USA Volunteer Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the free time options?
There is ample time after the workday to enjoy cultural activities and celebrations in your host community. This can include dance and musical performances, team sports, community theater, cooking, shopping, and hiking in natural areas and parks.
When should I arrive in and depart from the host country?
For Montana programs, plan your flight to arrive at the Great Falls International Airport in Great Falls, Montana (airport code GTF), before 1:30 PM on the first day of your service program.
Plan your departure from Great Falls for after 12:00 PM on the final day of your service program.
For West Virginia programs, plan your flight to arrive in Charleston, West Virginia (airport code CRW), before 4:00 PM on the first day of your service program.
Plan your departure from Charleston for after 10:00 AM on the final day of your service program.
For Minnesota programs, plan your flight to arrive at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (airport code MSP), before 3:00 PM on the first day of your service program.
Plan your departure from Minneapolis for after 1:00 PM on the final day of your service program. If you are driving, please let us know as well and we can send you directions to the community. This coordinated schedule will assist in assembling the team for transportation to the host community.
Global Volunteers official service program commences on the first Saturday of your service program with the evening meal. Any expenses that occur before the evening meal, other than airport pick-up within the window of arrival, are that of the volunteer.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes, provided you send your flight itinerary to Global Volunteers at least two weeks before your program start date and you arrive within the designated arrival window. Your team leader or a Global Volunteers representative will meet you and your teammates at the airport baggage area.
Can I drive to the host community?
Yes, you can find personal driving directions on Google Maps or Mapquest for each location. If you fly and rent a car at the gateway airport:
Minnesota: The gateway airport is Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP). The drive to Austin and Worthington, Minnesota from the airport averages three to four hours.
Montana: The gateway airport is Great Falls International (GTF). The drive to Browning takes about three hours.
West Virginia: The gateway airpot is Charleston (CRW). Beards Fork is an hour drive from the airport.
What are the volunteer lodging arrangements?
In Worthington, Minnesota, volunteers stay in cabins on a lake. Lodging is "dormitory style" in Austin, Minnesota, and Beards Fork, West Virginia. In Browning, Montana you will "camp" in Early Childhood Center classrooms.
What kind of meals are provided?
In all host communities, meals are plentiful and consist of American fare based upon the local culture. Depending on the location, most teams prepare their own breakfast and lunch, and dinners consist of a variety of options from local restaurants or are carefully prepared by local cooks. Strict vegetarian and other restrictive diets may not be accomodated.
