Here are a few frequently asked questions about what is expected of volunteers while at camp, as well as many of our basic policies and procedures.
Here are a few frequently asked questions about what is expected of volunteers while at camp, as well as many of our basic policies and procedures.
What activities should I do in camp?
As a Camp volunteer you are expected to act in a professional manner to provide our kids a quality and memorable stay while they are at camp. Along with the training, we encourage our volunteers to engage in activities they enjoy and can teach children more about, as well as the various cultures you come from. For example, if you have experience in music, art, acting, or technology, adding some classes or activities around those are encouraged.
What age are the children at camps?
School children aged 7 to 16. Camp groups will be age and English language ability mixed,and these may vary from school to school.
Where will I go and for how long?
All regions of Ukraine except for Donetsk and Luhansk regions are covered. You will be sent to the region you showed interest in ,however, no area is guaranteed due to the large number of volunteers. We really tried our best to accommodate your preferences.
There are three camp sessions:
camps for smaller schools are 2 weeks long ( June 6-19) ,
while the larger camps are 3 weeks long (June 6-24).
There are also a limited number of 1 week camps beginning on 6 June 2016. You should sign for your session in advance.
I am staying in Ukraine for longer. Are there any volunteering options?
For those who plan to stay in Ukraine after GoCamps sessions, we can offer some options for your further volunteering with children. Contact your local coordinator.
What will be provided during the training week?
The training week is from May 31 to June 05, 2016. Training will occur in Kyiv region.
During the training week our volunteers will get to know each other better, share their ideas and experiences, learn about different activities that they can do during the camp to encourage the children to speak English. Methodological approach for teaching English will be provided as well as basic camp counselor training.
What is the time commitment?
The time and commitment required varies depending on the role and the needs of the local Camp.Generally we require volunteers to be available for around 5 hours during the day, 5 days a week (Mon to Fri), weekends are free.
Who will I be working with at the camp?
Our volunteers will not be the only teachers at the camps. Camp staff comprises of English teachers from the participating schools as well as local volunteers. The expected child to staff member ratio for each camp is 10:1. The teachers and local volunteers can assist our foreign volunteers with local language communication outside of camp areas. During the training sessions, foreign and local volunteers will be introduced each other and will be put into contact with the local teachers at the schools.
Should I fly to Kiev or somewhere closer to my camp?
The training week will occur around Kyiv and we encourage all of our volunteers to attend the training. After the training, transportation will be provided to the camp. However, knowing that plane tickets can be expensive, if the cost of a ticket to somewhere closer to your camp is cheaper it will not affect your ability to be a volunteer.
Will I need a Visa?
Citizens of the United States, European Union, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require visas among other countries. To inquire if Ukraine requires you to need a Visa please check with the Ukraine embassy in your country or at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
How will I arrive at my camp?
GoGlobal has partnered with Ukrainian Railway Company to provide transportation for our volunteers free of charge to the nearest to the camp railway station. Local school representatives are expected to pick the volunteers up at the station and bring to the camp site.
Will I need a Visa?
Citizens of the United States, European Union, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require visas among other countries. To check it please go to http://mfa.gov.ua/en/consular-affairs/entering-ukraine/visa-requirements-for-foreigners
What is meant by “accommodation and food (partly) is provided”?
At most camps breakfast and lunch will be provided by the school. Dinner meals are provided at some, but not all, camps. If this is an issue, please contact your GoGlobal representative so accommodations can be made.
Can I choose my accommodation?
Generally GoCamp organises the accommodation for volunteers, according to what is possible at the site. Some of volunteers may be hosted by local families, some will be provided with dormitories. However, if you have any preferences, we will do our best to accommodate these before you arrive to the camp.
Are weekends free?
Saturdays and Sundays are free. During the weekends, if you wish to travel and site-see, GoGlobal can arrange for free or reduced price lodging in the nearest large city (usually the oblast capital city) or you may coordinate your own lodging, however, you will not be reimbursed. It is also possible to stay at the camp if you do not wish to visit nearby cities.
How much spending money should I bring?
The amount of spending money you should bring depends on how much you think you will spend while in Ukraine. The current exchange rate can be found here (http://coinmill.com/UAH_calculator.html#UAH). While keeping in mind that volunteers near smaller villages will spend less money during the week relative to volunteers in larger cities, GoGlobal recommends at least $100.00 (USD) for each week you will be in Ukraine.
Will supplies be provided?
Some number of supplies (like paper, stationery, watercolors,footballs etc) will be provided by GoCamps, our partners and local schools. You are welcome to bring your laptop and any other supplies you may find useful but it is not required.
I don’t know Ukrainian or Russian! Will that be an issue?
Volunteers should only speak English, even if they know the local language. This is to foster an “English only” environment to encourage children to practice their language skills.
How will I communicate with people inside of Ukraine?
GoGlobal has partnered with Kyivstar to provide our volunteers with free SIM cards to be able to communicate with people while in Ukraine. If your phone is unlocked you can simply switch SIM cards, however, if it is not, there are cheap phones available for purchase.
How safe is the area I will be teaching at?
If you got this far, then you are probably aware of the recent events that have troubled Ukraine. We will state this from the very beginning that the camp and you are in a safe environment, far away from any danger and isolated from all the political and social turmoil. Ukraine is at war with Russia in the eastern region of Donetsk and Luhansk, Crimean peninsula is occupied by Russia( marked pink on map). The rest of Ukraine is generally safe, everyday life goes normally . Our volunteers safety and security is our priority, so no volunteers are sent to the conflict areas.
I applied but I was not selected. Why?
We appreciate the vast number of volunteers that applied for our pilot program. Due to the high number of people who volunteered, the interview process, and the number of camps that GoGlobal is supporting this year, we could only select 150 volunteers. We thank you for your interested and invite you to apply for next year when GoGlobal looks to assist all 3,000+ schools participating in the language camp program. Connect with us on social media to find out about future volunteer opportunities.