Health and Safety
How does United Planet ensure safety of volunteers overseas?
Your safety is very important to us, and we take many precautions to ensure you are in a safe environment.
- Locations and projects vetted for safety.
- Home stays provide community immersion and support for the volunteer
- Our in-country coordinators on-site are either natives to the country or have been living in the country for many years.
- The in-country coordinators go through extensive training in both risk management and safety.
- The in-country coordinators have an emergency number at which they can be reached by anyone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Volunteers go through an orientation with the coordinator upon arrival. This training covers culture, health, safety, logistics, etc.
- Included in the program fee is comprehensive travel insurance.
- The coordinators in the Boston office also train all of our volunteers prior to their departure. In this training we talk about health and safety precautions you should take while abroad, as well as supply you with any necessary documents that can help your experience abroad.
- The Boston Office staff monitors world news and events through updates from our travel insurance company as well as the Department of State.
- United Planet is a registered organization with the US Department of State’s STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) and we register all US volunteers with STEP. This allows the Dept of State to contact those living oversees in case of an emergency.
Safety for Under 18
- All of our projects for volunteers under 18 are specifically chosen because of their proximity to the main office/country coordinator, as well as the environment of the project.
- Furthermore, we require a parents' session for volunteers under 18. During this session we will answer any questions parents have, as well as provide them with all the information about the Quest.
Health
Medical Insurance (Provided)
United Planet provides Emergency Medical Insurance for all of its Short and Long term volunteers from Specialty Risk International (SRI). The policy covers you for the duration of the Quest. All volunteers are emailed a sheet of information prior to departure listing the details of the insurance, and also the emergency number to call if you are treated for any medical issues.
Vaccinations
Some countries require or suggest that volunteers have certain vaccinations before entering the country. Please consult your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travelers. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy while traveling. It is also recommended that you visit the nearest travel clinic prior to departure.
Living and volunteering in another country, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind. In addition to the information that is provided in your pre-departure package, please research how to stay healthy in your country of destination. It could make all the difference!
