The Cost of Volunteering
I had this page up and then took it down. But with the number of questions I've gotten from potential volunteers wanting to have an idea of the cost involved, I made the choice to put it back up.
Please keep in mind that the prices I'm quoting are from July 2010, and things may have changed. But this is what I paid for many aspects of my trip.
I have everything listed in CDN unless otherwise stated.
Initial costs:
Registration with IVHQ - $243.09 CAD ($231.00 USD)
Program fees for 4 weeks - $572.50 CAD ($546.00 USD)
Round trip flights - approx. $3000.00
Travel insurance - approx. $150
Addition costs:
While meals were provided throughout the week, I did have to feed myself on the weekends and we did eat out sometimes. I estimate I spent an additional $50/week in food.
I also chose to do tourist things while I was there. Here's some of the things I did:
Fairy Glen safari - $270
Table Mountain/ Red Bus Tour/ Aquarium - $50
Blue Bus Tour - $15
World of Birds - $10
Cape Point tour by taxi (share with two others) - $30
Wine tasting and tours - $20
Seal Island boat tour - $35
Boulders Beach - $3
I didn't spend a lot shopping, but souvenirs will be an additional cost to consider.
I also stayed in a hotel for my last two days in Cape Town after my placement had ended. It was just after the World Cup, so I got a great deal on a four star hotel. Which was lovely after sharing a bedroom and bathroom for a month!
Lastly, I had several people who donated money to my trip. I ended up using all donated money towards the rebuilding of Shack 10 or towards supplies for the classroom I was working in.
TOTAL COSTS:
All in all, with everything included, I estimate I spent somewhere around $5500 for the month long trip.
Registration with IVHQ - $243.09 CAD ($231.00 USD)
Program fees for 4 weeks - $572.50 CAD ($546.00 USD)
Round trip flights - approx. $3000.00
Travel insurance - approx. $150
Addition costs:
While meals were provided throughout the week, I did have to feed myself on the weekends and we did eat out sometimes. I estimate I spent an additional $50/week in food.
I also chose to do tourist things while I was there. Here's some of the things I did:
Fairy Glen safari - $270
Table Mountain/ Red Bus Tour/ Aquarium - $50
Blue Bus Tour - $15
World of Birds - $10
Cape Point tour by taxi (share with two others) - $30
Wine tasting and tours - $20
Seal Island boat tour - $35
Boulders Beach - $3
I didn't spend a lot shopping, but souvenirs will be an additional cost to consider.
I also stayed in a hotel for my last two days in Cape Town after my placement had ended. It was just after the World Cup, so I got a great deal on a four star hotel. Which was lovely after sharing a bedroom and bathroom for a month!
Lastly, I had several people who donated money to my trip. I ended up using all donated money towards the rebuilding of Shack 10 or towards supplies for the classroom I was working in.
TOTAL COSTS:
All in all, with everything included, I estimate I spent somewhere around $5500 for the month long trip.
