Why does CHOICE run humanitarian expeditions?
What about the projects?
What is our goal on an expedition?
How safe are expeditions?
What do I pack?
Do I need to know the language?
What shots do I need?
Do I need a visa?
Can I bring my children?
Can I bring special equipment or projects?
Can I get academic credit?
How many people go on each expedition?
Who are the participants?
Who leads the expedition?
Do I need any skills?
Can I go if I have health requirements?
Do you accommodate special diets?
Do I need to be young and physically active?
Do we have free time?
Is CHOICE affiliated with any religious organization?
Why does CHOICE run humanitarian expeditions?
Expeditions fit into CHOICE's mission to promote public awareness about poverty and the global community. Expeditions are not designed to be a long-term solution for a village. Our goals for participants are more intangible. An expedition is meant to be an experience, a time to think and a time to reevaluate one's perspective on the world. It is a time to build relationships that will endure time and physical separation. Most of all, we hope that people will return home and retain a commitment to humanitarian service.
What about the projects?
The expedition project does not begin and end with the expedition. Villagers spend the months leading up to the expedition preparing for the project and will usually continue the work after it leaves. All work and methods should be repeatable by the villagers long after the expedition is over. For this reason, all work is based on simple technologies and local resources. Participants play a vital role in the project by showing the villagers that people outside their area care about villagers' livelihood and that change and progress is possible.
What is our goal on an expedition?
Expeditions have three main goals.
1) To energize the village: Expeditions give villagers an opportunity to focus on a specific date and group arrival so they can get the project together and make it happen.
2) Inter-cultural exchange: Expeditions provide the villagers and participants alike the opportunity to learn about another culture in a unique environment.
3) To allow participants to truly learn how to be effective humanitarians: Expeditions expose participants to the principles of development and allow the unique opportunity to see development dollars at work. Participants learn how to direct their humanitarian intentions responsibly.
How safe are expeditions?
Each area where CHOICE works is monitored carefully by a number of agencies with interests in that particular country. CHOICE is in contact with each of these agencies to gauge risks. While traveling abroad always has certain risks, trips have been cancelled if expedition leaders are not confident they can ensure the safety of the group. The people CHOICE serves and the groups they collaborate with go out of their way to make sure expeditions are safe. Villagers enjoy working and sharing with expedition participants, which makes them very protective of their new friends.
What do I pack?
Participants will receive a Preparation Manual in the mail shortly after signing up for an expedition. This manual will include a complete packing list specific to your expedition and will outline all preparation steps. However, no one should plan on bringing expensive equipment. A sturdy pair of shoes should be the most expensive thing you bring. Expedition participants must be sensitive to the disparity between themselves and the villagers who may only own one shirt and a pair of pants. Looking too privileged will only create resentment.
Do I need to know the language?
Knowledge of the local language is not necessary. Interpreters are provided in every village, but knowing a few phrases goes a long way in creating goodwill among the villagers. There are many excellent language tapes available in bookstores and public libraries.
What shots do I need?
Each country has its own immunization requirements. Proof of some immunizations is often required upon entry, so participants should bring their yellow immunization card in their carry-on luggage. We follow the CDC guidelines for recommended immunizations, but suggest you set up an appointment with your local travel clinic to get the most updated information. Specific information is included in the Preparation Manual.
Do I need a visa?
Some countries require a visa for entry. A single-entry, standard visa is included in the Participant Cost; however, if participants plan to visit other countries and re-enter into the expedition country, a multiple-entry or other visa may be required and will incur extra charges. Participants are responsible for visas for countries other than the expedition destination. The CHOICE office will need your passport and visa application two months prior to departure in order to allow enough time for processing. Participants not meeting this deadline or signing up late will need to request a rushed visa process and pay the extra charge.
Can I bring my children?
