Start Dates for Projects Abroad

Generally speaking, you can start any project on any day. When you apply, you will specify the start and end dates. Our projects run year round and have volunteers arriving almost every day.

Since our projects sometimes depend on the local holiday calendar, there are brief occasions when normal project work is suspended. For example, schools often close for long winter/summer holidays. During these times, we arrange for alternative work projects that are similar in substance to our ongoing projects, but address the short-term, direct needs of the local communities. For example, during the summer holiday (January – mid March) on our Peru Teaching program, volunteers run a teacher training course for local English teachers.

If you would like to arrange your start and end dates around the local holidays, please call us at 01903 708300 or email us at info@projects-abroad.co.uk. In addition, you will also have the opportunity, after you are accepted into the programme, to speak with our Desk Officer in-country about local holidays.

2 Week Summer Specials

There is one exception to our “any start date” policy: Our 2 Week Summer Specials are group trips for students 16-19 years old. Since they are group trips, they have set start and end dates – outlined clearly on the 2 Week Specials programme page.

When should I apply?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so there is no firm deadline for applications. Some countries and projects require at least three months to process an application, arrange for visas, and advise you properly on how to prepare. Other countries can be processed in as little as three weeks.

Whenever you are thinking of travelling, we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Having more time to prepare makes it easier for you to fundraise, and for us to advise you on preparations. It also makes more options available for tailoring a programme to your individual interests and preferences.

What if I want to go very last-minute?

If you decide to go with us at the last minute, give us a call on 01903 708300 to see how quickly we can arrange everything for you - depending on the project, we can sometimes work miracles.

What is the Minimum Duration of a Project?

It depends on the project. Most have a minimum duration of either 2 weeks or 1 month. Check our prices page to see if 2 weeks is possible for your project of interest.