home > internships > FAQ
Internships - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I join ProWorld:
A: You should join ProWorld if you want to: live and study in some of the most breathtaking natural environments in the world; experience Peru, Belize, Mexico, India, or Thailand in ways few travelers ever do; learn from experience rather than research and study alone; work side by side with local community members on worthwhile development projects; grow as an individual as your daily experiences challenge, inspire and educate; join volunteers from around the world; make a difference.
Q: Is the program open to non US participants?
A: Yes, the ProWorld programs are available for individuals from any country with an adventurous spirit and a true desire to help others.
Q: I'm no longer attending school, may I participate in your program?
A: Definitely. While the majority of our participants are undergraduate or graduate students, we strongly encourage anyone who is over 18 and willing and able to apply. We find that the more mature volunteers often have the most to add to our efforts.
Q: Do you accept late applications?
A: Yes, we do accept late applications up to 4 weeks before the program start provided the application is submitted with full program payment. Your application will not be considered late as long as you have communicated your interest in the program. Late NGO applicants will be assigned projects by site directors based exclusively on community need unless there is time for the in-country staff to set up a specific project based on student interest.
Q: What happens when I land at the airport?
A: For our Peru programs, most flights arrive in Lima then have a connecting flight to Cusco. A program representative will meet you at the airport in Cusco and take you to Casa ProPeru to begin orientation and your program. For those people who wish to be met by someone in Lima, ProPeru has a representative in Lima who is happy to meet you and take you to a hotel and bring you back for your connecting flight if necessary for a $50 fee. For more information regarding this extra service please contact Diane Gale at: info@myproworld.org
For our Belize programs, a program representative will meet you at the airport in Belize City and take you to Cabana ProBelize in San Ignacio where you will begin your orientation and your ProBelize program!
ProMexico provides explicit directions on how to get from the airport to the hostel where orientation begins. Participants take a shuttle from the airport to the hostel where the hostel staff will be expecting them and will greet them with a ProMexico welcome packet.
ProIndia participants should arrive in Bangalore on the first Saturday of the month before noon. If you get there a day earlier, ProIndia can help you arrange accommodations, but you are responsible for the cost. ProIndia will pick up participants on the first Saturday of the month and transport you to Mysore.
ProThailand participants should try to arrive in Chiang Mai on the first Saturday of the month. A ProThailand representative will meet you at the airport to take you to orientation for your program.
Q: Do we have to arrive on a particular day of the week in order to be picked up by ProWorld representatives?
A: Arriving and departing within the dates listed on your travel form is highly recommended. If you do arrive or depart outside of the dates listed on your travel form you are responsible for your own travel arrangements and accommodations until the program begins and after it ends. ProWorld does not discourage late departure and staff will be happy to provide you with information on independent travel if you plan to stay in the country beyond your program, but you are responsible for all costs.
Q: Can I get credits for my NGO Internship?
A: ProWorld has an agreement with Seattle Central Community College to offer credits for our internships. You can also arrange credit with your school advisor. If you are approved through your University, we will be happy to work with you so you can earn credits towards an Independent Study class. Please advise us prior to your NGO Internship what the parameters for your Independent Study are so that we can help ensure that you meet these requirements. For more information, please visit the Credits page.
Q: How is my internship project selected?
A: Within the application, there is a list of several areas to help you prioritize your project preferences. We suggest choosing an area in which you have interests, experience, and/or training. Additionally, you are invited to be creative and suggest a project. In-country directors will contact you within 1 month of your program start date to discuss the specifics of your skills and your project. You will be placed based on the needs of the community, the in-country director's assessment of your skills, and how you will most successfully contribute to the community.
Q: Does the community have a say in the projects?
A: Community-driven development projects are at the core of ProWorld's mission. We work directly with communities to assess their needs. ProWorld staff then evaluate the communities' proposals to determine if we have the resources and volunteers to complete the projects.
If ProWorld proposes a project, we won't begin work until the community has approved it. Once a project starts, the community must help with the labor, the resources or both
Q: What kind of project and program support will I have?