Expeditions can be wonderful opportunities for whole families. Seeing and appreciating a different culture in such a personal way can be a life-changing experience. However, children should be old enough to be able to handle such a dramatic change in lifestyle for a week. Parents should contact the CHOICE office to discuss expedition appropriateness for youth. While there is no set minimum age, children should be at least 13 or 14 years old. Individual expedition participants should be at least 18 years old.
Can I bring special equipment or projects?
Yes. Special interests are encouraged but must be approved in advance by the Expedition Leader.
Can I get academic credit?
Check with your college or university advisor and/or International Center. Past participants have been awarded academic credit based on subject relevance to their field of study.
How many people go on each expedition?
Village Expeditions must have a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 25 people (including the Leaders). CHOICE has found that larger groups have a negative impact on the dynamics of a village experience.
World Explorer Expeditions are limited to 15 people. This allows for a more intimate learning environment and expedition experience.
Who are the participants?
In 2001, participants ranged from 10 to 67 years old with an average age of 29. Fifty-nine percent were female and forty-one percent were male. Expeditions groups typically contain at least one family.
Who leads the expedition?
All our expeditions are led by trained Expedition Leaders. Leaders are chosen for their leadership skills, prior experience in and knowledge of the country and their ability to represent CHOICE's mission and expedition goals. They are not tour guides. Leaders are all devoted to pursuing CHOICE's goal of sustainable development and welcome any questions you might have. Most groups will have a Leader and Co-leader to provide ample attention to all participants.
Do I need any skills?
No. Most village projects involve simple technologies that can be learned on site. Participants with experience in building, water engineering, machinery or other engineering may be of extra use during an expedition and should let their Leader know before departure. Medically trained professionals are especially encouraged to join expeditions. These participants are useful for women and men's health discussions and also to tend to the group's health in the village.
Can I go if I have health requirements?
Some expeditions are more suited to participants with health requirements than others. Bolivia expeditions are always in villages at altitudes above 12,000 feet, which can be strenuous even for healthy participants. Nepal expeditions require hiking in to all villages, with each person carrying in their own belongings. Viet Nam expeditions require that participants sleep in hotels, so it is often more comfortable for participants with special needs. Mexico and Kenya are also good choices. Please contact the office with specific concerns.
Do you accommodate special diets?
CHOICE recognizes that allergies, vegetarian needs or special diets often dictate a participant's food needs. CHOICE will do its best to accommodate any special diets when advance notice is given. Food in the village usually reflects local diets and available produce, so it may not always be possible to determine the menu ahead of time or accommodate every desire. Participants are encouraged to bring their own snack foods to satisfy personal tastes.
Do I need to be young and physically active?
No. Most projects require tasks for every activity level. All participants can partake in the shadowing and intercultural exchange activities regardless of fitness level. However, please be realistic about your own abilities and consult with the CHOICE office about any concerns.
World Explorer expeditions may be more suitable for participants unaccustomed to camping or sleeping on the floor.
Do we have free time?
There is no schedule dictating your time in the village. Each participant is encouraged to take part in whichever activity suits his or her mood or health. Evenings are often spent hanging out at the village basketball court or soccer field. The village experience is meant to be eye opening, not a work camp. Leaders will encourage time off to get to know the people.
Is CHOICE affiliated with any religious organization?
CHOICE Humanitarian has established itself operationally as a non-denominational, non-political organization. CHOICE has built trust and acceptance in the countries where it operates through commitment to humanitarian objectives in both word and deed. Our organizational standing depends on the fact that we have no political or religious agendas. Our only agenda is humanitarian.
On each expedition, it is critically important that participants are aware of their role in maintaining the relationships that have been built by conducting themselves as humanitarian ambassadors. It is vital that each of us is sensitive to fact that we must leave behind any and all political or religious agendas in order to maintain the trust which has been established.
The purity of our motives is proven by our collective actions over time. Each expedition is an important verification of our mission--that we do indeed work and live with the people out of a sincere desire to help them lift themselves out of abject poverty. |
Types of Expeditions
