Volunteer FAQ's
Still have some questions about volunteering? Read our frequently asked questions below.
You can also call the Volunteering team on 1800 88 55 99 or email [email protected]
Global Village FAQ’s
There is no maximum age limit – as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness you will be right at home on a Habitat build! However, the minimum age is 15, and volunteers under 18 need to attend with a parent, guardian or chaperone. This is due to health and safety requirements as volunteers spend the week on a construction site. Some countries have a higher minimum age requirement. Please get in touch with the team for more information.
Registration Fee – $200 standard / $100 early bird pricing
This cannot be fundraised. Your registration fee covers medical and evacuation insurance, your online fundraising page, police check and a build pack to get you on your way.
The early bird fee of $100 is valid when registering for a volunteer build more than 6 months in advance.
Minimum Fundraising- $1800
This is a tax deductible donation which can be fundraised. Once received, this will be split between Habitat for Humanity Australia, to help resource the Global Village program, and the Habitat host country to fund life-changing projects like your build experience. The Global Village team will create an online fundraising page for you, and support you through your fundraising journey. (A reduced minimum fundraising amount of $1000 applies to school/youth teams).
In-country expenses – typically $600-$1000
These expenses can be fundraised through your preferred crowd-funding site, but are not tax deductible. These costs will also vary depending on the country you are visiting. The Team Leader and the Habitat host country will devise a budget to cover your accommodation, meals, bottled water, ground transportation and local activities before you depart.
Flights, visa, vaccinations, travel insurance and personal expenses are not included in your Global Village trip costs.
No, building experience is not required. All you need is a reasonable level of fitness, an open mind, and a willingness to get your hands dirty. You will be working alongside local construction workers who will teach you the ropes and supervise the build.
Your team may work on one or several houses, or you may even build a toilet or well. The work will use local construction techniques and materials. You could be mixing concrete, weaving bamboo, digging foundations, laying bricks, hammering, rendering or painting.
Global Village teams are usually made up of 12 -15 team members who are led by a volunteer Team Leader, who is trained and supported by the Global Village team. Occasionally Global Village organises special builds with hundreds of volunteers from all over the world taking part. This is an amazing way to meet new people and be a part of the international Habitat community.
Builds typically run for one week, from Saturday to Saturday, and include time for rest, relaxation and exploring the country. Before you leave, the Global Village team will send you an itinerary outlining your stay and what you will be doing.
Where you stay will vary depending on your destination. However, all volunteers will have a comfortable hotel. The team will stay together and often be accommodated on a twin share basis. The Habitat team will provide daily travel to the build site.
We offer builds in a range of countries across the Asia-Pacific, including but not limited to; Fiji, Cambodia, Vietnam, Nepal, Indonesia.
Build sites are often located in semi-rural or rural locations and off the beaten tourist track. It’s a unique opportunity for you to experience a humble way of life while you work in a community setting.
Habitat for Humanity Australia, our trained Team Leaders and our in-country partners will support and look after you from registration through to the completion of your build. Before you leave we will equip you with all the information and resources you need. Once you arrive in country you will be met at the airport and transported to your accommodation. The team will receive an orientation and daily briefings will be conducted by Habitat staff.
A build usually involves some vigorous physical activity. Team members must be reasonably fit and in good physical health. You are encouraged to consult your doctor or a specialised travel doctor regarding your personal health and recommended vaccinations and/or medications.
If you have more questions that haven’t been answered above then please call the Volunteering team on 1800 88 55 99 or email us at [email protected]
Local Village FAQ’s
There is no maximum age limit – as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness you will be right at home on a Habitat build! However, the minimum age is 15, and volunteers under 18 need to attend with a parent, guardian or chaperone. This is due to health and safety requirements as volunteers spend the week on a construction site. Some countries have a higher minimum age requirement. Please get in touch with the team for more information.
Registration Fee – $100 standard / $50 early bird pricing
This cannot be fundraised. Your registration fee covers medical and evacuation insurance, your online fundraising page and a build pack to wear on your trip.
The early bird fee of $50 is valid when registering for a volunteer build more than 4 months in advance.
Minimum Fundraising- $1000
This is a tax deductible donation which can be fundraised. Once received, this will be split between Habitat for Humanity Australia, to help resource our programs, and the Habitat NSW to fund life-changing projects like your build experience. The Volunteering team will create an online fundraising page for you, and support you through your fundraising journey.
Costs – typically $300-$600
These expenses can be fundraised through your preferred crowd-funding site, but are not tax deductible. These costs will also vary depending on the area you are visiting. The Volunteering team will devise a budget to cover your accommodation, meals, bottled water, and snacks before you depart.
