Frequently Asked Questions

Working with your university to receive academic credit is an excellent way to complement your participation in an EDventure Program.
Upon request, we provide participants with a detailed run down of their program activities to demonstrate how your hands-on experience has enabled you to meet your university course objectives. This includes the conservation work you’ll be doing, the community work you’ll be engaging in, and will demonstrate how your participation in our Leadership Development workshops enabled you to learn new skills and empowered you to apply them to your experiences while overseas.
The first step is to talk to your university to find out exactly what is required, as each university will have its own set of objectives. Your department may have a form you’ll need to complete with us, may want to speak with an EDventure representative, or may simply require a reference letter from us. Once you’ve determined what you will need to earn course credits, just let us know and we’ll be happy to help!

EDventure groups are facilitated by an experienced Project Manager and one experienced Project Intern. These “PM’s” and interns are first aid certified and highly experienced, well-travelled individuals with a great deal of cultural knowledge. They will pick you up at the airport upon arrival, and consistently work within the group, guiding and managing logistics of the program, as well as facilitating the Leadership workshops. You can read more about them on the “About Us” page of our website.

Some immunizations may be required for Thailand, Nicaragua, Cambodia & Costa Rica. EDventure International highly recommends that you visit your doctor or local travel health clinic to find out about immunization and vaccination recommendations. A list of required and recommended immunizations can be found at www.mdtravelhealth.com. You may need to get many of these immunizations 4-8 weeks before your departure date. You will be located close to a hospital in all of our country locations.

Absolutely! Fundraising is not only a great way to off-set your program costs, but also a beautiful way to spread awareness of EDventure’s mission of developing leadership skills that directly benefit overseas humanitarian and conservation efforts. Fundraising is one of the key characteristics of a global leader. If you are ready and able to organize fundraising events for your program, then we can’t wait to have you on our program and develop those leadership skills even further!
Send us an email if you need any information or want some ideas that will help you raise the funds to send you on your next EDventure!

While some level of Spanish is ideal, there will be English speaking project guides on hand to help you complete your projects. Bring a Spanish language dictionary with you if you like, but you will definitely pick up the basics during your EDventure. “Buenos dias” (good day) is always a good place to start.

You will be able to communicate with your project leaders and many of the locals by speaking English. However, we will provide you with some language basics during your orientation so that you can begin to experience the local culture. As is true in any country, when a foreigner attempts to speak the local language, it is sincerely appreciated by the locals. Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation. This will come with practice. Learning to say “hello”, “please”, and “thank you” is a good way to start a conversation and begin to be a part of the community.
In Thailand, the most polite and appreciated way of greeting people is called the Sampeah: upon meeting someone, clasp your hands together in front of your chest with fingers pointing upward. Accompany this gesture with a slight bow.

You can apply for our program while 17 years of age, but you must be 18 before your departure date. If you are under 18 years of age when you apply, be sure to have your parent or guardian sign your application.

Absolutely. Just email us at info@edventureintl.com with your names and program dates and we will do our best to accommodate you.

The tropical climate in Cambodia and Thailand means that the weather is very hot year round. During the November – February EDventure programs, the weather will be dry with an average of 25 Celsius (77 Fahrenheit). The evenings can be cooler, so you might prepare by packing a lightweight jacket.The EDventure programs running from June – August months are during Cambodia and Thailand’s rainy season, but the rain is fairly predictable, occurring mostly in the afternoons and only lasting for a few hours. Even with the rainfall, the temperature is still very hot and the sun can be very intense if you are not used to tropical climates.

With a climate that is diverse and varied, Costa Rica can be divided into several climatic zones, each of which are distinct and individual. Costa Rica has no real winter period, and the sun shines here throughout the year. With over 12 hours of sunshine a day, the sun rises at about 5 am and sets at about 6 pm consistently throughout the year. The main reason for the diversity in Costa Rica’s weather is the various elevations at which different parts of the country are located.

Deposits need to be submitted as soon as possible in order to secure your placement. In order to keep the quality of our programs to a high standard, a limited number of persons per trip is essential. This way, you get the most out of your EDventure experience.

The final balance is due 60 days before your departure date. This is so that we can prepare and organize the logistics of your program as efficiently as possible. Your balance due date will be included in the acceptance letter EDventure International sends you. We only accept payments through our online payment option. Sorry, but no personal checks are accepted.

View the Make a Payment page here.

