Canadian Residents
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
How a Workcamp Application is Processed:
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NOCONA CANADA Placement Office |
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Placement Office in Workcamp Country |
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Practical things you must keep in mind:
- When you fill out an application please be aware that when there are more applicants than open places, we will have to make a competitive judgment based on how you described yourself in your application.
- You need to understand that most workcamps are composed of a multi-national group which means that generally only one or two Canadians can be accommodated in each camp.
- Remember that with each application you should list up to six projects in the order of your preference so that we can place you into one of those projects.
- Also keep in mind that about four weeks before the start date of the camp, restrictions such as nationality and gender balance are dropped, and so anyone can be placed into a camp if there is availability.
- Please don't ask us if there are "openings" between now and end April since everything is open.
- Volunteers applying to workcamps in Africa , Asia or Latin America : North-South Exchange has some special characteristics you should keep in mind. Requirements: previous workcamp experience or at least some kind of experience in community work or developing nations. You need to be at least 21 unless otherwise stated, and in some cases you need to speak the language of the chosen country. The preliminary selection will be made by Nocona Canada - we might even give you a call to have a small phone interview. The final decision is made by our International Secretariat in Antwerp , Belgium . You need to send us the original special N/S application form via mail -faxed versions are not acceptable!!!
Please Read Before Completing the Application (you are responsible for knowing this information):
Communication with your placement office:
During the application process, you need to have a current phone number and current address on file with us. Having an e-mail address is highly recommended since this will speed up communication. You need to be involved and respond to requests from our office in a timely manner as we strive to do the same.
Age Requirements:
You have to be at least 18 to participate in a US/Canada workcamp, 18 to participate in a foreign projects and 21 for certain camps and in regions where greater experience is needed. There is no upper age limit except where a workcamp has stated a specific age requirement.
Transportation / Accommodation / Food:
You must arrange and pay for transportation to and from the workcamp. Please do not consider arriving late or leaving early as this is very disruptive to your host and to other volunteers. For some camps (especially for those in remote locations), a convenient pick-up point may be specified and if you miss this you may not have another way to get to the camp. Please plan your travels with care, know the stability and geography of your destination, and understand that you are ultimately responsible for all travel costs including cancellation or change fees imposed by transportation companies. The workcamp host provides group living area, food and cooking facilities for the duration of the workcamp.
Workcamp Application Fees:
Payments: All overseas camps are $275 CDN . All Canada camps are $100 CDN . Note that $40 CDN is non-refundable to cover costs and goes towards a one-year Nocona Canada membership. Applying for a 2nd camp in Canada is $60 CDN and overseas is $125 CDN . Payment (via Check, Money Order or Paypal) must be made payable to Nocona Canada and received by Nocona Canada with the application, in order to be processed. If the application is emailed, payment must be received by Nocona Canada within 5-7 business days from when the application was originally received by Nocona Canada .
Workcamps include shared accommodations and group self-cooked meals without additional costs unless otherwise stated in the camp description.
Important Travel Notes:
When crossing international borders, you may wish to declare yourself as a tourist. Otherwise, you may be misinterpreted by border officials as having the intention to work for pay and therefore they may prohibit or seriously complicate your entry. Remember that before traveling internationally, you need to have a valid passport and if necessary need to obtain an entry visa for certain countries. See Canada Ministry of Foreign Affairs for detailed country by country official information.
Insurance:
You are responsible for knowing your insurance coverage, your health condition and your specific needs to have travel, health or medical evacuation insurance. Although SCI projects are usually covered by a secondary reimbursement policy, THIS IS NOT MEANT TO BE your primary insurance coverage since there are many restrictions for illness and prior condition exclusions. If you are volunteering for a developing country, you should obtain evacuation insurance. You are responsible for your travel expenses (including entry visa if needed) to and from the workcamp and you must seriously consider having travel insurance to accommodate your specific needs.
Refund Policy:
If we cannot place you in any projects you requested or if the project is cancelled, all except the CDN$40 non-refundable amount will be refunded. If we placed you and then you decided to cancel, we will return half of the refundable amount if we receive notice from you at least 35 days before the start date of the project.
Report Refund:
If you submit a report on your camp to the Nocona Canada office within three months of the start date of an international camp ( outside the US/Canada ), we will refund $30 CDN of your application fee. This is not the same as the camp evaluation submitted to the camp sponsor. A link to the form for this report can be found on this website's menu.
Liability:
Nocona Canada, SCI-IVS USA and our partner organizations worldwide exchange thousands of volunteers each year and we inform you of the fact that a) unpredictable events may cancel or change the project as described to you, b) comfort and safety standards do vary among countries and may not meet your expectations, c) you must use common sense and be personally responsible for your property and your well being at all times, and d) you are responsible for knowing travel advisories from the government. By your participation, you acknowledge that you fully understand and accept these risks and you do not hold Nocona Canada , SCI-IVS USA and our partners liable in all matters.