“My Quest was a very safe program. The coordinators really are there for you at all times. If you reach out to them, they will be there.” – Amy Cunningham, Peru Global Healthcare Volunteer
United Planet takes great care to ensure the health and safety of our international volunteers. Volunteer health and safety is a key priority for us and we take pride in holding the highest standards. Please see some more detailed information below.
At United Planet, we strive to ensure that each and every one of our volunteers has a safe and successful volunteer Quest abroad. In order to maintain safety and success for each volunteer, it is critical that potential volunteers, parents, and healthcare providers understand what is expected of a United Planet volunteer.
Self-selection is an important part of this process and we ask all participants, before choosing to enroll in our programs, to think critically about the following criteria as some chronic illnesses, acute psychiatric conditions, and forms of physical disability may hinder a participant’s safety and ability to effectively participate in the Quest program.
Each United Planet Volunteer must:
For further details on the health requirements of each volunteers, please read more here.
Please note that United Planet reserves the right to decline applicants whom we believe are not a good fit for the program experience. We are happy to speak with any potential volunteer in more detail to determine if a United Planet Volunteer Quest will be a great fit for you. Please contact us at quest@unitedplanet.org or 617-874-8041, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm EST.
It is important that volunteers are physically and mentally healthy if choosing to participate on a volunteer Quest with United Planet. In order to determine the health of our volunteers, it is required that each volunteers adhere to our Health Screening Policy.
It is required that all United Planet volunteers complete a Health Information Form and Release in its entirety. Upon review of this form by a Quest Program Coordinator and/or the International Programs Manager, United Planet may request a Health Clearance Form to be signed by the appropriate medical professional. Reasons for requiring a Health Clearance Form include, but are not limited to:
It is required that volunteers return their signed Health Clearance Form to their Program Coordinator at least four weeks prior to the start of their United Planet Quest abroad.
At United Planet, we are committed to providing a positive, safe, and supportive environment for all of our volunteers. We understand that volunteering, especially in new and unfamiliar settings, can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However, it can also present unique challenges that may impact individuals’ mental well-being.
To ensure that every volunteer has a fulfilling and enriching journey, we encourage open and honest reflection on your readiness to participate, particularly if you are managing a mental health condition. While our programs are designed to be supportive, the dynamics of adapting to a new culture, navigating responsibilities, and being away from familiar routines can sometimes be overwhelming.
If you have concerns about your ability to handle these challenges, we highly recommend discussing your participation with a trusted healthcare professional before applying. Our team is also happy to provide additional details about program structures and support mechanisms to help you make an informed decision.
Please note that while we take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our participants, we are not equipped to provide specialized mental health care during the program. By understanding and preparing for potential challenges, we aim to set you up for a successful and enjoyable experience.
We are here to answer your questions and provide guidance as you consider joining us. Your well-being is important to us, and we strive to create an environment where you can thrive while making a meaningful impact.
Here at United Planet, we do all we can to ensure that our volunteers have safe and successful Quests abroad. This includes having the follow elements in place for each United Planet volunteer:
It is United Planet’s policy that every individual program element has been selected and vetted for both safety and sustainability. These program elements include:
For more details about the responsibilities of United Planet and the selection and vetting process for each of these program elements, please read more here.
United Planet acts in accordance with the CDC and State Department Travel Advisories. We have been working closely with our country coordinators to ensure the safety of all volunteers before, during, and after your program. All of our volunteer countries are currently open for entry, but some do have local guidelines. Please check your destination’s COVID-19 guidelines before your departure.
All volunteers who have enrolled in a Quest program are provided with an emergency medical insurance policy. This emergency medical insurance covers COVID-19 treatment in-country, treating it just as any other disease that can be contracted while abroad.
The Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance* add-on only covers if someone contracts the virus before travel and is deemed by a doctor unable to travel, or if a person contracts the virus abroad and a doctor certifies it is best for them to travel home and end their trip.
*It is required for all volunteers to purchase Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to supplement the emergency medical insurance policy while on a United Planet Quest.
For more information, you can email quest@unitedplanet.org
Vaccinations are an important way to stay safe when immersing yourself in a new environment. Volunteers are required to speak with a physician or travel clinic before traveling in addition to consulting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to determine appropriate vaccinations. Additionally, Vaccination Information Documents are available to all volunteers once they officially enroll for a United Planet Quest. Should you have any questions, we are happy to answer them!
United Planet is highly recommending COVID-19 vaccinations for all travelers. Volunteers are requested to provide a copy of their vaccination card before departure. Alternative receipts or documentation of COVID-19 vaccination can be accepted. For those who are traveling to the United States, arrangements may be made to receive vaccination prior to engaging in voluntary service. If a volunteer is not vaccinated, a program’s internal team has the right to refuse to accept them as a volunteer. Placements will be limited for unvaccinated travelers to reduce the risk of contagion, especially in vulnerable communities.
Please consult the following resources for additional health and safety information.