Frequently Asked Questions
About GoEco
What is GoEco? Tell me more about your organization.
GoEco is a company that believes in responsible tourism and leaving the places we travel to in a better condition than when we arrived. In order to achieve this goal, GoEco partners with organizations around the world which are dedicated to providing humanitarian aid in local communities and wildlife rehabilitation and ecological conservation within local parks and reserves. GoEco sends like-minded and philanthropic volunteers to contribute to the aims of these projects and gain meaningful experiences that enrich their lives much more than typical commercial travel.
To read more about how GoEco began and expanded to what we are today, take a glance through our About Us section.
Is GoEco legitimate?
Yes, GoEco is a well-known volunteer tourism company. We send over 2000 volunteers to placements world-wide each year. If you have any doubts, please see our Reviews & Awards page to read articles about GoEco which have been published on top news websites including Us News & World Report, Goodnet, The Guardian and more. Don’t miss our great video clip from the Today Show!
Also, check out what past volunteers had to say about their GoEco volunteer trips via our Volunteer Blog or through volunteer reviews at GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com. Feel free to join our Facebook Fan page and post to hear about the experiences of past volunteers.
Why should I choose to volunteer through GoEco?
GoEco has been placing volunteers in meaningful projects since 2006, with over 15,000 volunteers successfully matched. Our Placement Coordinators are highly knowledgeable about all our programs and are happy to help you choose the best fit if you’re undecided. We take pride in offering exceptional customer service from start to finish, ensuring that all inquiries are answered promptly—typically within 1–2 days. For added peace of mind, we also provide a 24-hour emergency phone line for volunteers who need support while traveling.
Our pricing is highly competitive and often more affordable than organizing a trip independently. We continually update our website to keep information accurate and easily accessible, regularly adding new projects that align with volunteers’ interests. Once you register, we ensure you have all the necessary details before your trip and stay in touch during your journey, ready to assist if any issues arise.
At GoEco, we carefully vet every project we represent, with our representatives personally visiting each one. We only collaborate with projects that truly value our volunteers and provide an enriching, well-organized experience.
Can I earn accademic credit through GoEco?
Yes, volunteers often use our programs for school hours or credit. If you need GoEco to sign any documentation to approve these logistics with you and your school, we are happy to do so.
GoEco also offers a unique Diploma in International Volunteering, perfect for students seeking to combine overseas volunteer work with academic learning.
This program, in collaboration with the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies, allows you to earn academic credits while gaining practical experience in fields like Global Citizenship, Wildlife Conservation, or Marine Conservation.
Study online at your own pace and apply your learning in real-world volunteer projects. With a onetime fee of $990, you get a recognized UK level 3 qualification (up to 41 credits), transferable to various academic systems worldwide.
This diploma not only boosts your resume but also prepares you for impactful careers in NGOs, government, or international agencies. Click HERE for more info.
Can I develop my career with GoEco?
Volunteering abroad significantly enhances your CV, offering a competitive edge in today’s job market. It shows your commitment to positive change, adaptability to diverse environments, and ability to tackle challenges. Such experiences expose you to various cultures, boosting your interpersonal skills and global awareness. They also develop key qualities like empathy, problem-solving, and leadership, valuable in any professional setting. Working in teams during these volunteer stints sharpens your collaboration and communication skills, showcasing your well-rounded, global perspective to potential employers.
Many alumni from our volunteer abroad programs have used their experiences to advance their careers, not just in conservation but in various fields. Their success stories prove the real-world impact and professional advantages gained from these programs.
For those aiming to further their conservation career, GoEco’s partnership with Conservation Careers offers a unique chance. The Conservation Career Kick-Starter program, trusted by over 2,500 students, provides expert training, personalized support, community engagement, and access to over 15,000 job opportunities.
This comprehensive course helps you define your career path, prepare for job applications, and guides you through the hiring process in conservation.
Completing the program equips you with a personalized career plan and essential industry knowledge. Take advantage of a 33% discount with the code ‘goeco23’ by visiting the Conservation Careers Training Program.
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Payments
Why do I have to pay to volunteer?