A: We pride ourselves on our commitment to high levels of project support for both the participant and the community. Depending on which project and program you select you will have between 1 - 5 projects meetings per week with the ProWorld staff member assigned to your project. Participants are given as much or as little project support as they desire. While some participants enjoy high levels of project involvement by ProWorld staff, other participants prefer to be more independent during their project.
Q: What is the volunteer to staff ratio?
A: There is at least one in-country ProWorld staff member for every eight volunteers.
Q: Do you hire local staff?
A: Yes. We have about 50% local staff at each of our sites. The combination of local and international staff helps to make ProWorld so successful. Our local staff have an expertise in and an understanding of culture, customs, and politics that help our projects run smoothly. Please visit the staff page to find out more.
Q: How many people have joined PW?
A: We have over 2000 alumni from the United States, Canada, and Europe. Our alumni include undergraduate students, graduate students, professionals and people taking time off from school with expertise in every field imaginable. For more information please visit our alumni page.
Q: What projects have you completed?
A: For a complete list of our completed projects please visit our Project History page
Q: Do I have to speak the local language to participate in the programs?
A: Our programs in Peru and Mexico are open to participants with the ability to communicate at all Spanish levels. After you arrive in Peru or Mexico, you will meet with your Spanish instructor who will place you in the language program at the appropriate level. However, volunteers with more Spanish language ability will have more project options open to them, greater ability in their project work, and an easier time adapting.
Belize is an English speaking country, so you do not need to have any Spanish language abilities.
The main language in Mysore, India is Kannada, but English is widely spoken. Participants do not need to speak Kannada or Hindi. Some language classes will be offered as part of your cultural immersion and language support will be available for projects.
ProThailand participants will be able to get by fairly easily with English in the city of Chiang Mai, but participants will need to grasp basic Thai skills for their time here and to learn respect for the country. Language classes will be offered as part of your cultural immersion and language support will be available for projects.
Q: What are the Spanish classes like in Peru and Mexico?
A: The Spanish instructors are chosen based on their experience and effectiveness with ProWorld students. Spanish classes are structured for small group classes (no more than 5) four days a week. The Spanish classes are tailored to each individual participant. You will work with one Spanish instructor who will determine the most appropriate level and intensity of your classes.
Q: What if I already speak Spanish fluently, can I do something in place of the classes in Peru and Mexico?
A: If you already speak Spanish fluently you can spend additional time on your internship project instead of taking part in Spanish classes. In some cases you may also be able to take an alternate class like Quechua in Peru or Zapotec in Mexico
Q: What will my daily schedule be like?
A: Your daily schedule will be varied. Most days you will work with your NGO or on a group volunteer project in the morning, break for lunch, and then, return to your project or meet with your Spanish instructor. You will have dinner with your homestay family and have free time in the evenings. Weekends will be dedicated to cultural events and short trips around the area with free weekends for independent travel.
Q: What is the town like where I will be living?
A: Our ProPeru programs are based in the town of Urubamba and the city of Cusco. Urubamba is a medium sized town located in the center of the Sacred Valley and surrounded by many small rural communities. The town is relatively developed by Peruvian standards with running water, electricity, and paved roads. Urubamba is set in a valley with a large winding river passing by and surrounded by snow capped Andean peaks. Cusco is a large city of over 400,000 people that has a beautiful and historic town center.
ProBelize internships are based in the town of San Ignacio, Cayo (population 11,000). It is surrounded by many small rural communities and is relatively developed with running water, electricity, and paved roads.
ProMexico internships are based in Oaxaca. It is a medium sized city located in the center of three extensive valleys and is surrounded by many small rural communities. The city itself is well developed by Mexican standards with running water, electricity, plumbing and paved roads.
The ProIndia program is based in Mysore, a city of about 950,000 at the foot of the Chamundi hills. Mysore was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore and ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty, aficionados of culture and the arts, who left the city with gardens, palaces, a top-rate University and a legacy of culture that still remains.
The ProThailand program is based in Chiang Mai, a city of about 400,000 people in the northern mountains of Thailand. Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna empire and still maintains its unique cultural heritage. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy.
