FAQs Archive

Q: What is the best way to purchase things in a foreign country?

Cash always works, but credit or debit cards work very well too, especially Visa and MasterCard. Some countries accept cards at most restaurants, shopping stalls and eateries, while other countries operate better on cash — either way, you'll want cash as well as a credit or debit card to pay for things directly and/or to get local currency out of an ATM. It’s often best to carry both cash and a card so you have options. There is often a minimal foreign conversion fee each time you use your card. You may want to contact your financial institution to be aware of how much that fee is. There will probably also be an ATM fee associated every time you take out cash; comparing those fees may help you decide whether to pay for most things in cash or pay for more things with your card. You may want to consider opening up an account that offers no fees on foreign transactions to save a bit of cash.

Q: Are there any discounts?

Yes, we have several discounts to help you make this experience even more affordable. Our available discounts tend to change, so talk to your ILP representative about which ones you may be eligible for.

Q: What if I'm worried about affording it?

There are many ways to making your ILP adventure happen, and we’re happy to talk to you about ways that might work best for you! We recommend checking out learning about fundraising. We have had past volunteers fundraise half or even all of their program fee. It takes work and can be a little intimidating but the pay-off is so worth it. To help you get started, we have a downloadable fundraising guide that brainstorms lots of fundraising ideas and explains how other have had success fundraising. Fundraising aside, our ILP team can help you with additional financial concerns. We have discounts available and customizable payment plans that make your goals more attainable, whether you're signing up in advance or can make monthly payments leading up to your trip or if you're signing up just before departure and want to look into options for going now and paying your program fee later, with plans as low as $100/month.

Q: What does my program fee include?

No matter where you’re going (whether that’s on one of our Humanitarian Programs or an Exchange Program), your ILP program fee includes a few things: Roundtrip international flight from the U.S. designated departure airport In country airport pick up and drop off with your group Visa (designated countries, when required by the country) Housing Three at home meals/day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) WiFi Pre-Departure and In-Country Training — You’ll need to arrange transportation to Utah for the in-person Pre-Departure training, but the training and materials are included in your program fee. Local Support 24/7 emergency assist line from ILP Headquarters International SOS membership Hands on education — Depending on your location, you may have access to local experiences like language classes, a tour around the city, or cultural classes like a cooking class provided by your Local Coordinator. Meaningful service opps

Q: What if I get homesick?

Everyone gets at least a little bit homesick at one point during their semester which is why we’re here to help. During your pre-departure training, we’ll talk about it and help you understand ways to overcome homesickness (giving you tips on how to adjust to the new culture, ideas on how to spend your time rather than watching Netflix, and ways to connect with your group). But, we can also give you a little advice right now! Finding ways to love your country and have fun is really key to avoiding the big homesick symptoms. It helps to stay in touch with friends and family back home but finding things you like about your new home is a big boost, too. This blog post may help you know what to anticipate, and how to handle some things that may come up during your semester. It’s also good to remember you’re not alone! Any time you want, you’ll be able to call and text friends and family, post on social media, video call, and share everything about your semester to everyone back home. Plus, you have your ILP group with you. Sometimes the best experiences come only after stepping out of your comfort zone to help distract you from missing home — ask your ILP group to try a new local snack with you, plan a trip for your upcoming weekend, or check out a shopping street to keep your mind busy.