AVI supports you on every step of your volunteer journey.  Our support services include:

Airfares

AVI will organise return airfares to your country of assignment, and will organise visa applications and work permits on your behalf.

Living allowances

What does the living allowance cover?

The living allowance on the Volunteer Program will enable you to live a live a modest local lifestyle. Payment will be made on a quarterly basis in Australian dollars and into an Australian bank account. This allowance takes into account food, travel, communication and other local costs. At the same time, it will not enable you to save large amounts of money or meet financial commitments at home, such as a mortgage or a personal loan. We set living allowances based on the cost of living in a particular country.

NB: Some international project positions will pay a different amount to the Volunteer Program. You will need to refer to the assignment description for the particular project.

What other financial support is provided?

If your assignment is over six months in duration, AVI will also provide you with a settling-in allowance. This allowance is designed to contribute towards the cost of passports, excess, baggage, initial food, household items and any other costs incurred during departure. The allowance is paid prior to departure by direct transfer to your Australian bank account.

A resettlement allowance is also provided and is designed to offset some of the costs of excess baggage, departure tax and en route and resettlement expenses. This is allowance is paid on completion of an assignment with a term of over six months.

Accommodation

Your host employer will usually organise accommodation for you, or you may share accommodation with another volunteer.  If accommodation is not immediately available, we will organise a guesthouse for you until long-term accommodation is found.

Training and preparation

Your preparation includes discussion with volunteers from your country of assignment, detailed readings and references, and a three-day comprehensive briefing before you depart. Briefing topics include aid and development, capacity building, assignment briefings, health and security advice, and cultural effectiveness training.

You will also participate in an orientation program when you arrive in country. The program may include language training if needed.

In-country support and advice

AVI now has an office in many countries where we work. In other areas, we have partnerships with local organisations to ensure that there is on-the-ground support available to our volunteers if needed.  Your AVI country manager can offer support and advice, whether they are on the ground or based in Australia.

Health care and emergency support

All AVI volunteers have a consultation with the Travel Medical and Vaccination Clinic before departure.  AVI will cover the costs of any recommended vaccinations and anti-malarial medication.

In country, AVI has a service that offers 24-hour emergency medical assistance and organises qualified local health care.  You will also receive a 24-hour emergency contact number.