Q: Are weekend trips and activities included in the program fee?
A: The weekend activities are included in the NGO Internship program fees. Admission to ruins and costs for adventure and cultural activities, transportation, food and lodging are provided on the NGO Internship adventures. You are responsible for out-of pocket expenses such as buying gifts, going out to restaurants with friends, phone calls home, personal items, and non-ProWorld trips. The costs for these extra items vary for each student and range from $10 - $100 per week.
Q: How are host families chosen?
A: The host families are selected based on past experiences, safety, cleanliness, friendliness and the quality of experience they can provide our participants. We have a wonderful community of host families at each of our sites. Being a ProWorld host family is a highly sought after position as it invites families into a network of quality people and provides an extra source of income.
Q: Can you tell me about my host family? Will I have roommates?
A: You will meet your host family within the first few days of your arrival. Depending on how many volunteers are on the program at any given time you may have zero to two housemates. You will always have your own room.
Q: Can I communicate with my host family before I begin my program?
A: Participants can call their host family or write a letter if they desire. Decisions for home stays are made for each participant 2 - 4 weeks before their program starts. Details about your host family will be made available at your personal ProWorld website.
Q: Should I bring a gift for my host family?
A: That is up to you. Most participants want to bring a small gift for their homestay family, but are unsure of what to get. The truth is that your family will love and treasure whatever you bring. The best advice is to bring something that is unique or special to your part of the world (some examples might be a book of photos of your town/area, a t-shirt from a local landmark, or local handicrafts) as this type of gift can act as a conversation starter and ice-breaker with your new family. Kids are kids the world over, and if your family has children (you will be sent details of your homestay family before you arrive) they will love any sort of toy or game.
Q: What is the ProWorld Experiential Learning Cycle?
A: Experiential learning occurs when a person engages in some activity, looks back at the activity critically, abstracts some useful insight from the analysis, and puts the result to work through a change in behavior. When engaged in the experiential learning process, the participants discover meaning for themselves and validate their own learning.
ProWorld incorporates the Experiential Learning Cycle into its program by engaging its participants into activities within a community in Peru, Belize, Mexico, India, or Thailand, such as local project work, living with a family, and participating in local cultural excursions. ProWorld has program components that complement the experiences that make participants critically think about and discuss their experiences in organized activities. From both the experiences and discussions, comes a learning that helps promote the part of ProWorld's mission of "cultivating educated, compassionate global citizens".
Q: What type of clothes should I bring?
A: Please, refer to the packing list provided in your congratulations package. We recommend wearing modest clothes during the time you are with us.
Q: What is the weather like?
A: The climate in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Peru is generally mild. Days are warm and sunny with an average high temperature of 66°F (19°C). Nights are cooler with an average low of 37°F (3°C) with temperatures generally 5° warmer in the Sacred Valley. The rainy season runs from November to March. The dry season runs from April to October. During the rainy season afternoon showers are common. There is rarely rain during the dry season.
Belize's climate is tropical with warm, sunny and humid days with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C) with an annual mean of 79°F (26°C). November to January are traditionally the coolest months with a 75°F (24°C) average and May to September are the warmest at about a 81°F (27°C) average. Cayo can be several degrees colder then along the coast and during November at night, temperatures can fall to 46°F (8°C) in Cayo. The rainy season is May to January.
Oaxaca is 1,534 meters (5,034ft) above sea level with yearly average highs of 75°F (29.3°C) and lows of 54.5°F (12.5°C), though temperatures will vary throughout the year: Spring 77°F (25°C), Summer 72°F (22°C), Autumn 72°F (22°C), Winter 61°F (16°C).
Mysore’s climate follows a similar pattern to the rest of the India, though because of its altitude its seasons are not as severe. The summer runs from March to June followed by the monsoon season, July – November, when it rains daily, and the winter, December – February, when temperatures are cooler and there is very little rainfall.
Chiang Mai has three distinct seasons: the cool season from November to February with dry weather and temperatures from 15°C (60°F) to 25°C (80°C); the hot season from March to late May with average temperatures of 30°C (85°F); and the rainy season from May to October with humidity above 80 per cent and daily afternoon downpours.
