Support

At Projects Abroad Pro we pride ourselves on providing first class support and guidance for all of our volunteers, before, during and after their time spent overseas. Below is an example of the process that a volunteer will go through when taking part in one of our projects and the support they will receive along the way:

Pre-Departure

Projects Abroad office in Thailand

Make a phone call – we have a team of highly experience support staff available to take your call and advise you about the best way to use your skills on one of our projects. They will take the time to work out exactly what you want to do and then tailor a project to suit your needs and timescale.
Complete your application – the application process can be completed over the phone, online via our website or by post. Whichever method you choose, guidance is available and our support staff will welcome any questions you might have.
Check your website – every Projects Abroad Pro volunteer receives a personalised website containing important information about their project. Here you will be able to find personalised guides on topics such as vaccinations, insurance and what equipment to bring with you. Approximately one month before you are due to leave you will also find detailed information posted on your website about your placement and accommodation.
Contact your destination – prior to leaving home, the Desk Officer from your destination will contact you via email. In this way you will be able to ask them any last minute questions and they can get to know you better before your arrival.

In-Country

At the airport

Projects Abroad Pro is an arm of Projects Abroad and as a result, all office signposts and branding in your destination will carry the Projects Abroad logo - please see photos opposite to familiarise yourself with it.
A friendly face at the airport – all of our volunteers are collected from the airport by a member of our country staff. Depending on the location of your accommodation, you will then either be taken straight home or stay overnight in the main office before continuing your journey the next morning.
Orientation – the morning after you arrive you will be collected from your host family by a member of our country staff and taken on a tour of the local area. Here you will get the chance to change money, email home, get acquainted with your surroundings and taste some local cooking.
Your placement – the day after your orientation you will be introduced to your placement and the work begins! Every project has a supervisor who is a local member of staff with experience of working with volunteers. They are in regular contact with our country staff so any problems can be sorted out quickly and easily.
Check-ups and questionnaires – we like to make sure that you are enjoying your work and accommodation so our country staff will regularly arrange to meet up with you and discuss any problems that might have occurred. In addition, you will get the chance to complete feedback questionnaires that are used to improve our service in the future.
Social events – we regularly provide quiz nights and parties for our volunteers so that they can get to know each other and relax after a hard week at work. These events provide a great chance to relax and find out about other projects, sharing stories and arranging travel plans.

Post-Project

Airport money – volunteers normally feel confident enough to make their own way to the airport when the time finally comes to head back home. However, we always provide money for a taxi and transport can be provided if the volunteer wishes.
Debriefing – we always like to pick the brains of our volunteers in order to find out what went right and what went wrong during their stay. This way we can improve our projects and accommodation in the future by listening to volunteers and giving them what they want.
Staying in touch – one of the most satisfying aspects of completing a project is knowing that you have made a difference and your work will be carried on. We provide forums and Facebook groups that you can join to keep in touch with friends and find out how your project is progressing in your absence.