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Why Volunteer with IEP?

Why volunteer through IEP?

Volunteer with IEP, the volunteer abroad experts and enjoy an unforgettable experience of living and working in a developing country.

Our History

Our parent company BUNAC was established in 1962 and is today recognised as a market leader in coordinating high quality, ethical volunteering programmes abroad. With over 49 years’ experience, and now providing volunteering programmes in Africa, Asia and the Americas, their expertise in establishing sustainable volunteer projects is unrivalled. Since 1997 BUNAC has continued to review the needs and demands of developing countries and young people and the programme portfolio has been and continues to expand accordingly. In 2004 IEP began sending New Zealanders to BUNAC’s existing volunteer destinations.

Our principles

IEP’s priority is to coordinate projects that make a genuine difference to the communities we work with. We ensure that our programmes are competitively priced, and we're proud that (on average) 70% of the programme fees go straight to the developing world.

Why pay to volunteer?

IEP is committed to coordinating projects that we are certain are genuinely worthwhile to local, underprivileged communities. This means that a good deal of time, and money, is invested in identifying local partners, establishing projects and constantly monitoring the programmes. Volunteers have the peace of mind that they are provided with 24/7 support from our local partners, and fees also cover services such as airport pickup, orientations and excursions. Further to this, accommodation and food is provided. Where volunteers stay with local families, the contribution that volunteers make to local families is an extremely valued source of income.
On average, 70% of programmes fees go to the developing country, so volunteers can be sure that their money is going where it should. Paying to volunteer means that volunteers make a valuable financial contribution to underprivileged communities as well contributing their time, and ensures that they receive expert help and support both in New Zealand and while they are away.
Programme fees also cover essential administration costs in New Zealand such the orientation interviews during which we discuss applicants’ skills, experiences and preferences. It would be totally against IEPs ethics to provide an underprivileged community with a volunteer who is unsuited to the project.

Where your fee goes?..

Programme costs (30%): Support and preparation, one-to-one interview session, programme handbook, country guidebook, T-shirt, visa support, programme marketing, staff salaries, office space and utilities.
In-country costs (70%): Project donation, accommodation, orientation, airport pick up, transfers, placement, food, partner administration costs and overheads including, staff salary, 24/7 support, office space.

Volunteer safety

Pre-departure Support:

Prior to departure, volunteers have an informal orientation interview with one of our volunteer programme coordinators. This ensures that volunteers have the opportunity to ask any questions they have and to tell us all about their skills, experiences and preference, so we can be confident that the programme is suitable for them. Volunteers are also given advice about local culture, what to take with them and how to stay safe and aware while they’re away. We’ll be in regular contact in the build up to departure, and if volunteers ever have any queries they can just pick up the phone! IEP will contact volunteers with finalised details of the project and accommodation 2-4 weeks before departure to ensure that there is time for the volunteer to prepare. This includes full details of the project, project address, volunteer job role, and working hours.

In-country support:

Volunteers are met at the airport by our local partners and given a 2-5 day orientation, through which they are introduced to local culture and customs and given all the essential details about life on the project. IEP’s in-country partners ensure that the projects run smoothly and that volunteers are happy and safe. Our partners offer 24/7 support to all volunteers so are fully able to address any concerns or problems that might arise. IEP will also be in regular contact from New Zealand, and volunteers are free to phone or email our Auckland office with queries while they are away.

Placements:

Projects are sourced by our in-country partners, who are able to identify local needs. It is important that we are not taking away jobs from local people, but instead are adding new skills and experience to share with the community. Working closely with our in-country partners, we are able to ensure that our projects are carefully monitored, that volunteers can make a real contribution and that the resources are in place to ensure that volunteers work in a safe, secure environment.

Homestays (where applicable):

All homestays are carefully vetted by our partners. Volunteers tend to stay with families that the in-country partner has worked with for many years, so are well experienced in providing volunteers with a home from home! All host families speak English, serve up wholesome, home cooked meals, and do all they can to ensure that the volunteer’s stay is as comfortable as possible.

Volunteer housing (where applicable):

All volunteer housing locations and buildings are carefully vetted by our partners. Locations are near to the partners main offices and have staff either onsite or nearby at all times. Volunteers will be in shared rooms and western facilities will be provided.

Membership of WYSE Work Abroad:

BUNAC and IEP are members of WYSE Work Abroad, a trade organisation that has over 150 members from 40 countries. All members adhere to a Code of Conduct, providing quality work abroad and volunteer programmes that protect the welfare of participants around the world.