Q: What is the food like on the programs?
A: You can expect lots of substantial and traditionally prepared meals. Peru is known for its excellent soups, protein rich grains only found in the Andes, fire roasted chicken, corn, and potatoes.
Belize has a large quantity of fresh tropical fruits and nuts and excellent seafood.
Oaxaca is known for having some of the best food in Mexico, including: tamales, tlayudas, chiles, seven mole sauces, cheese, grasshoppers and mezcal. Our families provide both quality food and exposure to traditional meals.
Mysore is known for its Southern Indian cuisine with rich coconut sauces, vegetarian delicacies, dosas, and sweet chutneys.
Chiang Mai is the best place to sample Northern Thai food including chicken, pork, fish, and beef curries, northern style chili sauces, sticky rice, and fresh fruit shakes. Due to the prevalence of peanuts in Thai cuisine, ProThailand will not accept participants with peanut allergies.
ProWorld’s host families and group housing provide both quality food and exposure to various traditional meals.
Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: The tap water is not safe to drink on most program sites. ProWorld provides bottled water to all participants and homestay families provide bottled or boiled water.
Q: How much spending money do I need to bring?
A: All aspects of your program are covered by ProWorld. The amount of spending money you will need beyond the program is largely determined by your spending habits. If you are going to buy lots of gifts and go out on the weekends, we recommend $5 - $20/day. If you plan on spending more time with your host family and new local friends, we recommend $5-$10/day. In addition to the daily spending money, bring $100 - $200 as a back up and to cover things like airport taxes ($20 - $40), non-ProWorld trips and other incidental expenses.
Q: How should I bring my money?
A: ProPeru recommends that you bring at least two sources of money. Travelers checks and cash (in US$) can be easily changed almost anywhere in Peru, including Urubamba and Cusco. A credit card is also a good idea if you have one. Money can be withdrawn in US$ and the Peruvian Currency Soles (S/.) from automatic tellers in Cusco, Pisac, and Urubamba, and most other realitively large towns in Peru. If you bring cash down to exchange at the casas de cambio make sure they are crisp new bills as older looking and torn bills are often not accepted.
In Belize, most stores and restaurants accept US dollars and give change in Belizean dollars with a set $2US to $1BZ exchange rate. US dollars are easily exchanged and welcome. There are also ATMs in San Ignacio and most people can access their bank accounts through these. Euros and Pounds will most likely not be accepted, so ProBelize recommends participants bring dollars.
The best way to get cash in Oaxaca is with your ATM card. You will find ATM machines throughout the City of Oaxaca, and it's easy to draw on US, Canadian or European accounts. Keep in mind that outside the city, ATM's are more limited and you should withdraw money ahead of time if you are going to be traveling. We also recommend you bring a little cash down with you for contingencies. Cash in Dollars or Euros (many banks do not accept Pounds) along with travelers checks can be changed at banks or exchange houses; they generally will want to see your passport to make the exchange.
ATMs are available throughout Mysore although you can only withdraw rupees. There are also official money changers as well as people who on the streets who will change money, but ProIndia recommends you bring a bank card that can be used at the ATMs.
ATMs that accept Visa and most other credit cards are available throughout Chiang Mai. Banks and official money changers are also readily available and often have the best rates.
Q: Is their access to the internet and phones?
A: Casa ProPeru has a student phone which uses phone cards students may purchase. While the Casa has internet access this is reserved for staff and specific project efforts. If there are fewer volunteers, you may be able to access the computers for personal use. General internet use for volunteers may be found at any of a number of very inexpensive internet cafes in town.
San Ignacio, Belize has a number of internet cafes that volunteers can use.
There are numerous internet cafes and international phone calling booths that are easily accessible in Oaxaca. Once on site ProMexico staff will tell students of the various options available to them for making international calls. In the past few months more internet cafes have become equipped with head sets allowing students to call using Skype.
Internet cafes are scattered throughout Mysore and inexpensive. Calling centers are also prevalent and most internet cafes have internet phone systems available including Skype.
