HOPE worldwide Volunteer Corps (HVC) - General Volunteer Program

HOPE worldwide Volunteer Corps (HVC)

A faith-based volunteer program focusing on leadership training and community service throughout the world. Brings people from different backgrounds together to work with HOPE worldwide programs globally, serving the world's poor.

Program Locations

• North American trips (US/Canada/Mexico)
• International trips (Germany, Kenya, Zambia, Philippines, Nepal, Romania, and others)

Eligibility Requirements

Age Requirements:

• North American trips: Ages 15 and older
• International trips (non-North America): Non-US participants ages 15 and over
• US participants on international trips: Must be 18 within three months of trip OR ages 15-18 with chaperone over 21
• First-time US participants on select international trips: Ages 17 and over (turning 17 within three months) without chaperone on trips to Germany, Kenya, Zambia, Philippines, Nepal, Romania
• Parents with children: Allowed; age depends on specific program
• Disciples and non-disciples: Both welcome if meeting program standards and integrity requirements

Selection Criteria:

• Application submission
• Recommendations from references
• Demonstrated heart to serve

Fees and Costs

• Application Deposit: $400 (non-refundable once accepted; refunded if not accepted)
• Participation Fee Breakdown (typical 2-week program):
  • 1/4 accommodation costs
  • 1/4 meals and transportation
  • 1/4 service and recreational activities
  • 1/4 operational costs (processing fees, background checks, risk management, application, travel insurance, fund transfer charges, site leader costs)
• Full payment required: One lump sum payment by deadline; no partial payments accepted
• Travel insurance included for sites outside US and Canada

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Transportation (on-site)
• Service and recreational activities
• Travel insurance (international sites)
• Processing, background checks, risk management

Geographic Scope

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Germany
• Kenya
• Zambia
• Philippines
• Nepal
• Romania
• Other international locations

Health and Safety Considerations

• Programs may involve impoverished neighborhoods and countries with poor living standards, unclean or dangerous environments, unstable political climates
• HOPE worldwide takes reasonable precautions (warnings, vaccination recommendations, education)
• Participants assume risks largely beyond HOPE worldwide's control
• Special dietary meals NOT available (meal variety provided)
• Immunizations: Not required; basic tetanus and vaccines strongly encouraged; consult doctor for recommendations

Visa and Travel Requirements

• Visa responsibility: Participant's responsibility (not HOPE worldwide staff)
• Visa assistance: Participants may use travel agencies or visa processing services at their own cost
• Passport: Required; specific expiration requirements vary by destination
• Flight recommendations: Book early; choose reputable major airlines; avoid flights with multiple layovers, Istanbul/France layovers, or discount Chinese airlines
• Flight insurance: Participants strongly advised to purchase refundable or changeable flights and trip insurance with "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage
• HOPE worldwide not responsible for: Additional participant fees (visas, flights, travel agency costs)

Refund Policy

• Once accepted: $400 deposit is non-refundable
• Transfer option: Deposit transferable to different site in same calendar year if not attending originally accepted program
• Cannot transfer: Deposit cannot transfer to another volunteer or different calendar year
• Less than 45 days before trip: No refund of participation fee or deposit; can transfer payments to another trip in same calendar year (not December trips)
• HOPE worldwide cancels trip: Refund of participation fee minus deposit offered, or placement on another trip; if transferred to higher-fee trip, participant pays difference; funds applied to lower-fee trip if applicable
• Trip cancelled after payment deadline: HOPE worldwide will evaluate refund percentage but cannot guarantee refund
• HOPE worldwide not responsible for: Visa costs, flight costs, changes to participant travel plans
• Trip cancellation reasons: Political unrest, natural disaster, unsafe conditions, other unsuitable situations

Contact Information

• Address: HOPE worldwide, 290 Interstate North Circle SE Suite 130, Atlanta, GA 30339
• Phone: 1-833-446-7399 (-4HOPEww)
• Email: hope.worldwide@hopeww.org
• Media inquiries: media@hopeww.org
• Organization: 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN: 04-3129839

How to Apply

Application Process:

1. Visit hopeww.org and locate the application link in the navigation bar
2. Fill out the complete online application form
3. Pay $400 non-refundable deposit
4. Arrange for recommendations to be submitted by your chosen references
5. Application is processed once all three steps are complete

Timeline:

• Applications accepted on rolling admissions basis
• Applications typically reviewed weekly
• Applicants who pay deposit and submit recommendations quickly will be accepted faster and have better chance of first-choice program selection
• Acceptance email will include program information and next steps

Required Materials:

• Completed online application form
• $400 deposit payment
• Student applicants: Two recommendations
• Non-student applicants: Three recommendations (additional requirement if serving in children's programs)
• ICOC applicants: At least one recommendation from ministry staff (church leaders, church staff, ministry leaders, or in congregations without full-time staff, lay leader of good standing or HOPE worldwide Chapter leader)

Recommendation Requirements:

• Recommendation form link sent automatically to chosen references
• References should be people who can speak to your character
• Family members may NOT submit recommendations
• References receive confirmation email after proper submission
• Applicants receive email notification of submitted recommendations

Payment Details:

• $400 deposit required to process application
• Deposit non-refundable once accepted
• Deposit refunded if applicant is NOT accepted
• Remaining participation fee must be paid in one lump sum before payment deadline
• No partial payments accepted
• No participant allowed on trip if full fee not paid

Payment Deadline:

• Specified in acceptance email
• Varies by program start date