Accommodation varies depending on your project location. Options include dorm rooms in the local hostel or guest houses, which are usually family run. These are a comfortable home-base for you during your EDventure program. Most facilities include a laundry room, Wi-Fi, hot water showers, and air conditioning. Some will even offer you hammock swings in the garden, or game room. Some of the EDventure programs will include homestays, where you will be completely immersed in the local culture by living with a family during your program. The type of program you participate in determines your accommodation, and this information will be provided for you once you have secured your place.

Yes, much of the water is just fine to drink, however, your digestive system may not be accustomed to the natural water at your program’s location. If you are concerned with getting a stomach ache, there will be bottled water available.

Your safety is our number one priority. EDventure International keeps an updated list of local emergency contacts for each program location. We have set emergency procedures in place and there is always a contact person in country and in our offices in Australia and throughout North America that can be reached 24/7. There are hospitals nearby, and pharmacies with medication readily available.In addition, you are required to provide us with your emergency contact details on your application form. EDventure International also registers each participant with the local embassies before arrival. Program staff are all certified in First Aid and First Aid kits will be available at each project site and at your accommodation.
Before beginning a project, we complete a risk assessment and evaluate the safety of the project sites to minimize potential hazards. While there is always a potential risk traveling within developing countries, we provide you with a two-day orientation at the beginning of your program to minimize these risks and ensure your EDventure experience is as safe and well structured as possible.

Of course! Many of the local dishes are noodle or rice based and can be made from a variety of local vegetables. You will be sure to enjoy the local cuisine. Just indicate on your application what your dietary needs are, and we will try to accommodate your requests.

If you must cancel, please send an email to info@edventureintl.com with “Cancellation” in the subject line. Your deposit and payment installments are non-refundable. Once you have sent in your payments, EDventure International begins to make arrangements for your placement and purchases towards your program. If you are unable to participate in your program, you will be able to defer your program to another program date. EDventure will credit your deposit and all payments you have made towards an EDventure of your choice where there is availability. Please email info@edventureintl.com should you have any questions, or are unable to participate in your program to discuss your options.

Click on the “Apply Now” button on this page and it will take you through the application procedure. This includes filling out a non-committal application form that lets us know what programs you are interested in. After you submit this form online, we will then contact you with further information.

Every meal including breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided. You will be working hard on your volunteer projects, and building up a hearty appetite. We will provide you with plenty of local cuisine throughout your program. You are welcome to purchase any additional food or snacks from the market or vendors if you want to further sample a wide variety of local bites.
Your daily accommodation is covered in this price.
The transportation from the airport at the beginning of your EDventure program, as well as returning to the airport when the program finishes. Transportation daily to your volunteer projects, schools, and designated activities will also be included.
There will be a need to provide plenty of building materials and educational resources, such as paint, wood, brick, tools, cement, paper, writing materials, etc., all which are covered in your total program cost.
Some of the volunteer projects require the expertise of local tradesmen, and so EDventure International pays their wages. It is our aim to provide local employment opportunities through our volunteer efforts. We don’t want to take away paid work from locals by having our volunteers do the same work. By hiring local trade works to assist in the projects, we can promote local sustainability and add to the economy of the community.
Many of the local activities you will partake in during the evenings will be hosted by a member of the community, and these costs are part of your EDventure program.
EDventure International provides donations to the communities where our volunteers are involved.
The Leadership skills development program is an educational course, and the tuition for this course is covered within the program fee.

• Non-refundable deposit of $500, which secures your place in a program with limited numbers.
• Your accommodation throughout the duration of the program.
• Transportation to meet the needs of your program, getting to the sites, etc.
• Three meals daily. We can cater to vegetarians and for certain types of food allergies.
• Building materials needed for volunteer projects.
• Education materials for the village schools.
• Materials needed for conservation projects.
• For many projects EDventure International will hire local skilled trades people to help with the volunteer projects.
• Some of the designated activities that are part of your EDventure experience.
• EDventure International’s gifts and donations to the local community.
• EDventure International staff members.
• Administration costs.
• Leadership education course facilitation, materials, and Certification.

Our EDventure leadership program costs vary depending on the activities within each country. Every EDventure program runs for 21 days, including your deposit. Flights are not included in the cost.
Cambodia EDventure program fees are $3300 USD.
Costa Rica EDventure program fees are $3500 USD.
Thailand EDventure program fees are $3800 USD.
Nicaragua EDventure program fees are $3500 USD.
Costs are listed in USD as the currency these program expenses incur are charged to EDventure in USD.
If you are paying in Euros, Canadian or Australian dollars, you will need to consider the current exchange rate when making your payments. Please check http://www.xe.com/ for a current exchange rate.

