Requirements for volunteers

1. Applicants must be over 18 years old

2. They must be able to communicate fluently in English and must be covered by a personal health insurance policy

3. The minimum period of participation is 5 weeks. Exception of 4 weeks can be made for returning volunteers (must be agreed on before acceptance!)

4. Longer stay of volunteers is mostly preferred as it effects the quality of the work. In case of having more applicants then need, longer term volunteers are prioritised

5. Returning volunteers are prioritised as experience is a key element on a better work.

6. A combination of participation in more than one projects is possible if the duration of stay in the second one is 4 weeks or long

7. Applicants must be in very good health and in good physical shape due to the projects’ physically-demanding tasks and living conditions

8. Volunteers are selected on an individual basis

9. Only those volunteers who have been formally accepted will be allowed to participate in the projects.

10. The application process includes the following steps:

        a. filling in and submitting the official EKAD online application form
        b. the receipt of an acceptance letter by email from EKAD which includes a list of additional requirements relating to items such as payment of fees, etc. which must be submitted in a period of 30 days following the acceptance letter
        c. Volunteers must submit all the documents listed on the acceptance letter by email and pay the fee, in order for their participation to be confirmed by EKAD. Please make sure your participation is confirmed (in other words, that you have completed all the requirements specified by EKAD in the acceptance letter) before you arrive at the project

11. Volunteers must be prepared to share in a communal life, and to live and perform their duties in both populated and secluded areas, often as members of small teams and usually under harsh conditions. Although relevant experience is not necessary, the ability to live and co-operate with people of different cultures and backgrounds is essential

12. Volunteers are trained and supervised by field leaders and experienced project members. They must be prepared to participate in every aspect of the project (Including daily camp duties; like cleaning, cooking etc.). Duties are allocated by the field leaders and may include duties throughout the night or long hours during the day

13. Fieldwork includes duties in the heat and humidity (sometimes for up to 6 hours), and walking long distances or up/downhill to reach some of the sites. With an average level of fitness, this is manageable, but please be prepared that the duties can be hard and exhausting but with the right mind set it and team work it is still manageable and fun!

14. Time off is arranged in full days off and is granted according to the needs of the project. The general rule is one day off for approximately every ten days of participation and days off cannot be taken in a row