In every country, you’ll have access to the internet either at home or at your school. Keep in mind that the internet will probably run a little (or a lot) slower than you are used to. In certain locations, you may run into a very slow connection or periods where the WiFi cuts out completely for a time. If you are dependent on having a better WiFi connection for something like an online class that you’re taking, talk to your ILP representative. We can help direct you to locations that tend to have a more reliable connection.

FAQs Archive

Q: How does it work if I don't speak the language?

You’ll be fine! The majority of ILP volunteers don’t speak the local language and have a fun and successful semester. It is helpful to learn a few key phrases and words to help you get around and connect with the people around you, but it isn’t required. Especially with apps like Google Translate which can help you get over the language barrier, you can get by without knowing the local language. Also, your Local Coordinator and local friends you meet can help you with the language barrier. In the past, Local Coordinators have helped ILP groups buy train tickets or make reservations over the phone. If you’d like to learn the local language, we say go for it! Not only will it enrich your semester abroad, but locals you meet really appreciate that you’re attempting to speak in their language (even if you’re still learning). And of course, it can be helpful when buying a train ticket, shopping, and ordering food. Many Local Coordinators arrange opportunities for ILP volunteers to have the chance to attend culture classes which often include some basic language lessons. However, you’ll have plenty of free time to use for your own language study if you’d like to learn the local language. As far as volunteering goes, classes are held entirely in English using ILP’s methodology. We’ll show you strategies to holding a lesson and interacting with your kids even if they don’t speak any English yet. Even if you do speak the local language, you’ll be asked to speak only in English while teaching. Volunteers who serve at the Romanian orphanage (and are not teaching English classes) often learn a few basic Romanian phrases to help communicate a little easier with the children there.

Q: Do I need to speak another language?

No. In fact, most volunteers speak only English. It is not a requirement and it’s completely possible to get by relying solely on the English language, friendly locals you meet, Google translate, and even some charades at times. Living in another country is a unique opportunity to learn the local language, though. A lot of volunteers make an effort to learn phrases that they can use to communicate better with their new neighbors and friends. Even basic greetings can be a great way to show respect for the culture you're in.

Q: Can I drink the water?

Not in most countries. If you cannot drink the tap water in your country, you will have purified water available at your home. We suggest packing up a metal water bottle that you can easily refill from these purified water filters to take with you to school and to use during the day. You can also purchase bottled water at any convenience store. Some volunteers have preferred to travel with a purifier instead of relying on bottled water or purified water at their ILP house or apartment. In countries where it's particularly important to avoid the tap water, avoid drinking liquids with ice in them at restaurants (unless you know the water to make the ice is purified), or eating fruits washed with a questionable water source. If you’re not sure, eat fruits that have a thick peel (bananas, pineapple, etc) instead of ones you bite directly into (like apples).