- How long has GSC been doing development work in East Africa?
- How does GSC address the language barrier?
- What is the transportation like?
- What are the homestays like and can I find out about my family before I arrive?
- What is the food like in Tanzania? Is being a vegetarian a problem?
- Will I get sick when I’m there?
- Will I need to bring extra money?
- Is it safe to be in Tanzania, particularly as a woman?
- If I travel with my spouse, can we stay together?
- Can I take my son or daughter?
- How can I be contacted in case of an emergency?
- Can I fund-raise for my trip and can GSC help me with that? Is the trip tax deductible?
- Does GSC have any religious or government affiliation?
How long has GSC been doing development work in East Africa?
GSC has been active in East Africa since the beginning of 1994. Up until early 2001, our work has involved both sustainable agricultural projects and health and HIV/AIDS education in Kenya. The skill and initiative of our participants, coupled with the experience of our Kenyan collaborators, allowed these programs to grow very quickly. GSC is continuously developing new projects and refining old projects in new directions as the needs of the communities with which we work change. GSC initiated an HIV/AIDS youth prevention and education program in Arusha, Tanzania in May 2001and has continued to expand our community development work. Since our arrival in Tanzania, we have been collaborating with numerous local and international NGOs, community educators and local leaders and attained NGO status in 2002.
How does GSC address the language barrier?
The people and cultures of Tanzania are composed of over 100 ethnic groups, resulting in a multitude of native languages. Most Tanzanians are fluent in a local language and Swahili. Although many people can read and write some English, Swahili is the common language of communication in Tanzania. While Swahili has been the language of instruction in many primary schools, English is the medium of instruction for all post-primary education – all notes and examinations are in English. However, many students’ verbal communication skills do not allow for fully interactive conversations. Because we want to ensure that the people we train understand our message, GSC employs many Tanzanian counterparts. These counterparts accompany you to community trainings to translate as well as help coordinate training logistics. Still, an investment of your time in learning some Swahili will go a long way towards making a good impression and enhancing your cultural experience. An excellent Swahili book is Simplified Swahili by Peter M. Wilson and a good website is http://www.kamusiproject.org/ where you can find the 'Living Swahili Dictionary'. During orientation you will be provided with Swahili language training to start you on your way!
What is the transportation like?
Participants travel to and from their homestays as the locals do, primarily by foot or dala dala (minibuses). Travel in Tanzania can be rugged by western standards yet the experience is part of your cultural immersion. A dala dala rides can be cramped and hot but it’s a true taste of a different culture and a window into how the majority of Tanzanians live. Since we aim to reach as many people as possible, our training work often requires significant amounts of local travel. Transportation to and from the community training sites is most often by van or taxi. Occasionally, volunteers will walk to or from a training site when the distance is not that far.
What are the homestays like and can I find out about my family before I arrive?
When asked their favorite part of their time in Tanzania, many participants indicate that their homestay was one of the highlights of their trip. Homestays are selected by the In-Country Coordinator and all homes are visited before participants are placed. Most have hosted several participants over the past years so are familiar with how Westerners live. All houses have electricity and most have running water. Only a few have showers. Bucket baths are the norm in Tanzania. You will be provided with your own room with a lock, a mosquito net, and full board (excluding lunch on weekdays). Homestays also provide boiled or bottled water so you don’t have to worry about the safety of the drinking water. All homestays are accessible by dala dala (local mini-bus transport) and many are within walking distance of town. Homestay families truly enjoy having you in their home and like learning about new cultures and practicing English. Upon arrival, participants often experience anxiety and uncertainty regarding their home stays, but we assure you that they will consider you one of the family while you are there and may invite you to family weddings, confirmations, and church services. You should feel at ease and at home. Feel free to assist with cooking and home chores or to cook them your favorite meal from home!
Many participants wish to know about their home stay and their family before they arrive in Tanzania. During the first few days of your program, the in-country staff makes final contact with the families to confirm their availability to house participants. For this reason, it is not possible to know in advance of your arrival where specifically you will be placed. If you wish to bring gifts for your homestay family we suggest you bring items that may be appropriate for all ages such as souvenirs from your hometown, baseball caps, etc. You may also, after meeting your family, be better able to purchase in Arusha gifts of something you have discovered they may want or need.
What is the food like in Tanzania? Is being a vegetarian a problem?
The staples of the Tanzanian diet are ugali (a maize meal paste), rice, mboga (vegetables), and beans. Beef, fish, chicken, eggs, and tropical fruits are also served. The food is considered heavy, starchy and oily by our standards. Tanzanian Mamas are no different from their Greek or Italian counterparts – they love to see people eat! Everyone will be eager to please you and willing to adjust to your eating habits.
