FAQs

When is the trip?

This varies depending on the country where you serve. Typically, our 4-6 week programs take place in June and July. Our 10-14 day trips take place in the spring (March) or in the summer (June and July). 

How much does it cost?

This summer, our 10-14 day trips will cost around $3,300–$3,500, and our 4-5 weeks trips will range from $4,950–$5,300. These costs may vary, so check with your candidate advisor for the final cost of your specific trip.

What does my financial profile include?

• International travel
• Food and housing
• Sightseeing opportunities
• Medical and evacuation coverage
• Orientation, training, and debriefing
• Visa and document processing
• Support development materials
• Donor receipting
• Teaching curriculum
• Screening and team placement
• Contracts with individual host schools

What does my financial profile not include?

• Domestic airfare to and from the designated gateway city
• Domestic baggage fees
• Postage and preparation of your newsletters
• Optional spending money ($200–$400 suggested)
• Obtaining or renewing a passport (visit www.usps.com/passport for current costs)

Note: ELIC allows participants to raise additional funds and to be reimbursed from those funds for the actual costs of domestic airfare and up to $250 toward additional expenses.

How will I get help to prepare?

ELIC personnel are available to help you from the first time contact is made, up until you depart for the summer. This includes guidance in everything from raising support to figuring out what documents are needed in order to serve. We want to make sure all of your questions are answered!

The Engage program begins with a week of training and Orientation upon arrival in your host country. This preparation will focus on your own development, team building, curriculum, and cross-cultural training. The goal of Orientation is to provide you with the confidence and education you will need for the most memorable and rewarding summer.

Do you provide help with raising support?

Absolutely! ELIC successfully prepares and sends hundreds of volunteer participants to Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa every year. We will provide you with a variety of tools and resources to help you build a strong support team. Some of these helpful tools include

• Support-raising guide
• Donor cards with your information on them
• Prepaid return envelopes for easy giving
• An online portal for you to track all donations/donor information
• Support letter samples
• Access to support-raising videos
• Additional suggested reading

In addition to providing you with these resources, ELIC’s Engage team all have previous experience raising support and have specific knowledge on how to get you there.

When is the application deadline?

The final application deadline is May 1. Early application is highly recommended as we have limited spots available.

Do I need a passport before I can apply?

You can apply for Engage even if you don’t yet have a passport. You are encouraged to apply for your passport as soon as possible. Once you have been accepted, you will be required to send us a scan of your passport so we can secure your visa and international flights. If you wait too long, you will need to pay additional fees to expedite your passport application.

How do I get a visa?

Visa forms will be provided for you to complete and return to ELIC by a specified date. ELIC staff will then work with the appropriate consulate to secure your visa.

Will I need vaccinations?

Vaccinations may be recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) for the specific area where you will be traveling and you should consult your physician for guidance related to your health and any known conditions.  Vaccines may be required for entry as dictated by the government of the program country and would then be necessary for program participation.

How much luggage can I take with me?

Each participant is limited to one piece of checked luggage weighing no more than 40 pounds. In addition, carry-on luggage is limited to one bag weighing no more than 20 pounds and one smaller personal item such as a purse or laptop bag weighing no more than seven pounds.

Where will I stay?

Depending on the country that you’re traveling to, your living situation will vary. Typically, our teachers live in a dorm-like setting, an apartment, or a guesthouse with their team near the location where they are teaching. Teachers do not live with host families.

Is it safe?

Our teachers’ safety and security is a top priority for our organization. ELIC’s Security Management Team, along with our global network of experts in safety and security, carefully monitor events that take place in all countries of service. We regularly review the needs related to placement in these locations down to the city level. In addition to our extensive safety and security policies and procedures, we have developed a rigorous training program for those serving in challenging locations. ELIC strives to prepare our teachers for any possible safety or security issues, no matter how unlikely.

Do I have to speak the local language?

No. The students you’ll be teaching, and the administration and faculty on the school campus, are already able to speak at least basic English.

Can my friends and I go on the same team?

ELIC encourages team participation and will work with you to place friends on the same team according to your preference. ELIC staff will be glad to talk with you about how to find more students from your school, staff from your work, or even family members to serve with you this summer.

When will I know if I have been accepted?

Our team will follow up with you regarding the next steps after ELIC receives your completed application.