There are internet cafes throughout Chiang Mai that are relatively inexpensive. Calling centers are also available and most internet cafes have internet phone systems available including Skype.
Q: Will I need a converter for electrical devices?
A: Peru uses 220 volts, 60 cycles AC, except Arequipa, which is on 50 cycles. Plugs are of the flat, two-pronged type found in the USA. You will need an adapter for your electrical devices, it is much easier to buy one before you leave (airports are always a good place to buy them) than here in country. Some electrical devices (most Laptop Computers for example) have a voltage range. You will find this information on a metal plate on the bottom of the device or power unit. It will be marked something like this - Input: 100 - 240v. If the Peruvian voltage (220v) lies within the range, you will not need an adapter.
Belize and Mexico operate on a 120-volt system, which is the same as in the United States and Canada (the two-prong plug). In some older buildings there is no ground wire and so an adapter will need to be purchased to connect appliances that also have a ground prong. Those coming from Europe will need to purchase adaptors in their home country. Boots is a good place to look.
Mysore uses 250 volts. Plugs come in a variety including US-style, European-style and India specific. Converters and adapters are easy to find in Mysore, but may be more difficult to find in the US or Europe. Always check the voltage of your electrical device before plugging it in.
Thailand uses 220 volts, 50 cycles. Plugs are either the flat, two-pronged type found in the USA or round, two-pronged. You will need an adapter for electrical devices depending on the voltage range. Some electrical devices (most laptop computers for example) have a voltage range. If the Thai voltage lines within the range, you will not need an adapter.
Q: Are Visas or Passports necessary?
A: Passports are required for all of our program sites. Most, if not all, international airports will not allow you to leave your originating country with out a passport. You will also need to have proof of a return flight. Please verify that your passport is not only current but will not expire for at least six months after your program is scheduled to end. If you do not currently have a passport, please consult with the appropriate agency to obtain your government’s requirements for obtaining one. Processing time needed to obtain a passport varies but can take up to two months to receive.
Travelers from the USA, Canada, UK, and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Peru. Upon arrival in country you are issued a 30 to 90 day tourist visa. All travelers entering Peru need to carry a valid passport. If your program lasts longer than the visa provided upon entry to the country, an extension is easily obtained while in country. Visa extensions are allowed up to 3 months in Peru.
Travelers from the USA, Canada, UK, and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Belize. Upon arrival in country you are issued a 30 day tourist visa (Belize). All travelers entering Belize need to carry a valid passport. If your program lasts longer than the visa provided upon entry to the country, an extension is easily obtained while in country. Visa extensions are allowed up to 12 months in Belize.
Travelers from the USA, Canada, UK, and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Mexico. Upon arrival in country you are issued a 30 to 90 day visa. All travelers need to carry a valid passport. If your program lasts longer than the visa provided upon entry to the country, an extension is easily obtained while in country. Visa extensions can be made for up to 6 months in Mexico.
Travelers from the USA, Canada, UK and most European countries MUST HAVE A PREARRANGED VISA to enter India. These visas are easily obtained via the Indian Embassy in your country but require some time to process. Each volunteer is responsible for obtaining his/her own visa along with all the associated costs (between US$60 - 80). Volunteers should apply for a regular tourist visa. In the US and Canada these can be applied for via mail but be careful as you must apply to the embassy or consul that corresponds to the state or province you live in. In the UK you can apply via mail or in person at the embassy. Although the processing time is usually between a week and ten days please allow at least one month for your visa to process. See the following sites for more information (or consult the Indian Embassy in your country if you are not from the US, UK or Canada).
