FAQs and the answers

Are the World Horizons trips safe? How about medical care?

We consider all World Horizons travelers our children. Nothing is more important than their welfare. We take the utmost care in choosing safe program sites for our trips and have local contacts in each destination, some of whom we've known for 20 years. We will gladly address your specific concerns personally. Following World Horizons' rules and regulations, and the instructions of their leaders, is essential to preserving each traveler's health and safety.

Who leads the groups?

We select World Horizons leaders based on their experience, maturity, and judgment. Many leaders are school teachers; many are returnees from the Peace Corps who have lived and worked abroad. All are fluent in the languages of the country they will visit. Each leader is required to be First Aid certified, and many leaders are also certified as Wilderness First responders. All leaders attend a spring training session, where the Directors explain World Horizons philosophy, expectations, and rules. Returning leaders share their experiences with newcomers, participating in role-playing and other exercises to better anticipate potential issues. For more information, call us!

What are our living conditions, and do we have toilets and showers?

Living conditions vary from trip to trip. Accommodations usually reflect the “norm” of the location you are visiting. In some locations, groups will be living in close quarters and participants need to be flexible and ready to compromise. Most locations have running water and flushing toilets. Some of these will be more primitive than you are used to. In some locations you will find conditions similar to what you have at home.

What is the food like? What about vegetarians?

The food is what you make of it! Your World Horizons group will live together as a family, shopping, cooking, and keeping house for yourselves. The chef roster rotates each day, with two travelers cooking the main meal. Foods generally reflect the local culture. For instance, in Central America, you can expect to be eating a great deal of rice and beans. We can accommodate vegetarians, and many other dietary restrictions - just let us know when you apply.

Does World Horizons do home stays?

Generally not. (Fiji, where the group stays with the tribal chieftain, is a rare exception.) Travelers have very full days full of new experiences. We believe evenings together allow them to relax, bond, and learn from each other in a supportive, communal setting.

How are World Horizons participants selected?

Since 1987, WHI participants have been selected based on their desire to do community service work and also by requesting references from a teacher and also a guidance counselor or school advisor. WHI makes every effort to be very clear and concise about the nature of a World Horizons experience and about our expectations of participants. WHI does not require participants to write essays for acceptance to our programs. The information on our web site, on our CD’s and the information you receive from former participants and WHI employees is what you can expect from a WHI program. It is up to you to understand this when choosing World Horizons for your summer experience.

What is expected of a World Horizons participant? May I bring a friend?

Of course - if you can share! A successful trip depends on individuals within the group learning about each other and working together. Meet new people! Your adventure begins with your group! Alex Lieppe, a 16-year old traveler from Atlanta, said: "It was the first time (going on a trip) where I didn't know anybody. It ended up turning out great. We all got our accents kind of confused. I got a few people saying 'y'all'."

How many hours of community service will I do, and will I get documentation for them?

Approximately 25-30 hours per week. This may vary. Certificates are completed and mailed at the end of the summer.

What do we do during our free time?

Time is built in for your relaxation and exploration. Depending on the trip you choose, you might spend evenings checking out the local town or village, playing games or sports, journal writing, or just talking. On weekends you might take short overnight trips to historic or scenic sites. Your weeks of service are rewarded at the end of the trip - the group chooses a location, and everyone heads out for 3 days of well-earned R&R!

What is World Horizons policy regarding alcohol, drugs and tobacco?

World Horizons has a zero tolerance. WHI does not allow alcohol, drugs or tobacco products. Students may not possess, use or purchase alcohol, drugs or cigarettes. In addition WHI does not allow any sexual relations. Participants in violation of this policy are dismissed from the program immediately and return home at their own expense. They will not receive a certificate of service for volunteer hours nor will they receive any refund of program expenses.

"... not only did my Spanish improve, but I felt productive and really feel like I experienced fully a whole new culture... I feel proud of what I did!"

Lela Ilyinsky, Connecticut
-- Costa Rica