How to Enroll - Yourself
Inquiry Process
You should obtain an information packet including an application if you are interesting in joining an IP service trip. Applications can be obtained:
- On the IP Web site here.
- By email: director@internationpartners.org
- Attend an information meeting
Individual Applications
Complete the application form and send the form along with a non-refundable processing fee of $50 payable to International Partners. Applications can be made in two ways:
- Mail application with check to; International Partners, 1320 Fenwick Lane, Suite 400, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
- Applications may be submitted by email and you can use Pay Pal to pay your processing fee or pay your service fees. Applications will not be processed until processing fee is received
Deadlines
Applications deadlines vary depending on when you want to go. To receive full consideration for trips, applications must be received by the following dates with your $ 50 nonrefundable processing fee. A $100 registration fee is required as soon as your application is accepted.
| Summer trips | January 15th |
| Winter break trips | October 15th |
| Spring break trips | December 15th |
After these dates, if there is still space available, applications will be received with an additional $100.00 registration fee and possibly additional requirements to be determined.
Basic Application Criteria
- Must be 16 years old by June 1. There is no upper age limit.
- Spanish language skills are recommended. (Non-fluent speakers are encouraged to enroll in language study.)
- Good physical health
All participants must also be able and willing to:
- Participate in group fundraising activities established by your group organizer
- Complete training sessions established by the trip coordinator
- Participate in packing & luggage check as established by your group organizer
Service Fees
Your service fee covers accommodations, meals, in-country travel for delegation related activities, IP leadership, travel insurance for medical emergencies and evacuation ($100,000 coverage and a $250 deductible), costs of project preparation and coordination, administrative costs, and a project contribution.
Service fees do not cover other participant expenses including (but not limited to): airfare, entry visas, food or lodging before or after the designated time and date of the trip, medical expenses, any additional costs for getting to or from optional travel or activities, expenses involving tips, telephone calls, postage, gifts, optional snacks or beverages that are not a customary part of meals, passport fees, fees for immunizations
In-take Interview
Upon receipt of an application, the Trip Coordinator will schedule a one-hour in-take interview with you.
Acceptance into IP Service Teams Training Program
After your interview, trip coordinators will review applications and select participants based on the needs of the projects and the space available. Although applying early gives your application the best chance for full consideration, acceptance is not necessarily on a first come, first serve basis. You will be mailed a letter of acceptance. At this time, a deposit of $100.00 is required. You will then need to complete training activities and pass several screening and/or proficiency tests to complete the training program.
IP Training Program
To get ready for your trip, you are required to participate in a series of training sessions as designated by your trip coordinator. Many training sessions can be completed on-line after you have registered for the trip. Your group organizer will also schedule a series of regular meetings for participants prior to the trip and will schedule a series of meetings for parents of participants under age 21. Training includes the following information:
- Salvadoran History and Culture
- Health & Safety, and Basic First Aid
- Fundraising
- Project Skills and Village Life Skills
- Personal Behavior Agreement
- International Partners Vision, Mission, and Policies
Team Assignments for Individual Participants
During the in-take interview you will have the opportunity to indicate your project /location/team preference. Though preferences will be considered, they cannot be guaranteed. Team assignments for individual participants will be based on the needs of the teams and the projects and the following:
- Spanish fluency distribution
- Male-female distribution
- Participant skills and abilities matched with project needs
- Special interests of participants
Insurance Requirements
Your participation fee includes international emergency medical insurance (with $100,000.00 coverage and a $250 deductible). In addition, all participants are required to carry their own US health insurance in the unlikely event that an accident exceeds the maximum coverage. You must check with their insurance company to verify that their policy is valid for accidents or illnesses that occur outside the US.
Passport Requirements
You must have a current US passport with an expiration date six months after their scheduled trip. If you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately as passport numbers are needed to purchase group airline tickets and travel insurance. (If you have a non-US passport, you must research and document the entry requirements for El Salvador and submit that information with your application.) Click here for more information on passport requirements.
Immunizations
While there are no immunizations required for entry into El Salvador, IP recommends the following:
- An up-to-date tetanus booster
- Hepatitis A
- Participant skills and abilities matched with project needs
- Hepatitis B, particularly recommended for those who will working on medical teams
Contact your physician at least 6 weeks before departure and inform her/him that you will be traveling to rural El Salvador. Some doctors may also recommend medication for malaria and immunization for typhoid fever.
Remember that beyond the immunizations recommended by IP, you in consultation with your physician are responsible for determining the medications to be taken before departure and while in country. Additional information can be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 404/639-3311; www.cdc.gov or from Passport Heath; www.passporthealthusa.com.
Fundraising
In many cases, fundraising is an essential part of paying for your trip. Fundraising ideas and opportunities are provided on this Web site in our online delegate training course. After you have registered for a trip you will be given instructions on how to access online training. The course discusses effective fundraising strategies including letter writing and home benefit parties. Some groups also hold events such as fiestas, concerts, carwashes, silent auctions, etc. Samples and information are provided to support you in these activities if you wish to fundraise to cover your airfare and service fees. Your group may also decide to do larger, joint fundraising activities to cover project costs. One half of the payment due two months prior to your departure, payment in full is due at least one month prior to your departure.
Withdrawal/Refund Policy
International Partners makes commitments to communities and to suppliers far in advance of your trip. Therefore, if you have to withdraw from the program or from optional add-on activities, cancellation feels may be required. The $50.00 processing fee submitted at the time of application is non-refundable. The following chart outlines the fee schedule in the event of a withdrawal. Donations made to International Partners in your name through fundraising efforts are also not refundable. (In the event of participant withdrawal, donations will be applied to the amount due.) Withdrawal must be made in writing, signed by you, and, if you are under 18 years of age, signed by your parents or guardians. The cancellation fee is determined according to the following schedule:
Withdrawal notice received Cancellation fee due
More than 90 days notice given...............................................................$50.00
60 days notice...........................................................................1/4 service fee
Between 30 and 45 days notice given..........................................1/2 service fee
fewer than 29 days prior to departure..........................................full service fee
(Notice of withdrawal must be received in writing.)
Note: Once teams are in country, there are no refunds because of early departure or dismissal. In the event that a participant leaves early or violates the conduct agreement and is sent home, all costs of early departure will be at the participant’s expense.
Refund determinations will be made at the conclusion of the trip.
Dismissal
International Partners reserves the right to dismiss from the program without refund, any participant whose conduct is: 1) detrimental to the safety, physical or mental health of the participant, other members of the program, or their host community; 2) improper or offensive to the host community; or 3) is unwilling or incapable of participating fully in a cross-cultural experience. Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to: violations of the signed conduct agreement; the use of drugs, alcohol or weapons or 4) who leave the area without permission of the trip leader.
Click here to read the Behavior Agreement closely before enrolling. Driving motor vehicles, hitchhiking, and walking alone outside of designated areas are often dangerous and are strictly prohibited while participating in the program.
Additional costs for dismissal or withdrawal shall be borne by the participant.
