Frequently Asked Questions

Is SpanAfrica a non-profit?
Yes, we are a 501c(3) registered non-profit organization in the United States. This means that we work for the betterment of those we serve, not to maximize profits. It also means that we provide tax receipts to any donating American citizens.

Is there an age requirement for volunteers?
SpanAfrica requires all volunteers travelling alone to be a minimum of 18 years. Individuals younger than this may volunteer in Africa if being accompanied by a legal guardian. Volunteers interested in doing fundraising and awareness campaigns can be of any age, and we are thrilled to work and support young students and individuals wanting to take initiative to get involved!

How long is a GrowAbroad trip?
SpanAfrica has no limitations for arrival dates. Volunteers are required to spend a minimum of three weeks at a placement to ensure that their time can be productive and valuable to the organization and allow for jet lag and gain grounding in the new culture. There is no limit on how long volunteers may stay, though tourist visas generally need renewal after three months.

How late can I apply?
The further in advance you apply the more time you will have to prepare. If applying within two weeks of planned arrival a $40 charge will be applied to your application.

Can volunteers travel together?
Absolutely. SpanAfrica is glad to coordinate homestays and placements for pairs or small teams of volunteers wanting to live and work together. For groups larger than four, please contact our office before applying.

What can volunteers expect to do?
SpanAfrica has coordinated trips for volunteers ranging from college students, doctors, CEOs, families, and everything in between. For each volunteer we work hard to find relevant projects and placements within our partner organization network. Construction, agriculture, health, education, social care, microfinance, and environmental projects are all available, depending on interest, time commitments, and qualifications. See our volunteer page for some specific highlighted opportunities.

Where can GrowAbroad volunteers travel to within Africa?
SpanAfrica currently has volunteer infrastructure established in Kenya and Zambia. We continue to expand prudently to ensure quality and volunteer safety.

Will GrowAbroad volunteers be met at the airport?
Yes, volunteers are picked up from the airport by a Regional Director, provided a nights stay in the city and then given orientation the next day while they travel to their homestay to get settled in.

Can volunteers travel while in Africa?
Yes. Many volunteers choose to travel around on weekends to various sites within their country, and quite commonly volunteers will travel around after their placement.

Where do GrowAbroad volunteers stay?
SpanAfrica will place you in a homestay, which will provide you two meals a day, and a room with closet or shelf space. The homestay is a great way for getting to know the culture better, and having a warm place to come home to while you don’t need to worry about your meals. For volunteers staying two months or longer, apartment options are available.

Why does it cost money to volunteer (GrowAbroad only)?
When sending volunteers to Africa, we work hard to ensure that there is quality support and care. To not be a burden on local resources of the already generous Regional Directors, homestays, and partner organizations, funds are provided to match the expenses of hosting volunteers. The provided orientation, language and technical training, arranged accommodations, safety net, clear expectations are all ensured through SpanAfrica, and providing these things comes at a cost.

Why is SpanAfrica substantially less expensive than other Volunteer Organizations?
We believe that volunteers are incredible assets for grassroots organizations when partnered with quality preparation support and motivation to succeed. SpanAfrica does not fund its organization on the costs of the volunteer program, but charge volunteers only the most basic costs for meeting expenses incurred. Since our organization focuses on benefiting grassroots organizations through the best means possible, sending capable, prepared, and motivated volunteers is a valuable route for support, not an income generator.

What if I can’t go to Africa?
SpanAfrica has developed a program through which ‘at home’ volunteers from around the world can develop resources, answer questions, or promote specific partner organizations through awareness or fund-raising initiatives. These volunteers are called ‘GlobalReach’. This on-line volunteer system allows for connection to grassroots organizations and assisting in meeting their needs and furthering their work without ever needing to travel to that organization. Applications fees for this program are waived and very flexible to your interests, abilities, and time allowances.

If I live in Africa can I volunteer?
Absolutely. SpanAfrica strongly encourages local volunteerism initiatives, and is proud to have begun its AfricanRoots program to prepare and equip local youth and volunteers to get involved in the good work being done in their communities. Contact our head office and we will match you up with a partner organization (or help you find a grassroots humanitarian or development organization) within your region for free!

What are your standards for your Grassroots Partners?
Our partner organizations either apply or are referred to us. Beyond showing that they are a quality organization with potential for addressing their issue of niche the basic qualifiers they must meet and uphold are:

    1) A non-profit organization somehow addressing one or several Millennium Development Goals;
    2) Grassroots: locally started and run to address local issues;
    3) Uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Can volunteers fundraise?
Yes! SpanAfrica encourages volunteers to take time prior to traveling to fundraise towards their organization and project. Since our partner organizations are all grassroots and generally limited in funds for expansion or additional projects, volunteers need to be aware that some projects will have a small estimated budget attached to them. The better able to raise towards this amount the further your project can go. Volunteers are under no obligation to fundraise, though many past volunteers have valued the fact they had a small amount raised towards their project (from $40 to $18000, the sky is the limit!)

Do I need to learn other languages to volunteer?
English is a standard that all our partner organizations, directors, and homestays do business in. Beginning to learn a new local language is part of the adventure and can help at showing people you are interested in their culture. Language lessons can be requested from your Regional Director if you want to go above and beyond a core set of basic words. (Country packages will give you a basic start off to the relevant local language before you even arrive).

How do I apply?
Use our on-line application form. Applications for GrowAbroad volunteers require a $50 deposit, which can be paid online at the end of the application to reserve your space via Paypal, or by check to the listed address.

Send an email to info at spanafrica dot org, providing your intent and we will email you the relevant application form. For GrowAbroad volunteers a deposit of $50 can be paid online at the end of the application to reserve your space via Paypal, or by check to the listed address.

Does SpanAfrica financially support your partners?
Our partners are all autonomous organizations, built and funded locally. To ensure they maintain the power of this autonomy, we do not fund any day-to-day operations, but direct funds only towards specific projects that will enhance or expand the work of the organization and that will not leave them in anyway dependent upon SpanAfrica, its volunteers, or our donor base.

Whenever they receive a volunteer their internet and preparation expenses are covered by SpanAfrica to ensure we are never a burden on their time or resources.

Do I need to be an American citizen to volunteer with SpanAfrica?
No, we accept and encourage volunteers from all over the world to get involved! SpanAfrica has worked with volunteers from five continents already.

How safe are SpanAfrica GrowAbroad volunteer trips?
We take volunteer safety very seriously. Before any volunteers enter a stable region, we establish emergency medical and evacuation procedures with our regional directors should there be any issues. If you have specific questions regarding your own health or needs please ask. Visit the list of our Grassroots Partners to learn of the volunteer opportunities.

What sort of dietary options are there?
Homestays are accommodating for vegetarianism options. Further dietary restrictions may be discussed case by case.

What does SpanAfrica view as violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Blocking services from anyone based on gender, religion, ethnicity, tribe, health status (eg. HIV positive), or political difference; child abuse by corporal punishment, emotional or sexual harm are all strictly viewed as violations of the UDHR. Volunteers with any issues with these standards should discuss these before applying. Read the UDHR here.