Yes, you will need a visa for Cambodia. Thailand will allow you to stay in country for the first 30 days. Costa Rica and Nicarargua will both grant a 90 day tourism visa upon arrival. Depending on your nationality, the type of visa and cost will need to be checked prior to your departure. We will provide you with all the information required and will assist you in obtaining any visas required in a timely fashion.Visa costs are generally cheap, and fairly easy to obtain. Recent participants have paid about $20 – $30, and this cost is likely to be the same for you. Be sure your passport has at least 6 months validity. To help you determine the kind of visa you will need to apply for, visit Visa HQ at www.visahq.com/citizens or http://www.dfat.gov.au/visas/

In order to participate in the program, you MUST purchase international travel insurance that includes unlimited medical coverage. Private health insurance is not enough. Proof of international travel health insurance will be required before departure or you will not be allowed to attend. We recommend using the International Volunteer Card.
The Volunteer Card is an internationally recognized travel protection card that is valid for one year, and offered exclusively to volunteers travelling abroad. You can obtain this card by contacting them directly at contact@volunteercard.com or visiting the www.volunteercard.com where their friendly staff will be able to help you obtain the coverage you will need for your EDventure program.

EDventure International will provide you with the Participant Handbook which will include information about your program, the local community, and the items you should pack once your placement has been secured.

During the orientation and leadership development course workshops, your group will consist of between 8 – 14 persons. During the volunteer part of your program, you may be divided into groups of 2 to 5, depending on the need of the volunteer project you participate in.

Trains, planes, and automobiles may all be a part of how you will get around. In addition, you may travel by tuk tuk, bicycle, boat, private van, or bamboo raft, depending on the type of EDventure program you apply for. In some cases, horse riding may be an enjoyable option of a way to explore the sights.

The ideal time to book your flight is 45 – 60 days prior to your departure. This is when you are most likely to find the cheapest airfare.
You are able to use any travel booking agency you wish when organizing your flights, however we’d like to make this process in your travel preparation a bit easier for you. EDventure has partnered with STA Travel, an international travel organization, to offer exclusive travel booking support and advise to our participants.
To take advantage of STA Travel’s support, please enter your flight requests into STA Travel’s online portal, which has been set up exclusively for EDventure participants.

The benefits that STA Travel will offer you include:

Online portal handy for individuals to contact STA agents with their flight needs and get personal help booking flights.
Have the option of signing up for the Airfare Deposit program, meaning you pay a deposit towards flight costs that lock your flight in place and can be paid off later. (provided for Exclusive flights).
Personal booking agents to provide you with personal attention. You can even maintain personal contact with the same agent you’ve been working with, who will understand your specific travel needs.
Be provided with a dedicated 800 number exclusively for EDventure participants.
24/7 assistance to our participants with their travel.
Be offered exclusive rates on flights not published on other sites.
Receive 24/7 travel assistance leading up to and during your program.

STA Travel also offers Travel Insurance and discounts on other travel needs, so feel free to get in touch with our agents with any questions you may have about their offers, and to get support for your EDventure program travel.

Cambodian currency is the Reil, however using US dollars is common and in some places preferred.
The Thai currency is Bhat, and generally is about 30 THB for each $1.
The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon (CRC). While Costa Rica is more expensive compared to other Latin countries, you will find it is not an expensive place to live, and services, such as the bus, or a taxi, are relatively cheap. 500 Colones is genereally equivalent to $1 USD.
The currency in Nicaragua is the Cordoba (NIO), and 30 NIO is generally about $1 USD.
To find out the current currency exchange rate in the country you will be travelling to, you can go to www.xe.com for the most up to date rates.

You will not have to pay for accommodation or meals, but you may want to bring money to buy gifts for family or friends, or perhaps visit some of the local cafés or restaurants. Gifts and food are relatively inexpensive here, so you won’t need to expect to spend a great deal. Past participants have found $50 USD per week to be sufficient, but this is entirely up to you.

You certainly can. Phone lines and internet access will be readily available in most accommodation. While WiFi and internet won’t always be available, the Program Managers will always be equipped with local phone numbers and will be able to make and receive calls throughout your program, should there be an emergency situation.