What is the age limit? Volunteers leave in late August or early September. You should normally be between 17 and 19 at this time. You should be in full-time education up to the time of going abroad. Project Trust does not accept applications from graduates, but will consider those who are doing a foundation course at college or university.

How many people get selected? We match about 80% of applicants to a project.

Do I have to be British? No. You do however need an EU passport. Although Project Trust is a UK-based organisation (with company and charity registration in Scotland), we regularly send volunteers from other EU countries. We have well-established links with schools in Ireland and the Netherlands. Your passport needs to be valid until after your scheduled return home.

When would I leave? Generally you will leave in late August or early September and return in time for debriefing in early September. Air travel to your project country is usually organised from London.

What academic qualifications do I need? Project Trust volunteers are all working alongside local people as valued members of staff. Hosts expect a certain level of academic achievement and this would normally mean having qualifications that would gain you entry into higher education
(e.g. A-levels, Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate, IB or equivalent).

Are there any other skills or qualifications that I will need? On selection we take into consideration what your skills and subjects are in order to match you to the best possible project. For example if you were gifted at art perhaps you might like to teach art at a school in the Dominican Republic.

Do I get to choose my country? During the selection course you will learn about the countries and projects on our programme. You have the opportunity to speak to staff who have visited all the projects or may even have been a Project volunteer in the country you are interested in. At the end of the course you choose the countries that most interest you and we then try and match your skills and interests to a suitable project.

What about my University application? Most Project Trust volunteers go into some form of higher education upon their return and we urge you to arrange this as soon as possible. Universities are very positive about the benefits of a gap year and volunteering with Project Trust may well enhance your UCAS (or similar) application. Most volunteers find that deferred entry is the best option, but it is possible to apply to University through the Internet when you are overseas. If you have to attend a University interview, in order to enhance your chances of entry, we will work closely with you to minimize the potential expense and disruption this might involve.

Will my University look favourably upon me taking a year out with Project Trust? Yes definitely. Universities regard a well-structured gap year very highly as it reflects personal qualities that are not seen through academic ability alone. Universities are aware of what a gap year can do for a young person. "Theoretical knowledge is good, and degrees often teach people self-discipline and independence, but a university education seldom teaches you those essential workplace skills which help people in their first jobs, so a well-planned year out which empowers people to use their initiative and develop vital team-working skills is invaluable." says Alexis Bleasdale of GVI.

What if I have health problems? It very much depends upon the nature of the problem. Some illnesses may affect where you’re placed, but it will not stop you from going overseas.

Will I be paid? Yes. Volunteers receive pocket money from Project Trust or the host overseas, which will be enough to live on, on a day-to-day basis.

Will I go alone? No. Volunteers go overseas in pairs, and sometimes threes and fours.

Where will I live? Your host will sort out your accommodation for you, and this will differ from project to project. You may have your own flat with your partner, live in school accommodation, in the orphanage, or occasionally with a family.

Can I go with a friend? Project Trust is all about the inspanidual, and creating the very best gap year for you. Therefore we find it difficult to place people together. However, you and your friend could both apply to Project Trust and have the Project Trust experience together, even if you do end up going to different countries.

What if my parents are worried about me taking a year out overseas? We understand the worry parents have about their son or daughter going overseas and can talk them through the process. We also have a parents’ support network of returned volunteers’ parents that we can put in touch with your parents. We hold annual meetings for parents, and your Desk Officer is always available for questions, advice and support.