• Because we are a specialised organisation which works with Deaf communities around the world.
• Because you want to join an exciting, safe and worthwhile trip to an interesting country. You want to know your money is well spent and your time will benefit the local Deaf community. You also want to learn about a new culture, make new friends and have time off to relax in your new surroundings.
• You will return home feeling re-motivated in your work or studies and often develop self-confidence and broader horizons. It’s reassuring to do this with the support of VoluntEars’ friendly staff and BSL Communicators

We welcome a fantastic variety of people. Common backgrounds are:

• D/deaf, hearing and hard-of-hearing people of all ages
• Teachers of the Deaf and Communication Support Workers
• D/deaf professionals
• University students studying BSL, Deaf Studies, Interpreting, Audiology
• D/deaf school students wanting an overseas trip with a difference
• Families including a D/deaf or hard-of-hearing person
• Groups from Deaf schools (we can arrange bespoke school group trips)

If you’re from a different background and want to check your suitability then contact us!

• Yes! Find out more on our Family Trips page.

• Yes! If you have a group of 6 or more people we can arrange a trip especially for you. Read more on our Tailor-made Group Trips page.

• Safety is always our number one priority.
• The nature of our destinations is such that we can’t eliminate all potential risk. However, we believe that a carefully planned and risk assessed trip makes for a safer and therefore more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
• Our Trip Leader and BSL Communicator stay at the same accommodation and work onsite every day with volunteers on our 2 Week Group Trips and Tailor-made Group Trips. This keeps communication smooth and means we are always on hand to answer any questions.
• Emergency contact details are given to all volunteers and families before leaving home.
• Additionally, we work with carefully selected Deaf schools where you are warmly welcomed and accepted from day one. This is important because developing countries can be less understanding or accepting of hearing loss.

• Our Director, Richard Clowes, has 19 years of experience arranging volunteer trips to developing countries throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America. His knowledge of other cultures, our partner projects and supporting volunteers overseas is second to none. Richard leads many of our trips.
• Nicholas Hall’s personal experience of travelling as an independent profoundly deaf person helps us ensure our projects are suitable for D/deaf people.
• Our overseas staff make the detailed arrangements before your trip. They are experienced and dedicated, trained and supported 24/7 by our UK team.

• They are your opportunity to meet VoluntEars staff before your trip overseas. You will receive helpful information and can ask any questions you have. You will also meet other people going on your trip.
• They take place in Brighton, Sussex, normally on a Saturday afternoon 1 to 2 months before each trip. Contact us for details after you join us.
• Don’t worry if you aren’t available for one of our pre-trip briefings. Comprehensive information is sent to all volunteers and can be copied to parents if requested.

• We will give you all the information and advice required for visas, flights, insurance, cultural information about your destination, clothes to take etc in our comprehensive Handbook. 
• Please note that visas, flights and insurance are not included in our price. We will give you instructions for obtaining the correct visa for your chosen destination, we’ll happily give you a flight quote, and we can recommend insurance providers. 
• We will send information about meeting procedures for arrival and detailed daily schedules, accommodation details and emergency contacts before your trip.
• You are welcome to contact us whenever you have a question, even if it seems insignificant; we know they’re all important.

• People join our trips from all over the world so tell us your nearest airport and we’ll get a flight quote for you. 
• However, if you want to fly together with other people on the same trip we can tell you the most popular flights.

• You will help a local Deaf school. We work very closely with our partner Deaf schools to ensure your work will really help the school and local D/deaf students. The schools are really grateful for your support so you are assured to make a difference during your trip.

• Group sizes vary from around 8 to 20 depending on the destination and dates of the trip. Contact us if you want to check a particular trip.

• No. We welcome people of all signing abilities on our trips from D/deaf people knowing native sign language, qualified Interpreters wanting to use their skills in a different setting, to people just starting or thinking of learning sign language at school or university.
• Remember we provide an experienced BSL Communicator on every trip to ensure smooth communication throughout the group. This means everyone feels fully involved the whole time.
• Our trips are fully accessible for everyone. 

• A lot! All your accommodation, food (3 meals a day), BSL Communicator and Trip Leader from our UK office, all local transport, trips to see local sights, work materials.
• The only ‘extras’ will be souvenirs, extra snacks or phone credit (but we normally have WiFi at our accommodation).
• For a full list of what’s included please read the “What’s Included” list for your preferred destination: Ghana, Nepal or Sri Lanka.

• Most people take several months to save money for their trip.
• Some people get a job and save some money each month.
• Other people do fundraising activities. See our Fundraising page for help raising money.
• Remember you can pay in installments and only have to pay the £195 deposit when you first apply. The balance can be paid around 3 months before your trip or later if agreed.

• Confidence through challenging yourself.
• CV development.
• New lifelong friends with other volunteers and local people you get to know in your destination.
• Help others; you will make a practical contribution to a local Deaf school in a developing country.
• Learn about a new country and experience their culture by getting under the skin, not just being a tourist.
• Return home with new self-confidence.