GoEco partners with numerous admirable organizations around the world which are dedicated to supporting the needs of their local community whether it is through humanitarian aid, wildlife rehabilitation or ecological conservation efforts. Taking on volunteers to help with such efforts incurs a variety of expenses which the projects and communities themselves cannot support. Therefore, a participation fee is required from volunteers to fund these initiatives.
The costs are to provide food and housing for volunteers, training, supervision and safety precautions as well as certain costs included in running the projects successfully. Know that without your physical and financial help, these organizations would not have the power necessary to continue the fabulous and worthwhile work they commit themselves to. The participation fee varies depending on the location and needs of each specific program.
Please note that all prices listed on the website are in USD.
Why do I have to pay a deposit?
The deposit is only paid after a personal phone interview with a member of our team. We believe in connecting with you directly to ensure you’re a great fit for the program, and that the program you’ve chosen aligns with your goals. No financial commitment is made until after this conversation.
Once paid, the deposit secures your spot in the program, as spaces are limited.
Our deposits are non-refundable and come with a 100% flexibility guarantee. If your plans change, you can postpone your trip or switch to any other program on our website, even in future years.
Full terms and conditions are found here.
What is included in the cost of the trip?
The program fee for a GoEco trip covers various things depending on the project itself. In general, most projects include the following in their cost:
- Accommodations for the duration of your stay
- Food
- Airport pickup upon arrival to the country
- In-country orientation and training to familiarize volunteers with their surroundings and the work they will be doing
To find out exactly what is included for the project in which you are interested, read through the “What’s Included” section on the project’s site page.
How can I raise the money for my trip?
Many of our past volunteers have had success with crowd fundraising websites such as FundMyTravel.This type of fundraising is a great way to not only raise the money for your trip, but also to spread awareness about your cause to your friends, family, and community.
Additionally, if you are a student, many universities offer grants and scholarships for trips such as ours which have both educational and philanthropic components. Check with your university to see if you are eligible.
Take a read through our Volunteer Fundraising page for tips on how to successfully raise money for your trip!
When is the full payment due?
Your balance payment is required either 60 days from the date of your deposit payment or 60 days before your project start date, whichever date is earlier. Payment plans are also easily tailored upon request.
Registration and Flights
How does the registration process work?
Apply for a GoEco Volunteer Project in 3 Easy Steps
Step 1: Choose Your Project & Apply
- Select your preferred project.
- Click the green “Apply Now” button and fill out your basic details online.
- You’ll then be directed to schedule a time on the calendar for a short interview with a volunteer advisor.
Step 2: Speak with a Volunteer Advisor & Pay Your Deposit
- Your volunteer advisor will call you at the date and time you selected.
- Once your interview is successfully completed, your advisor will send you a link to pay the program deposit.
Step 3: Confirm Your Placement & Get Ready
- After paying your deposit, you’ll receive a link to complete your detailed online application form.
- Once submitted, we’ll coordinate with the local field team to confirm your placement—this may take a few days.
- Once confirmed, our operations team will send you a confirmation email with all the details about your project and the next steps to prepare for your trip.
That’s it! You’re all set to begin your GoEco adventure!
When should I book my flights?
Important: Do Not Book Flights Yet
Please wait to book your flights until you have:
- Paid your program deposit
- Completed your online application form
- Received your official confirmation email package from the GoEco operations team
This email will include detailed flight booking guidelines to ensure your arrival aligns with your program dates and location.
Our programs have specific arrival instructions, so following these guidelines is essential for a smooth and organized start to your volunteer journey. Once confirmed, we’ll also provide tailored flight recommendations to help make booking easy.
What is your cancellation policy?
GoEco Refund & Flexibility Policy
We understand that plans can change, so we offer flexibility whenever possible. Here’s what you need to know:
Deposits
- The $350 deposit is non-refundable but 100% flexible as a credit toward any GoEco program—no expiration.
Cancellations with 31+ Days’ Notice
- If you cancel 31 days or more before your start date, your balance payment (everything minus the deposit) is fully refundable.
- You can also switch to another program or postpone your trip for free.
Cancellations with 30 Days or Less
- If you cancel 30 days or less before your start date, your entire program fee (deposit + balance) is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- In some emergency cases, your payment may be saved as a credit for the same program, valid for 1 year. Extensions may be requested.