Being a vegetarian is not an insurmountable problem. Tanzanian families provide their guests with first-class treatment (within their limited means), and will therefore expect to serve you meat regularly, most likely beef, goat, chicken, or fish. Being a vegetarian is generally a foreign concept to Tanzanians, but they will respect your needs. Many of our homestay families are familiar with what it means to be a vegetarian. The Tanzanian diet is full of vegetarian dishes that are healthy and delicious. Veggies, fruit, beans, and numerous grains are abundantly available! If you supplement your diet with vitamins, remember to bring them with you.
Will I get sick when I’m there?
In Africa, your body will be exposed to diseases that we do not have to worry about at home. Registered program participants receive a program handbook including information about the vaccinations that you will need to protect yourself in Tanzania. In addition, you will need to take two basic precautions: prevent mosquito bites and avoid contaminated water. While this sounds impossible, it is actually quite easy with just a little bit of effort and planning. Of course, the change in diet can cause an occasional upset stomach. Still, with the proper precautions, this minor discomfort is the only illness you should have to endure. As with travel anywhere, awareness and sensibility are your best tools for preventing illness. Make sure that the meat and vegetables you eat have been thoroughly cooked. If you want fresh fruit, eat an orange, a mango – something that you can peel open. Also, always carry mosquito repellent!
Will I need to bring extra money?
Many participants want to do some additional traveling while in Tanzania. GSC suggests that participants bring an extra $200 - $400 for short-term programs to purchase souvenirs, any specials meal out, or to travel. Excluding additional travel, participants normally spend about $50/week.
Is it safe to be in Tanzania, particularly as a woman?
The combination of spreading poverty and the presence of wealthy travelers has led to increased theft, especially in the big cities like Dar es Salaam, and increasingly in Arusha. Fortunately, theft can be avoided with a little common sense. Those who do fall victim to crime most often find that they have only been relieved of some possessions, but have suffered no significant physical harm. However, the areas where our participants are placed are likely as safe, if not safer, than what you experience at home.
For obvious reasons, women do have to be more cautious. Tanzanians have a different sense of personal space. As a result, you may at times feel uncomfortable with the amount and type of attention you are getting. Coping with this type of discomfort will certainly be one of the challenges of your intercultural experience. However, in the vast majority of cases, there is no threat to your person or possessions. If you take appropriate caution, it is unlikely that you will ever be in a situation that is unsafe.
If I travel with my spouse, can we stay together?
Yes. We encourage participants to come with a friend, spouse, or family members. In fact, if a participant refers a friend or family member, he or she will receive a discount of 10% of the second participant's fees! Couples can choose to work at the same project or different projects. Married couples will automatically be housed in the same hostel double room and the same homestay.
Can I take my son or daughter?
Yes, we encourage families to participate together on GSC programs. However, children must be at least 16 years of age to participate in the program with a parent. The program cost for children ages 16-17 is 75% of the regular adult program fee. Children can participate with their parent(s) on either the HIV/AIDS or the sustainable agriculture program and are required to accompany their parents during all program activities. Participants are responsible for their child's airfare, travel insurance, and visa expenses. Please contact tanzania@globalservicecorps.org for more details and program options for families.
How can I be contacted in case of an emergency?
You can be reached in case of an emergency through the Tanzania In-Country Coordinator or the San Francisco office. Email is very accessible. In addition, Arusha has adequate medical care to address most illnesses that you might face while you are in Tanzania. In the case of a more severe emergency, travel to high-quality hospitals in Dar es Salaam or Nairobi can be arranged for you. Emergency evacuation insurance is required of all GSC participants and is essential in the very unlikely case of a dire emergency. This covers the cost of transportation should it be medically necessary to move you to a medical facility in Tanzania, Kenya or back home.
Can I fundraise for my trip and can GSC help me with that? Is the trip tax deductible?
Yes, you can certainly fundraise! GSC is a registered U.S. non-profit and you can use this fact when fundraising – it has proven helpful for many past participants. We are actually a project of the larger environmental organization Earth Island Institute, which serves as GSC’s fiscal sponsor and provides our non-profit status. All program contributions (including airfare) are tax deductible in the U.S. for U.S. citizens to the full extent of the IRS regulations. This means family members, friends and other supporters can make tax deductible contributions to GSC which can be directly applied to your program fees. Contributions toward both the participant fee and international airfare can be claimed as tax deductions for US taxpayers; other countries vary in tax laws (consult your tax advisor for full details).
