How to Apply

Application and Placement Procedures

The application form can be completed online or downloaded and returned to us via email or post.

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You should indicate up to three preferences for your workcamp choices which allows us to find the best match for you. If you wish to attend more than one workcamp, a new form is needed for each camp.

Due to the time required to process applications, please allow a minimum of 6 weeks before you travel for applications to workcamps in Europe, North America or Thailand, and 8 weeks for workcamps in other countries.

For downloaded application forms:
1. Fill in the Application Form on both sides, with a black pen. Nominate the camps you wish to attend in order of preference. Attach extra sheets for the motivation section (Part 8) as well as a photo, and don't forget to sign the form.

2. Return the completed form to IVP, along with the Application Fee. If you are entitled to a concession, please send a copy of your concession card. You may pay by cheque or postal order (payable to IVP) or by electronic transfer (EFT).

How to pay

Payment can be made by e-transfer (bank details below), cheque (payable to International Volunteers for Peace) or postal order.

If you choose to pay by electronic transfer into IVP account, the details are:

Account Name: International Volunteers for Peace
Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Branch: University of Sydney
BSB: 062284
Acct No: 00908422
Swift Code: CTAAU2S

Please use your surname as the reference code for the deposit so that we can track your electronic transfer. If possible, please add any extra information that might be necessary for us to understand what your deposit is for. For example, if you are a concession holder and wish to pay for a workcamp AND Membership, please put this information in the reference field along with your surname.

What happens next

When we receive your Application, we will send you a letter or email of acknowledgment. We will begin processing your first choice, however if that is unsuccessful, we will immediately begin on your second choice. You should receive notice of which camp you have been placed on within three weeks.

After you have been offered a place, please confirm your acceptance of this place as soon as possible, to allow others to attend the workcamp in your place if you cannot. The cancellation and refund policy is outlined below.

When you have confirmed your participation, you will receive an information sheet with more details on what to bring, travel directions and meeting place. If you are participating in a project in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia or Latin America please check carefully for any EXTRA PARTICIPATION FEES that are due. If you are not sure from the information sheet whether this fee applies please contact the office for advice and confirmation.

A small number of workcamps require extra documentation such as a reference, medical certificate or a more detailed motivation letter. If you are volunteering for a workcamp involving children, or if children will be involved in activities relating to the project, you will be required to sign a "Working with Children Check" form, which will be sent to you at the same time as your confirmation slip.

Part of the agreement when participating in a workcamp is to send us feedback. Firstly, we need your stories and photos for our newsletter. Secondly, we would encourage you to make a display that can be used to publicise IVP at information nights, market stalls or other events. Thirdly, we need to know if our efforts are fruitful, or how things can be improved, so we ask you to complete a written questionnaire that we will send you.

Changes, Cancellations and Refunds

Sometimes plans have to change for a variety of reasons! IVP is a small, not-for-profit organisation. It cannot accept any liability for inconvenience caused or costs incurred, other than the application fee, in the event of cancellation, either by you or of the workcamp itself. (Please see the section on Insurance.)

If IVP cannot place you on any of your workcamp preferences, you are entitled to a full refund of your application fee minus an administration fee.

The following Cancellation and Refund Policy applies to all workcamp applications.

If the volunteer cancels:
- Giving notice more than 4 weeks before the workcamp start date - 50% of the Application Fee will be refunded
- Giving notice less than 4 weeks before the workcamp start date - no refund of Application Fee

Situations will be reviewed on a case by case basis, if extraordinary circumstances can be established.

Workcamp cancellation:
In very few instances, workcamps may be cancelled after volunteers have been accepted. If this does happen, we will make every effort to find a suitable alternative workcamp for you. However, if the workcamp is cancelled close to its scheduled commencement, we may not be able to offer you another camp. If this is the case, we will fully refund your Application Fee, minus an administration fee of $15.

Workcamp Refund Application Form