US - http://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com
UK - http://www.hcilondon.net/index.jsp
Canada - http://www.hciottawa.ca/
Travelers from the USA, Canada, UK and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Thailand. 30 day tourist visas are issued to most nationalities upon entry to Thailand and can be extended once, for 10 or 30 days, by visiting your nearest immigration department before the expiration date. It is also rather easy to join a full-day visa-extension tour, leave the country for a couple hours, and re-enter Thailand at any border post for a new 30 day visa. (There are limits to how many times you can do this. ProWorld discourages this as a method for extending one’s stay in Thailand for long periods, as the rules & regulations often change.) 60 day tourist visas are also available through Thai Embassies in your home country, before you arrive in Thailand. Once in Thailand you can also renew this visa for a further 10 or 30 days. More information is available in the ProThailand welcome package. Participants are also encouraged to research on their own behalf visa rules and regulations ahead of time. More information on requirements and the application process can be found at www.thaiembassy.org.
Q: What vaccines or inoculations do I need to get prior to my program?
A: No specific inoculations are required to travel to Peru, Belize, Mexico, India, or Thailand. However tetanus-diphtheria and measles boosters should be current for each participant and for Peru and Belize we recommend a yellow fever vaccination. The Center for Disease Control recommends vaccinations for typhoid and Hepatitis A for Peru, Belize, India and Thailand and Hepatitis B for India and Thailand. We recommend that you consult a travel physician and your family physician prior to the trip.
Q: What are the political and safety situations like in Peru, Belize, Mexico, India, and Thailand?
A: Although political situations do arise in our host communities, due to the nature of our community-based development work and our close relationships with the communities in the Sacred Valley and Cusco, Peru; San Ignacio, Belize; Oaxaca, Mexico; Mysore, India; and Chiang Mai, Thailand we have been able to avoid problems based on political situations.
Participants are strongly encouraged to read up on current political, environmental, social, and health situations in ProWorld host countries in order to be familiar with current issues.
Q: What is the health care like?
A: The quality of medical treatment is good in Urubamba and Cusco, Peru; San Ignacio, Belize; Oaxaca, Mexico; Mysore, India; and Chiang Mai, Thailand for most medical issues. There are hospitals in Cusco and Urubamba, San Ignacio, Oaxaca, Mysore, and Chiang Mai that provide quality care for any major medical issues. Also, our relationship with local clinics and numerous doctors has been well developed through groups and interns that have worked with them.
Please visit the Safety and Health page to find out more.
Q: Why Pay to Volunteer?
A: ProWorld has established long-term relationships with our host communities that would be impossible to build without long-term contributions. Individual volunteers may come and go, but ProWorld maintains its presence and relationships. ProWorld provides on-site intensive orientation that you wouldn't get on your own. We provide the infrastructure to allow you to make a difference. We provide safe and caring homestay environments that would be impossible to create right after getting off a plane. Our staff is on-site to provide support for you and they know the people, communities, and countries.
Q: Where does my money go?
A: ProWorld Service Corps employs a development model which functions entirely on volunteer paid tuition(s). This gives us great flexibility in our project selection and execution, allows us to work based on community need, and eliminates third party influence. The challenge is that we have to support a multinational organization using these same funds.
"Where does my money go?" is a common and appropriate question from participants. Volunteers can clearly see their money in use in the program activities. However, some of ProWorld’s expenses are less obvious because they are indirectly related to the volunteer experience or support the organization as a whole. For example: maintenance of the website, renting office space at our program sites, and visits to investigate potential community development projects. Other costs include marketing and administration, an IT specialist, ProWorld executives, and above all, a year round staff of dedicated professionals. Plus, the majority of ProWorld volunteers join during the summer months, however ProWorld maintains year round support of projects and communities. All these elements are essential to ensure an experience of unparalleled quality.
Even with those expenses, the vast majority of volunteer funds are applied to program and field costs such as direct project contributions, a personalized myproworld website, phone calls from onsite staff to prepare volunteers, local staff members’ salaries, homestay family expenses, program materials, insurance, transportation, international communication, and recreation and excursions. These expenses total approximately 86% of volunteer program fees. The remaining 14% goes to general administrative costs in the US and UK.
ProWorld has contributed in excess of $100,000 directly to community projects and infused over $1.4M into our host communities, based on this business and development model.
Q: What if I have any other questions?
A: Don't hesitate to email us at info@myproworld.org or call 1.877.42WORLD in the US and Canada and 0.870.750.7202 in the UK and Europe.
