New Hope Volunteers

Since 1998, More than 18000 happy volunteers


FAQs Tanzania

Why Choose Tanzania?

Tanzania is a heaven on earth with perfect blending of mountains, wildlife parks, lakes and large plateau with plains. In Tanzania, you can achieve the most exciting abroad experience and make everlasting memories of a beautiful and distinctive African society. You work with various organizations in their effort to help the neediest communities. You will have a great opportunity to explore Africa while serving the rural population affected by HIV/Aids, poverty, and other social problems.

Is Tanzania safe?

New Hope Volunteer always places participants to in safe environments while volunteering in Tanzania. Tanzania is safe for travelers. However, you should be careful of traveling in rural areas and be suspicious of strangers offering tours and “special deals”. In addition, be cautious with your possessions, especially money and cameras. Though Tanzania is safe by African standards, the police are known to be corrupt in some cases. Therefore, always show a lot of respect for authoritarian figures. Please consult your own government on latest safety issues before participating in our program.

What is the program duration?

Our volunteer programs start on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month and run for 2 to 12 weeks. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply two to three months in advance.

Why should I pay a registration fee?

The registration fee is required to run the organization (office space, computers, Internet, supplies and staffer salaries). New Hope Volunteer has an office in Tanzania and the US running the program. Part of the fee goes to maintaining these offices. The remaining money of the program directly goes to support the programs.

Is the program fee tax-deductible?

New Hope Volunteer is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. The program fees and all expenses related to your volunteer program, including airfare, are tax-deductible for US taxpayers. However, any amount given by donors for your specific volunteer program is not tax-deductible for the donors. Please consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation.

Are MasterCard, Visa and other credit cards accepted?

There are several banks and money exchange services. You can bring MasterCard, American Express, Visa credit cards, cash (US dollars or euros) or travelers checks, all of which are accepted in the main cities. However, facilities may be limited outside major cities. Traveler’s checks may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages. You also can withdraw cash from most international banks from ATMs and you can exchange at the airport, but $2-4 USD surcharges apply for each transaction.

What is the local currency?

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).

How much extra money do I need?

We manage food and accommodation for volunteers from the first to last day of program so there will not be need of more money for basic necessities. Living costs in Tanzania are inexpensive compared to those in the West. US$200 will be sufficient to cover the first 2-3 weeks for petty expenses and travel to/from your project. You will need extra money if you plan to take part in activities outside the organization or if you just want to buy some souvenirs.

Who organizes my flights?

You will have to arrange your flights to and from Tanzania since you are not charged for airfare.

Do I need travel insurance?

Our program does not cover liability and insurance for our volunteers. Therefore, volunteers must have appropriate insurance before joining the program. Please obtain necessary health and travel insurance before coming to Tanzania. Talk to your travel agent about this or search on the Internet to see what offers are available, and make sure you look into the details of the policy. Find out if it covers airfare in case of a medical emergency.

What should I bring for myself?

This will vary depending on what activities you want to participate in and how much you need to be comfortable during your placement. With the exception of medicine and first-aid kit, you can buy everything that you would need for your placement in Tanzania. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Sleeping bag
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Sun cream
  • Water purification tablets and/or good quality water purifier
  • First-aid kit
  • Flashlight (torch)
  • Penknife
  • Books about your country
  • Photos of your family/friends/home
  • A few examples of your local currency
  • Colored pencils and pens, drawing books, stickers

What are the existing conditions of my placement?

You are provided with food and accommodations; your volunteer program fee covers them. During the language and cultural orientation, you will stay at our hostel with other volunteers. We offer food and accommodation from the first day of the program to the last day. Local food thrice a day is provided for you while training and volunteering. You are advised to buy your own bottled water once you arrive in Tanzania. For the volunteers who arrive earlier or who want to stay longer, it is not possible to offer accommodations and food, but we will help volunteers to find a quality, inexpensive place to stay.
The living conditions of the placement depend on the area. You will be placed within a family setting with your own room.

Will there be someone to pick me up from airport?

One of our representatives will be waiting for you at the airport, holding a sign with your name on it. Please do not forget to send your detailed flight itinerary in advance.

