Preparation

We will fully brief you on all aspects of your experience pre-departure, and will always prefer to conduct this in person during the course of a day. Topics covered include

  • what to do before you go
  • what to take
  • over there
  • getting about
  • medical advice
  • keeping safe.

    • This day is an integral part of mindthegap’s service to you and is included in the price quoted for each volunteer experience.

    You will receive an information pack with an itinerary covering all details of your trip, what to pack, contacts of all relevant mindthegap representatives in the UK and abroad, hospitals, accommodations, restaurants, project details, advice in case of emergency, contact details in such an event, insurance details and land travel if purchased from mindthegap.

    Training

    We believe it is crucial that volunteers are equipped with appropriate skills before being sent out to projects. It is therefore our aim to offer training wherever possible in order that our volunteers can give the best of themselves to the communities they visit. In addition to looking at cultural customs & behaviour, basic language, orientation and familiarization of the project and the location in which it is based, we offer specific training in the following areas:

    Teaching

    Anna (co-founder) has 14 years experience of teaching and training newly qualified teachers. She runs workshops for all volunteers who choose a school based project, so you will be equipped with some really useful teaching strategies, whatever the subject.

    We will also offer you the opportunity to spend time in schools around the UK and witness good teaching practice first-hand in your chosen subject.

    Conservation

    We have linked up with BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) and will find you an appropriate course to attend prior to your departure. This can range from a one-day course in you local area to a week’s residential course based in many areas of the UK. Together we will consider which course will provide you with the best skills for your chosen project. For more info visit www.btcv.co.uk

    If more particular building skills are required, we have a fantastic master craftsman whom you can shadow to pick up some valuable tips.

    Community

    For those choosing to be placed in an orphanage or other child centred projects we will provide you with training in positive play. It may sound obvious but many of the children you will encounter simply don’t know how to play. We will also offer you the opportunity to observe excellent play based learning in a variety of pre-school and nursery settings found nationwide.