supply, wherever you go. Alternatively, there are water purification tablets and systems that you can buy before you go, should you wish, although they are a luxury you won't really need.
Can I buy sanitary products out there?
We suggest you take an immediate supply with you, but you should be able to get whatever you need fairly locally once you know your way around.
Where can I find some information on the local language?
Log onto either Lonely Planet or Rough Guide websites. They will tell you what the local language is and will probably be able to sell you a phrase book.
