We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. Every single one of our Projects are thoroughly risk assessed. Every member of staff is trained to our high standards. Safety and support are at the heart of everything we do.
- All our staff are vetted and trained to the highest standards
- We carefully choose our host families, to ensure security, comfort, and friendliness
- We have whole teams in every destination, so if any problems or illnesses were to arise, there'll always be someone available to keep you safe and secure
- We carry out thorough risk assessments to ensure that all our project destinations are safe and politically stable
- We have an in-house medical advisor who is available to consult with you and your GP before you leave, so you can discuss any health concerns to make sure you're feeling confident about your upcoming trip.
Here we’ll take you through how our approach to safety and backup is different.
British Standard BS 8848
We are fully BS 8848 certified. BS 8848 is the British Standard for organising and managing visits, fieldwork, expeditions, and adventurous activities outside of the UK.
It sets out to help ensure operational systems are effective at managing risk and help reduce the likelihood of incidents. In so doing, BS 8848 reassures those wishing to be involved in a venture, demonstrates a duty-of-care to employees and others, and provides a means of demonstrating that good practice has been followed.
Learn more about our Accreditations, Partnerships, and Awards.
Well-trained staff, everywhere
No matter where in the world a team member is based or what their role is, we ensure the highest levels of vetting, training, and care. In all destinations, the staff you interact with represent Projects Abroad, so you know you’re getting the best support available.
In fact, many of our staff have volunteered with us and have a personal connection. Some have been working with us for over 10 years. This means they understand what it’s like to take part in an experience like this. They also know the importance of great staff support.
Our in-country staff will meet you at the airport, check your accommodation before you arrive, and give you a thorough induction and safety briefing. From that point, they’re there when you need them. They will regularly check in on you, but if you ever have a problem, question, or just want someone to chat with, you can reach them 24/7.
We also have 24/7 emergency telephone numbers so that you or a family member back home can contact us if needed.
Fully vetted accommodation
Most of our volunteers and interns live with a local host family. Each of our host families are carefully chosen for security, comfort, and friendliness. The family, their home, and the neighbourhood are all fully vetted by our expert staff before and during your visit.
Many hosts are associated with our programmes - for example, a teacher or headmistress at one of our partner schools, or a doctor at one of our medical placements. We also try to place you alongside a fellow volunteer or intern so your stay is sociable and you can share your experience with likeminded people.
Read more about our accommodation.
A personal service
You’re not just a number to us. Our staff are passionate about making sure you get the most out of your time with Projects Abroad. We keep in touch with you before you leave, during your Project, and after you come home.
We have whole teams of staff in every destination, but you’ll have a dedicated supervisor assigned to you. They know the local area inside out and will be the first to know if there are any security or safety risks. They also know your host family and the local community well. If you have any problems or illness, they’ll be there to keep you safe and secure.
From the very first day, our support quite literally could not have been better. Our main Projects Abroad contact and our two other support staff, did quite literally absolutely everything they could to make our stay easy, enjoyable, stimulating and any other adjective you can think of!
They were wonderful, we could not have asked for more. Would I do it again? Tomorrow, without a second thought!
- Vicki James, Warwickshire Girl Guides Group Leader.
Your safety comes first
We know that you can only achieve your best when you’re in a safe and stable environment. The same is true for our staff and project partners. It’s for this reason that safety is our number one priority.
We only send volunteers and interns to places that are safe and politically stable. If they are not, we don't go. We are constantly in contact with the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (as well as officials in other countries), regarding safety and stability.
We carry out thorough risk assessments for all of our Projects, and have health and safety checklists for our staff to complete regularly. We also devise and train our staff on crisis management plans, so they know what to do if a problem occurs.
All of this is designed to give you and those who care about you peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying your time abroad.
The trip was incredibly well organised. At Taricaya, the community of staff and volunteers were super friendly, helpful and made sure we got the absolute most of our time. Outside of the jungle, we were looked after wherever our next adventure took us.
Whether it was the city of Cusco or the top of Machu Picchu, the Projects Abroad staff were both supportive and helpful and knew everything about the area we were in.
- Lucy Luck, 2nd year student, Animal Management & Zoology Degree course at Capel Manor College.
An in-house medical advisor
Your physical and mental health is a top priority during your time with us. Living and working in a completely new environment can be a challenge which is why we have employed an experienced doctor in volunteering travel and expeditions who is available to consult with you and your GP before you leave. This way you and your GP can discuss any health concerns and our in-house doctor will advise you accordingly so that you feel confident about your upcoming trip.
But our medical service doesn't stop there. If there is ever an emergency or you wish to see a doctor while abroad, he will advise our local staff on the next best steps. Our doctor will also act as a link with your medical insurance company when required.
We are there to take care of everything so that you can feel your best and achieve the best.
Our accreditations
