International Volunteers Network, Inc

International Volunteers Network was created on the idea that one person can make a difference. We offer a range of affordable international service projects with the opportunity for cultural immersion abroad.

INV does volunteer placements within its own projects, but also looks for, and collaborates with small non-profit organizations and humanitarian institutions that lack the means to recruit volunteers.

An extensive amount of research and time go into each program to ensure the best quality and safety of our destinations, accommodations and projects. Project sites, housing and host families are continuously monitored. IVN screens volunteers, assists with project selection, provides travel planning advice and is responsible for reliable customer service. Quite simply, we do all the legwork. We coordinate all the details and provide wide-ranging support, then send volunteers to projects where they are needed.

Arranging a program yourself can mean a lot of time and research. There can be uncertainty about the legitimacy of the hosting organizations, and the services they provide. Are the accommodations acceptable? Is the food provided safe to eat? Am I in a safe location? What support am I given while traveling? Will they meet me at the airport? IVN is a placement organization. We provide safe, affordable opportunities to volunteer abroad. We strive to keep our costs to a minimum.

Program Location

Programs are based in:

• Wakiso District (5 miles out of Kampala city). Volunteers are placed in Bulenga town and in surrounding villages.
• Jinja District (50 km out of Kampala city). Volunteers are placed in Jinja Town and the surrounding villages.
• Kamuli District (120 km out of Kampala city). Volunteers are placed in Kamuli Town and the surrounding villages.

Program Requirements

Volunteers for the Uganda program must:

* be 18 years or older
* have no major health problems
* be able to walk distances up to 5km daily
* obtain a police check from your home country prior to volunteering
* sign a general waiver of liability
* have a positive and outgoing personality

Program Schedule

Volunteers can stay from a period of one week to 3 months. Your stay can be extended beyond 3 months on a case-by-case basis (depending upon our partner’s requirements and your ability to obtain an extended visa). You can start your placement on the 1st or 15th of each month.
School terms vary from year to year but are approximately as follows: Feb 1 to April 20, May 20 to August 20, Sept 15 to November 30. Volunteers are not placed in teaching projects outside of these times. Please also note that exams take place at the end of each term and normal class schedules will end prior to that. Short term volunteers are advised to start earlier in the term.

As a general rule we can not place short-term volunteers beginning January 1st as all projects take a few weeks to get going in the New Year. We advise you to plan your arrival for January 15th, or February 1st in the case of teaching placements.