SOS volunteers stay within approved community facilities (classrooms, community centers, etc.), and live as close to the conditions of the community as possible to promote a truly immersive experience.

This encourages a greater understanding of the lives and conditions of the community members, which ultimately results in more genuine, mutually-beneficial working relationships.

This means that your logistics are similar to camping – but just indoors! You’ll have to bring a sleeping bag, a pillow, a mat, and live out of your bag for the two week trip. SOS will provide all volunteers with clean drinking water and meals, but hot water will be scarce and there will be no air conditioning.

Many of the communities we work in have limited access to electricity, running water and the basic amenities you may be used to in your daily life. We know that living in the conditions of the community makes the experience and the lessons learned more impactful and valuable. You will be challenged in ways that, while not affecting your safety or security, will create an opportunity for growth and education.

We communicate expectations from both parties well before arrival so that everyone involved can prepare.

See a day in the life for a full sample itinerary. While each trip is unique, in general your itinerary will include:

Building Activities:

4-7 hours a day will be spent building your specific project.
You’ll have opportunities throughout the day for breaks and meals, and all construction work will be lead by the project’s foreman. Your NGO Trip Leader will always be on site to direct your group in what tasks you’re required to complete.

Community & Culture Activities:
In the late afternoons and early evenings, groups will participate in activities designed to learn more about the community’s culture and history, and most importantly, about the people who live in the community. Participants will participant in sports tournaments, dance classes, cooking classes, home visits, and much more.

Rest Days & Recreation:
You won’t work every day! Our partnering organization will organize two Rest Days for your group to relax and learn more about the culture of your host community and country. In the past SOS volunteers have gone on boat rides, to beaches, to cultural heritage sites, to markets, to ancient ruins, and more. Sometimes SOS groups will spend a night in a hostel on their way to the airport before flying home.

  
Leading up to your trip, you’ll be in constant communication with your SOS Trip Leader, the rest of the students on your trip and SOS’s International Office. Your SOS Trip Leader will organize a series of pre-departure meetings to help you prepare for your Trip, and you’ll be asked to attend virtual meetings with SOS in Toronto! We’re always a phone call or email away to answer any questions that you have before you depart.