In order to take part in our projects, all participants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria. These are selected in order to maintain the highest ethical standard across all of our work.
General
- Agree to the principles detailed in Projects Abroad’s policies
- Respect local laws and customs and be willing to engage with new cultures including abiding by dress codes and other norms.
Safety
- Recall and understand hazards and risks previously explained by programme supervisors, activity instructors and Projects Abroad staff.
- Act reliably and responsibly around hazards/risks even when not directly supervised.
- Respond appropriately in the face of unexpected challenges such as inclement weather, changes in itinerary, unfamiliar surroundings, and homesickness.
- Inform Projects Abroad about any physical limitations that would impact the ability to participate in certain activities.
Physical and Mental Health
- Be able to participate in all programme activities unless ill or injured.
- Perform necessary self-care, including maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration, dressing appropriately for environmental and cultural considerations, maintaining personal hygiene, and managing known medical conditions.
- If taking prescription medications participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self medicating without assistance.
- Be physically fit to engage in service learning projects (for example: building, digging, lifting, painting, construction and clean-up), for 6-8 hours per day.
- Disclose any mental health conditions or concerns (e.g. depression or anxiety) on point of application. We may require a report or letter from a doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist to meet our essential eligibility criteria for safe participation in the programme.
Language and Communication
- Be able to understand and follow instructions given by staff and supervisors in English.
- Communicate openly and honestly with Projects Abroad staff.
- Effectively communicate ideas and concerns on an individual and group level.
- Effectively signal or notify supervisors, 3rd party partners, or other participants of personal distress, injury, illness, or need of assistance.
We also have specific requirements for certain projects as follows:
Diving
- Have the ability to swim at least 200 metres and be medically fit to dive.
- Strictly adhere to outlined dive depth and understand the implications of non-adherence.
- Have the cognitive ability to learn the necessary skills of selected diving certification levels in the stipulated time frame.
School expeditions
- Be in appropriate physical condition to complete long hikes, travel and other activities requiring physical fitness.
Our accreditations