Let us know if you would like to receive a fundraising packet and we will email you further information. This packet outlines a full fundraising program. Fundraising can often be a daunting task but with effort and dedication, you can be a successful fundraiser. We can also put you in touch with past participants that have been successful at raising most, if not all, of their program costs!
Does GSC have any religious or government affiliation?
GSC does not have any religious or government affiliations.
- What is a typical program like?
- How do GSC participants get and provide education about HIV/ AIDS and Sustainable Agriculture/Food Security?
- To whom will I give HIV/AIDS education and BIA seminars?
- After the short-term or other program, can I extend my serviced if I decide I would like to stay longer?
- If participating in the long-term program, will I have time to travel?
What is a typical program like?
WEEK 1: Participants are met upon arrival at the airport if flying into Kilimanjaro Airport and transported to Arusha. Participants then undergo a week of orientation and training. During this time forward GSC staff and counterparts will be involved in the participants’ daily activities. Orientation and training activities include HIV/AIDS or sustainable agriculture workshops and trainings, Swahili classes, tours of Arusha, introduction to Global Service Corps Tanzania, and an introduction to the staff and other community guest lecturers. During the first part of the week, participants will be housed in a hostel with other participants. Meals include breakfasts at the hostel, lunches at local restaurants and group dinners at the hostel or at local restaurants.. Midway through the first week, participants will be moved to homestay where they will spend the remainder of the program with their host families. The homestay families will prepare meals for the participants, wash clothes, and provide a home away from home.
WEEKS 2-4:
Participants begin delivering HIV/AIDS prevention education or BIA workshops to selected community groups and schools.. The GSC staff arranges all placements and activities for short-term program participants prior to their arrival. Participants are provided with a schedule detailing daily activities upon their arrival in Tanzania. During most programs GSC participants are split into several smaller teaching groups. GSC participants provide trainings during the week and have time to explore the Arusha area during weekends. GSC organizes a one-day safari to a national park during one weekend.
ADDITIONAL WEEKS: If you are staying longer than four weeks, your activities from that point on depend on your program. If you are an International Health participant you will begin your community service health project and shadowing a doctor at a health care facility. Other long-term participants may continue providing AIDS and BIA community trainings. Community development participants will work on a variety of development projects based on what the needs of the community are at that particular time.
How do GSC participants get and provide education about HIV/ AIDS and Sustainable Agriculture/Food Security?
During orientation and training GSC participants receive instruction about how to become trainers as well as the technical information required. In terms of content, the focus of the HIV/AIDS prevention and education training is prevention and knowing one’s status. This requires that we teach the basic biological facts about the virus, the progression of the disease in the body, the primary modes of transmission, and the most effective methods of prevention. GSC participants use a variety of methods to get our message across including games, role-play, lectures, question and answer sessions, music, and skits. In the end, the goal is to give the training group the tools they need to make informed decisions.
The focus of the sustainable agriculture and food security training is small-scale bio-intensive agriculture (BIA) and how this technology can provide both healthy food and additional income with a reduced requirement of labor and financial investment. This message is especially important for families and communities affected by AIDS. GSC volunteers receive basic HIV/AIDS information, BIA technical training, and hands-on instructions at the GSC BIA demonstration plot. These participants then work with GSC BIA trainers to share this knowledge with rural communities through four-day trainings.
To whom will I give HIV/AIDS education and BIA seminars?
GSC participants deliver HIV/AIDS prevention and education training to community groups and youth in secondary schools. Community groups have included women’s collectives, local farmers around the Arusha area, street children and orphans, and some Maasai groups. Sustainable agriculture program participants deliver BIA and food security trainings to rural groups located on the outskirts of Arusha.
After the short-term or other program, can I extend my serviced if I decide I would like to stay longer?
Many participants feel that they are just getting into the swing of things as their short-term project is ending and wish that they had signed up to stay a longer period of time than originally intended. It is possible to extend a short-term or other program for extra days or weeks. Longer trips are usually more rewarding for the participant and we at GSC feel that the more time you are able to devote to your program, the greater impact you will have on the local community. We welcome you to participate for as long as you are able!
If you decide to extend your program after you have arrived in the country you will be charged a per day fee for time added onto a trip. If you desire to extend please discuss this with the in-country staff. If they feel they can accommodate your extension they will then relay this information to the GSC-SF office. GSC-SF will work out your extended stay invoice and you will be required to submit the additional funds to San Francisco by cashier’s check or money order before your extended stay begins. It is not guaranteed that GSC will be able to accommodate your extension so it is best to decide before leaving your country how long you would like to stay.