- We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover any last-minute emergencies.
Diving Programs
- Diving programs follow the cancellation policies of the local dive centers.
- No refunds or credits are available for cancellations made with less than 31 days’ notice—no exceptions.
- Travel insurance is essential for these programs.
Changing Programs
- With 31+ days’ notice, you can switch to any program on our site.
- With 30 days or less, changes are not allowed. Credit (if granted) can only be used for the same program, within one year.
Requirements
Am I qualified to participate on a GoEco program?
A GoEco volunteer must be at least 18 years of age*, enthusiastic about making the world a better place, independent and determined to work hard, and open-minded about new cultures and experiences.
*In some cases, a minor may be allowed to participate with either supervision by the minor’s parent/guardian on the project or written consent from a parent/guardian. If you have questions regarding minors participating in one of our projects, our representatives would be happy to address your individual situation and discuss the options with you.
All volunteers need to also pass a national criminal background check to qualify for a GoEco program.
Do I need to speak the local language?
You do not need to know any language other than English in order to participate in our projects except for the projects taking place in Central and South America. An important aspect of many of our volunteer projects is introducing remote communities to English-speakers and giving them a chance to learn and practice the language themselves. Therefore, your English skills are utilized and appreciated as an benefit of the project itself, regardless of the type of volunteer work you will be doing.
Our projects in Central and South America, however, all require at least beginner’s level Spanish. For these projects, there is often a Spanish course incorporated into the orientation to brush up on your conversation skills, as well as the option to continue taking Spanish lessons throughout the duration of your volunteer work.
Will I need a visa and/or passport?
It is the sole responsibility of the participant to ensure that he/she has a valid passport and appropriate visa for travel. For more information, click here.
Most countries require a minimum of 6 months validity on your passport to enter the country.
How far ahead of time do I need to apply?
Planning to Travel Between June and September? This is our busiest season, and many programs fill up quickly, often 6 months in advance. Please apply as soon as possible to reserve your spot.
We recommend applying at least 4 months before your preferred travel date to secure your spot. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting into your first-choice program.
If you’re hoping to travel sooner, go ahead and apply—we can often accommodate last-minute travelers if there’s still space available.
Health and Safety
How does GoEco ensure the safety of your volunteers abroad?
We understand the concerns that participants may have regarding international travel in a foreign country. We are here to assure you that your safety while on one of our programs is our top priority. GoEco requires all volunteers to pass a national criminal background check in order to qualify for our programs in advance. We have 24-hour emergency support in every country to which we send our volunteers. Additionally, each of our projects have staff coordinators located either on-site or nearby the project whom volunteers may contact if they need any assistance or have questions while on the project.
Do I need travel health insurance in order to participate?
GoEco considers the safety and security of each of our participants as our top priority, and insurance is important to have in the event that something unexpected happens such as a personal injury, a flight issue or related scenario. For this reason, travel medical coverage is mandatory for the duration of your placement abroad.
Please choose the insurance provider that best suits your needs. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of reputable insurance providers which offer various policies including travel medical and/or trip cancellation:
Seven Corners
CareMed
World Nomads
While GoEco partners with the three companies listed above, you should make a free and fully informed decision to select any insurance provider that best suits your needs.
Will I need immunizations prior to travel?
Will there be time to travel and sight-see while I am volunteering abroad?
Of course! Most of our volunteer projects give ample free time for just this! We understand that you want to explore your surroundings, as well as the diversity of the country you have traveled to, and our projects are flexible to accommodate for this. Additionally, the on-site coordinators are often happy to help you plan out any activities or small trips you want to take while on your placement.
Special Requests
Can I volunteer with a group of friends or family?
Can I go on more than one program back-to-back?
Yes! We would be happy to arrange a specialized volunteering itinerary encompassing multiple volunteer projects for a well-rounded and thrilling adventure! This arrangement is great for students looking to take a gap year or anyone wanting to take some time off from the routine of daily life and experience new cultures and work environments.
What are the accommodations like? Can I request my own room?
Private rooms can often be arranged for a single participant or a couple if notified ahead of time and for an additional fee. These arrangements can be made following registration.
