Application and Placement Process
On-line Application
IVP uses the international project application system (OPS) that is part of the Service Civil International Voluntary Projects database. You will need to register as a user of the database in order to apply for a project. Information about registration can be found on the ‘Search for a Project’ link provided. If it is impossible for you to use the on-line project application process, please contact us by email to discuss possible alternatives.
The on-line application system allows you to apply for up to six projects at the same time. We recommend that you indicate up to three preferences for your workcamp choices which allows us to find the best match for you, or quickly offer you an alternative if your first choice becomes unavailable. 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 Medium-Term and Long-Term Volunteering projects, the Application process and related fees is detailed here.
Payment of Workcamp Application Fee
After processing your application you need to pay the Workcamp application fee. The workcamp application fee is A$350 per workcamp and A$300 for concession applications (students and concession holders). In case you are concurrently applying for more than one workcamp you should contact us at placements@ivp.org.au to enquire if any discounts are available.
For details of what is covered and not covered on payment of Workcamp Application Fee refer ‘Fees and Costs’.
If you are not already a member of IVP you need to become a member and pay the membership fee which is a nominal cost. Refer membership form here. We will not be able to proceed with your application until you become a member and have paid the workcamp application fee.
Please note that certain workcamps also require the payment of an additional participation fee. This fee is payable to the host organisation on arrival at the workcamp. Generally, this fee is payable in Euros or $US currency. This information would be clearly specified in the workcamp details provided. Many of our workcamps do not have any additional participation fee.
How to Pay
Payment can be made by Debit or Credit Card online, e-transfer (bank details below), cheque (payable to International Volunteers for Peace) or postal order.
Pay your application fee online here.
If you choose to pay by electronic transfer into IVP account, the details are:
Account Name: International Volunteers for Peace Inc
Bank: Bendigo Bank
BSB: 633000 Acct No: 156815888
SWIFT Code: BENDAU3B
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.
What Happens Next?
Notification
When we receive your application, we will send you an email of acknowledgment. Once the member has paid their workcamp application fee we will begin processing your application. If the first choice of workcamp nominated in the application is not available or successful, we will immediately begin on your second choice. You should receive notice of which camp you have been placed on within three weeks.
Acceptance
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.
Confirmation
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 us for advice and confirmation.
Extra Information
A small number of workcamps require extra documentation such as a reference, medical certificate or a more detailed motivation letter.
Working with children
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.
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.
The following Cancellation and Refund Policy applies to all workcamp applications:
- 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 of A$15
- 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 A$15.
Feedback Please
As part of the agreement, while participating in an IVP project we would like to receive your feedback on the Project. We would appreciate if you could share your stories and photos for this website and other communications to members. We would also encourage you to use IVP’s social media to talk about your experience. Finally, we need to know that our efforts have been fruitful, or how things can be improved, so we will contact you for your input after the Project.