If participating in the long-term program, will I have time to travel?
Your weekends will be free so that you will have time to tour the waterfalls of Mount Meru, explore area market days and visit nearby Maasai villages. While on your short-term trip, you will also go on the GSC arranged day long safari to a nearby national park! If you wish to do extensive traveling longer than weekend trips, please plan on doing so before or after your program.
What are the Volunteer Vacation opportunities?
What is the minimum amount of time I can spend on a Volunteer Vacation?
Can I join a Volunteer Vacation if I am already traveling in Tanzania or East Africa?
What are accommodations like?
What is the food like?
How will I get around?
What is covered in the Volunteer Vacation program fees and what is not?
How does a Volunteer Vacation experience differ from a service learning program?
Volunteer Vacations differ from service learning programs in a number of ways. Volunteer Vacations are designed for those who have limited time yet want to experience a new country and culture while making a difference in a local community. They are less intensive and require less of a commitment than service-learning programs. GSC provides simplified pre-trip material but, unlike our Service-Learning Program does not provide pre-trip training materials or coordinate pre-program technical training activities, discussions, or workshops for Volunteer Vacation participants.
The Volunteer Vacation Program involves volunteering at local schools and orphanages whereas service-learning programs consist of placements in on-going community development projects that have been designed and implemented over the years by GSC. Service-Learning placements in Tanzania include HIV/AIDS education and prevention, sustainable agriculture and food security, and international public health. Volunteer Vacationers do not participate in the service learning activities for which more advance training is required. Back
What are the Volunteer Vacation opportunities?
Volunteer Vacation Program opportunities in Tanzania include teaching English in primary or secondary schools and assisting in an orphanage. These programs enable volunteers to provide needed educational and support services to underprivileged children in Tanzania. Back
What is the minimum amount of time I can spend on a Volunteer Vacation?
The minimum for a Volunteer Vacation is two weeks. All Volunteer Vacations begin with a five-day cultural orientation and introduction to the Arusha area. During this time you will learn about the Tanzanian culture, language, and cuisine and be prepared for your volunteer placement. After orientation, you spend the remainder of your time at your volunteer placement. You may add as many additional weeks as you wish. Back
Can I join a Volunteer Vacation if I am already traveling in Tanzania or East Africa?
Absolutely! We have Volunteer Vacations beginning every other week throughout the year. Click here for a schedule. Back
What are accommodations like?
Accommodations are comfortable and are located within the town of Arusha. During orientation, volunteer vacationers stay in a comfortable guesthouse in town. Following orientation, volunteers will move to a homestay to stay with a local host family. Participants also have the option of continuing their stay in the guesthouse or other private accommodation for an additional fee. (Arrangements for this option must be made at the time of program registration.) Back
What is the food like?
The staples of the Tanzanian diet are ugali (a maize meal paste), rice, mboga (vegetables), and beans. Beef, fish, chicken, eggs, and tropical fruits are also served. The food is considered heavy, starchy and oily by our standards. Tanzanian Mamas are no different from their Greek or Italian counterparts – they love to see people eat! Your homestay hosts will be eager to please you and willing to adjust within the local diets to your eating habits. Tanzanian food is very healthy, and usual traveler precautions are adequate for avoiding stomach ills (washing hands, not eating fresh unpeeled foods, using bottled water rather than from a tap, etc.) Back
How will I get around?
The local transportation around Arusha town consists of dala dalas and taxis. The dala dala ‘mini busses’ are an inexpensive way to travel to almost anywhere you want to go. While all your project transportation costs are covered in your program contribution, you will be utilizing these dala dalas and taxis at other times and for your personal transportation needs. Riding the dala dala costs anywhere from $0.25 - $0.50. Taxis are also widely available and fairly inexpensive, with rates varying from $2.00 - $6.00 for rides within Arusha town.
It is also important that volunteers be prepared to walk. Arusha town is easily accessible by foot and most GSC volunteers choose to get around this way. Back
What is covered in the Volunteer Vacation program fees and what is not?
Included – Pick-up from and return to Kilimanjaro Airport (near Arusha), local transportation adequate for going to and from project sites where needed, homestay, meals, project expenses, orientation, and volunteer placement. You will receive a weekly stipend for five weekday lunches and project transport, and if not staying at homestays, you will be given an amount toward the costs of your accommodation and other meals equivalent to the cost of a homestay.
Not Included – Airfare, visa and resident permit fees (required), travel insurance (required), private accommodations, and those meals (above the rate of the equivalent homestay stipend), non-project related travel, and extra activities outside of the program. Back
