Will I need to have a passport to enter this country?
Yes, all students are required to have a passport. Student’s passport must be valid for six months past the date of their scheduled return from their ISV program. If necessary students will need to renew their passports prior to departure to meet this requirement.

ISV also requires all students to mail a photocopy of their passport photo and ID# page to the ISV office with your final payment on or before 65 days prior to departure.

Do I need a visa?
Travel Visas are not required to enter the Dominican Republic if you are a USA or Canadian Citizen.

If you are not a USA or Canadian citizen:

Do I need medical insurance?
ISV requires that all students have medical insurance. You must send a photocopy of proof of your insurance into the ISV office at least 30 days prior to departure.

Do we get to ask for a preference of which projects we will be assigned to, or will ISV choose the project we go on?
Students are always welcome to let us know a project preference if they have one. We make every attempt to accommodate students, however places on projects are subject to availability and we can therefore not guarantee placement. If you do not make a specific project selection, ISV will simply place you on one of our projects.

Will I be able to receive academic credit for my participation on the ISV program?
Details regarding academic credit for the 2005 ISV program are available on the academic credit page of the ISV website. Details for 2006 academic credit information are coming soon. Each student is responsible to verify the transferability of academic credit to their home institution. Some students receive credit through independent studies.

Are the meals/lodging included in the price?
All lodging is included in the ISV program cost. All the meals for the first 2 weeks (volunteer work project) and about half the meals for the second 2 weeks (adventure tour) are included in the ISV program cost.

I was just wondering if a participant has to fly out with the group or not?
Every participant has the option to take an ISV flight or they are free to arrange their own flights. Plan to arrive prior to the group flight to meet your group.

I was wondering how I would go about obtaining travelers insurance and how important it is for me to have it when I go on the trip?
Participants are required to have travelers insurance which includes insurance for two purposes – coverage for medical treatment and care while in your host country and travel/trip cancellation coverage. Many insurance carriers package these plans together with other travel related issues such as lost or stolen items like plane tickets, passports, and personal items. Cancellation insurance is important in the event that a problem arises that prevents you from going on the program. Policies do vary depending on the insurance provider, what country you travel to and what is covered, so make sure that you get a policy appropriate for your host country and your needs. Any travel agency should be able to assist you in procuring travel/trip cancellation insurance. Most travel insurance companies require you to purchase travel/trip cancellation insurance within 14 days after submitting your Agreement and paying your non-refundable deposit. Please go to the Terms and Conditions link for more information on travel/trip cancellation insurance

Are friends who do not attend a university able to apply to your program?
Although the ISV program is directed toward university students, a person does not have to be a university student to be welcomed on an ISV program. All participants must be at least 18 years of age.

When exactly is orientation?
An orientation will be held in your host country prior to your two week project and prior to your two week adventure tour.

My friend would like to go, but he does not know if it is available through his school, can he still apply?
Your friend is welcome to attend the ISV summer program and can get an application online.

What is an "Included" activity?
There are five “included” Adventure Tour activities included in the Program Cost. The final Adventure Tour itinerary with these included activities will be in your Student Travel Manual which will be sent to you 30 days prior to your departure date. ISV reserves the right to change these activities without notice.

What is an "Optional Activity Package" (OAP)?
In addition to the five “included” activities in the Adventure Tour, ISV offers participants an exciting Optional Activities Package (OAP). These activities are more of the best in outdoor adventure and cultural appreciation opportunities. Each year about 95% of ISV participants choose purchase the ISV Optional Activities Package as it adds great value to the overall experience. All activities in the OAP are organized by ISV staff prior to arrival. All participants have to do is show up and be ready to have a great time. Offered exclusively to ISV participants at a discounted price, you may reserve the OAP package by checking the indicated box on your ISV Flight Reservation form. (If you have already submitted your Flight Reservation form, please send an email to the ISV office indicating your desire to purchase the OAP package.)