Q. Why volunteer abroad?
Volunteering is based on the concept of giving through the donation of your time, your skills, your energy and often just simply your presence to help others in need. However, while volunteers have a tremendous effect on the people they work with, you will very rarely find a volunteer who feels they have given more than they have received. The lessons and benefits that a volunteer receives while volunteering are endless and can include increased self confidence and social awareness, development of life skills, personal growth, friendship and building of independence. Furthermore, volunteering can help to enhance career prospects. Not only do volunteers increase their skill base, work experience and international contacts through volunteering, employees often look favorably upon those that are willing to go outside of their comfort zone and give up their time to assist other.

Q. Why pay to volunteer?
As a volunteer you are giving up your time and your skills to help those in need, therefore many people fail to see why they should also have to pay to volunteer. Prospective volunteers are surprised to learn that many programs charge their volunteers a fee to participate. At first, this can seem ridiculous, why should you pay money to work for free? Aren't you already forgoing income you could be making? Here are a few things to keep in mind while trying to understand why the vast majority of programs charge international volunteers a fee: All short-term international volunteer programs have a program fee which covers the expenses of operating the program and are used to pay for expenses associated with your stay such as food, accommodation, transport, orientation and staff salaries to ensure your volunteering stay in the country goes as smoothly as possible. Click here To see exactly where your volunteers fee goes.

Q. How do I volunteer with September 10?
Click here to see the online application process for September 10 or simply apply online now.

Q. Can we volunteer as a group? 
Yes. September 10 accepts group booking and can even organize special projects and discount rates, please email us to find out more about a specific program.

Q. Can I volunteer with a friend(s) or partner?
Yes. September 10 can ensure you are placed in the same accommodation and project as a friend or partner. All we ask is that when you apply you make a note on the application form with your friend's name stating with who you wish to be placed together.

Q. Do I need specific skills or qualifications to volunteer?
Generally the only requirement for volunteers is to be fluent in English. However, in most of the medical and health placements, volunteers must be qualified or training in a relevant medical field (documentation be presented to partner organization on arrival in host country).

Q. Which countries do volunteers come from?
Volunteers come from a variety of countries but we find the majority come from countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France and Japan.

Q. Is travel insurance included in the program costs?
In order to keep costs as low as possible for the volunteer we do not include travel insurance in our fees as we have found that generally volunteers can acquire it cheaper by getting it privately. While travel insurance is not compulsory to volunteer on our programs, we do recommend it.

Q. Do I require a visa to travel to Kenya?
You will have to get some type of VISA preferably tourist visa but more information is provided on this when you sign up to our program.

Q. Will September 10 provide a reference or act as a referee for me once I finish volunteering?
Yes, September 10 will provide you with a reference and certificate on completion of your volunteering period. Furthermore, we are usually more than happy to act as a referee after consultation with our partner organization in your host country.

Q. What is the accommodation and meals like?
In most cases volunteers stay with host families. You get a comfortable and safe room and many of your daily needs will be attended too. With some families you might have to share a room with a brother or sister or even another volunteer. We vet these carefully before deciding to place them and find generally people prefer the benefits of a host family. We let you know as much in advance where you will be staying and if there are any changes.

Q. Do I need to be able to speak the local language?
Luckily for us, you don't have to be fluid in Swahili which is the national language. The level of people speaking good English is excellent. But knowing some common Swahili phrases is an excellent ice breaker and during your orientation we shall give you some local tips. For all our programs, the only language you require is English. In a lot of cases our partner organization will provide you with a basic language course to assist you in your day to day activities and you will pick up a lot of phrases and terms over your volunteering period.

Q. What happens when we first arrive?
A.   We pick you up from the airport and drive you to town. After a rest, meal, and night sleep or whatever you require we take you to for a one day orientation before we take you to your accommodation. After which we take you to your placement. You will have plenty of time on arrival to ask questions and get organized before you are introduced to your chosen project. The whole experience is not formal and the pace is dictated by you.

Q. How can I communicate with home from Kenya?
A. When you arrive we can show you where to get Safaricom (Vodafone Kenya) or Zain Sim cards for your mobile phones. Its cheap to text Europe and America using these. Alternatively, we will show you where the nearest internet cafe is so you can send email.

Q. What if I am taken ill?
A. It's not uncommon to have some small stomach problems early on as you adjust to the food. If you are in need of Hospital treatment be sure to carry your travel insurance details with you.  We have local arrangements with a local Hospital to take care of you if you fall ill. We also take copies prior to you going and will assist you where ever we can. If you follow our guidelines in the travel pack you are unlikely to fall seriously ill! 

Q. Is it possible to stay longer?
A. Yes. We can normally increase time at a project, and accommodation, with a little notice. You must, however, be aware that a longer stay may necessitate a visa extension and additional fee. This would be your responsibility.

Q. What's the food like?
A. Kenya is a real mixture. The different tribes have different staple foods. You will diffentently get a taste of Kenyan culture when you eat Ugali, Githeri, Mukimo weekend “Nyama Choma” roast meat. Most families eat a combination of Fish, Chicken and beef with mostly beans and rice. In the cities you can get pretty much everything you can in Europe. Food for vegetarians is limited.

Q. How long do people go for?
A. Most volunteers stay for 1 to 3 months. Our placements are flexible because unlike many organizations our program is made to suit you.

Q. The donation, what is it?
A. On most placements we give a cash donation for spending during the volunteers time at the project. We have conditions with the placements how it is spent to ensure value to beneficiaries

Q. When is my placement fully confirmed?
A. When its paid! As places are limited its only fair to give them to those serious about going. Payment must be made in full 3 months before departure to secure you placement. This is purely because we have enough time to transfer funds and secure your project with the various people in Kenya in will involve. This allows for better management and organization and avoids any last minute delays that can disrupt you visits.

Q. Can September 10 help with fundraising?
Yes. When you register with September 10, we will provide you with a free guide to some great fundraising tips and ideas to help you raise the funds to travel abroad and volunteer.

Q. Can I take time out from volunteering to go sightseeing?
Yes, our programs are very flexible and often encourage you to take time out from volunteer work to travel and explore the country. Our partner organizations also have partner tourist organizations and contacts to make this easier for you. Everyday after the work is over you’ll have the evenings to yourself. There will be plenty of time to explore the city of your placement. You can utilize weekends for in-country travel. September 10 has tie-ups with most popular travel & tour operators and offer you the best value for your money through their unbeatable packages for in-country travel.

Q. What means of Transport is available?
The easiest way to travel in Kenya is to use a “Matatu”. These are public transport vans that carry up to 13 passengers. There are buses and special taxis if need be also but buses only go to certain long distance journeys. If you need to travel to other towns, there are intercity buses and trains as well. You will have someone to accompany you if you need to travel to a market or a mall. You need not worry about loosing your way.

If you can’t find answer to your question here, feel free to write to us: info@September10rc.org  and we will be more than happy to answer your queries.