Volunders Project Fees
Your registration and program fees give you full access to a fully supported volunteer experience with Volunders.
Each of our volunteer projects is managed by our experienced local coordinators, ensuring an authentic, well-organized, and meaningful stay. It’s an affordable, simple, and supportive way to volunteer abroad.
Your program fee goes toward the costs of hosting you, and directly supports local community initiatives and job creation. Fees depend on the location and length of your stay, and must be paid either 30 days before your program begins or within 48 hours of signing up if your start date is sooner. Flexible, interest-free installment plans are also available.
How Your Project Fee Supports Local Communities
Our dedicated on-the-ground team consists of local experts who collaborate with small businesses and grassroots organizations to deliver high-quality support and services during your program.
By paying your program fee, you’re helping create meaningful employment and supporting locally run initiatives. Here are just a few ways your contribution makes an impact:
Discover What’s Included in Your Hosted Volunteer Program
Accommodation
We recognize how important it is to have a safe, comfortable place to return to after a full day of volunteering. We also understand that your “home away from home” plays a big role in shaping your overall experience.
Your Program Fee covers your accommodation for the full duration of your VOLUNDERS project. Each accommodation option is carefully vetted and selected by our local teams. Our Project Managers regularly inspect sites to ensure they remain clean, safe, and comfortable for all volunteers.
Because VOLUNDERS welcomes people of all ages and travel preferences, we provide a variety of accommodation types to suit everyone — from families and retirees to teens, couples, and solo travelers.
Depending on the program location, accommodation may include:
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Shared volunteer houses with dorm-style rooms or occasionally hostel stays.
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Homestays with local families, providing a truly immersive cultural experience.
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Optional upgrades such as private rooms, nearby hotels available for a reasonable extra cost.
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Unique to the Volunteer with Nomads program: You’ll have the opportunity to stay in a traditional Mongolian ger with a nomadic host family or in a specially prepared, comfortable ger set up for volunteers.
Meals
One of the best ways to experience a new country and culture is to eat like the locals. However, it can be difficult to know what to try without guidance. That’s why your program fee includes the cost of your main daily meals. In most cases, meals are prepared by a local chef.
Since we prioritize working with local partners, your chef is usually someone who prepares traditional food of the country you’re staying in. This provides a wonderful opportunity to truly experience the unique flavors and culinary culture of the region.
In Mongolia, the local diet mainly consists of beef and mutton. However, we offer options for vegans, vegetarians, and those with specific dietary needs. If you have any dietary requirements, be sure to mention them clearly in your application — this helps us make the proper arrangements in advance.
Note: The number of meals included varies by program. Some programs offer three meals per day — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — while others may only include breakfast or dinner.
Airport pick-up and drop-off services
We understand that arriving in a new country for the first time—without speaking the local language or being able to use your phone—can feel overwhelming. That’s why all VOLUNDERS programs begin with an airport pick-up from a pre-arranged meeting point.
For all programs and travel options, you will be welcomed at the airport, transferred to your volunteer accommodation, introduced to fellow volunteers, and given time to settle in comfortably. In some programs, the meeting point may differ, and you will find those details in the Program Guide provided after registration.
Your transfer to the volunteer accommodation is included in your program fee.
On your final program day, we will arrange for you to be dropped off at the airport — this service is also included in your program fee. However, if you plan to remain in Mongolia after your program ends, we will not be able to provide airport drop-off, but we’ll gladly assist in arranging a reliable and affordable transfer for you.
In-country Project Orientation
Adjusting to a new environment and culture takes time. That’s why all VOLUNDERS programs include an in-country orientation session designed specifically for volunteers.
This orientation is included in your program fee and is intended to help you confidently and comfortably settle into your new surroundings. You’ll receive valuable information on how to spend your free time, how to use local transportation, nearby services, and any location-specific risks you should be aware of.
The orientation is short but effective and is led by an experienced local team member who knows the area well. During the session, you’ll get a detailed overview of your program’s goals, scheduled activities, and what to expect throughout your volunteer experience.
24/7 In-Mongolia assistance
The safety and overall wellbeing of VOLUNDERS participants is — and will always remain — our highest priority. Our local support teams are available around the clock to provide you with on-the-ground assistance, and you’ll be provided with their contact details so you can reach them anytime, with ease.
This level of support is included in your Program Fee, ensuring that you feel safe, comfortable, and well looked after throughout the entirety of your volunteering experience.
Additionally, our local teams implement enhanced health and safety protocols. They stay in regular contact with volunteers to check on your wellbeing, and your VOLUNDERS Program Manager is always accessible by email or phone should you have any questions or concerns during your time with us.