What happens if I want to arrive earlier than the program begins?

You can arrive several days earlier or even up to a week early for your project, however, you will be responsible for these arrangements (including accommodations and food), and must still meet the coordinator at the airport on the designated date.

Will I have time to explore Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Moshi during my stay?

You will have plenty of time to explore Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Moshi during orientation. As a part of the language program, we offer full day tour. You will also have weekends off and can explore the places on your own.

Will I have communications access?

Internet centers, telephone booths and post offices are easily available in Dar es Salaam and most localities around the project where you will be placed.

Can I work and live with other volunteers?

We allow people to come with a friend or even in a large group. We can place any volunteer near to another volunteer already working in the field. Volunteers of the opposite sex are not allowed to stay in same room unless they are a married couple. In this case, it is better to arrange a private apartment so that you will have complete freedom.

Is it possible to change my placement if I get dissatisfied?

New Hope Volunteer will seriously consider the request of volunteer for the change of placement to meet the expectation of volunteers. We cannot change placement without genuine reasons.

What happens if I decide to return home before the placement is over?

Once the volunteer makes a decision and pays for the program fee, upon receipt of invoice, New Hope Volunteer does not refund any program fee under any circumstances. Nevertheless, if the volunteer have unavoidable circumstances (such as illness, death of in the family etc) may request to leave the program, we will consider to return 30% of the host family cost, if volunteers are registered for more than 30 days program. No refund will be made if program is less than 30 days and if volunteers leave program in their own decision.

Who will drop me off at the airport?

New Hope Volunteer does not offer airport drop service. You will need to arrange a taxi or bus ride to the airport after your project is finished. This is an easy process and our in-country coordinator in Tanzania or your home stay family will assist you.

What about vaccinations and medication?

No vaccinations are required for entrance into Tanzania; however, you should consider the following vaccinations:

  • Hepatitis A & B
  • Diphtheria
  • Tetanus
  • Rabies
  • Malaria tablets
  • Typhoid
  • Yellow fever

Are New Hope Volunteer programs only for international volunteers?

We mobilize national volunteers along with international volunteer as their counterparts.

Visa

Tourist visa is granted upon arrival but it’s highly recommended to get one in your home country before departing for Tanzania. After arrival in Tanzania, volunteers must apply for Residency Permit to volunteer in Tanzania.

The permit is known as ‘class C resident permit’ and it is volunteer’s responsibility to apply for the permit once in Tanzania. Please apply at the Immigration Bureau in either Dar Es Salaam or Arusha. The cost to apply for the permit is USD 120.- and you need to fill out 2 application forms, a copy of your passport, CV and 6 passport size photos.

New Hope Volunteers will provide you’re the documents, e.g. letter for the organization and company registration certificated.

The address: Immigration Bureau at Dar Es Salaam:
PO Box 512
Phone: +255 2118637/2118640
Fax No: +255 2112181/2112174
Website: www.moha.go.tz

Where is the arrival and departure point?

Volunteers are requested to make your final destination to Dar Es Salaam International Airport, or the Kilimanjaro Airport in Arusha, depending on where your program is located. Our representative will meet you at the airport. Your departure will be from the same airport.

Clothes and Climate in Placement Areas

Volunteers should dress modestly when at their projects. We suggest female volunteers not to wear short skirts or shorts in villages. Tanzanian culture is partially Islamic therefore, do not wear revealing clothing and try to cover your shoulders at all times. Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jackets/sweaters). A solid pair of walking shoes is highly recommended for trekking.

Weather in Tanzania varies from place to place. Coastal areas like Dar Es Salaam can be extremely hot and humid. On the other hand, areas in the north and west can become quite chilly in the evenings.

Emergency Contact

You have three parties available to you 24/7 in case of emergency, health-related or otherwise: New Hope Volunteer staffers, your host family, and your program supervisor. Make sure to bring with you contact information for all three parties before you arrive.

What are the characteristics of good volunteer?

If you have attributes like independence, patience, a sense of humor, tolerance, willingness, flexibility, self-motivation and open-mindedness, you get the most out of your stay in Tanzania.

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