Transport, flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance and personal expenses are not included in your Local Village trip costs.
No, building experience is not required. All you need is a reasonable level of fitness, an open mind, and a willingness to get your hands dirty. You will be working alongside trained construction supervisors who will teach you the ropes and supervise the build.
Your team may work on one or several houses, or you may even build a toilet or well. The work will use local construction techniques and materials. You could be mixing concrete, weaving bamboo, digging foundations, laying bricks, hammering, rendering or painting.
Local Village teams are usually made up of 10 – 20 team members who are led by a volunteer Team Leader, who is trained and supported by the Volunteering team. Occasionally Local Village organises special builds with hundreds of volunteers from all over the world taking part. This is an amazing way to meet new people and be a part of the international Habitat community.
Builds typically run for four days, from Thursday Evening to Sunday Morning, and include time for rest, relaxation and exploring the area. Before you leave, the Volunteering team will send you an itinerary outlining your stay and what you will be doing.
Where you stay will vary depending on your destination. However, all volunteers will have a comfortable hotel option. The team will stay together and often be accommodated on a twin share basis.
We offer builds in Queensland and New South Wales. Soon we will be expanding to other states such as Victoria and South Australia.
Build sites are often located in semi-rural or rural locations and off the beaten track. It’s a unique opportunity for you to experience a humble way of life while you work in a community setting.
To get to the build site you will need your own form of Transportation. We recommend hiring a car if you do not already have one.
Habitat for Humanity Australia, our trained Team Leaders and onsite staff will support and look after you from registration through to the completion of your build. Before you leave we will equip you with all the information and resources you need. Once you arrive you will meeting the team for a welcome dinner or breakfast (dependent on the itinerary). The team will receive an orientation and daily briefings will be conducted by Habitat staff.
A build usually involves some vigorous physical activity. Team members must be reasonably fit and in good physical health. You are encouraged to consult your doctor or a specialised travel doctor regarding your personal health and recommended vaccinations and/or medications.
If you have more questions that haven’t been answered above then please call the Volunteering team on 1800 88 55 99 or email us at [email protected]
Hike for Habitat FAQ’s
We run Hike for Habitat with a partner company, Inspired Adventures. Hike’s will typically last 5 – 7 days and suit anyone with average to high level fitness. When attending a Hike for Habitat your accommodation and food is provided for you and is always comfortable and delicious.
Inspired Adventures welcomes anyone aged from 18 to 90+ with younger ages considered on request.
No, building experience is not required. All you need is a reasonable level of fitness, an open mind, and a willingness to get your hands dirty. You will be working alongside trained construction supervisors who will teach you the ropes and supervise the build.
We believe small group travel is better for the planet, and better for you. Inspired Adventures usually have 10 – 20 people aged from 18 to 90+ (younger ages considered on request). You can be sure that you have all come together with the shared purpose of making a difference to others and having the adventure of a lifetime.
The group will be led by a local tour guide with expert knowledge of the region. Many groups will also be accompanied by an Inspired Adventures team leader or doctor to support and motivate the team.
Where applicable, a charity representative may also join the team. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your chosen charity and their work.
Hikes typically run for four to seven days, and include time for rest, relaxation and exploring the area. Before you leave, the Inspired Adventures team will send you an itinerary outlining your stay and what you will be doing.
Where you stay will vary depending on your destination. However, all volunteers will have a comfortable hotel option. The team will stay together and often be accommodated on a twin share basis.
We currently have treks booked in for Larapinta, Northern Territory and Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, but Inspired Adventures offers many wonderful locations so we will be considering many more magical locations in the future.
To get to the Hike location you will need to book your own flights and make your own way to the team’s hotel on the first night.
Both Habitat for Humanity Australia and Inspired Adventures staff will support and look after you from registration through to the completion of your hike. Before you leave we will equip you with all the information and resources you need. Once you arrive you will be meeting the team for a welcome dinner or breakfast (dependent on the itinerary). The team will receive an orientation and daily briefings will be conducted by Inspired Adventures guides and staff.
While no extensive trekking experience is required prior to registering for most of the hikes, our adventures are designed for people who are relatively fit and willing to train. The trek is a physical challenge, and the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience.
You can expect the days to vary from easy exploration walks to day-long hikes over rough terrain. You should be able to walk comfortably for 6 – 8 hours over consecutive days.
You will be well supported on the adventure, with the guides and your team all cheering you on. You are free to move at your own pace and we will take frequent breaks.
If you have more questions that haven’t been answered above then please call the Volunteering team on 1800 88 55 99 or email us at [email protected]