ISV has a commitment to safety. The safety and well being of every participant and leader takes top priority in our planning and operation of our programs internationally. Thousands of young adults from around the world participate in ISV’s programs each year, and ISV has experience in responding to incidents abroad. Be assured that ISV will not conduct a program that we believe will jeopardize the safety of any person. ISV’s executive managers regularly assess international affairs that may impact our program. ISV checks nationally recognized websites to help identify travel warnings such as the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the U.S. Department of State. While safety cannot be guaranteed at home or in any country, ISV takes every measure possible through; proper hiring and training of ISV’s field staff; in-country offices; 24-hour support team and promoting thorough preparation before departure to a host country.

Our staff

ISV’s field staff (project leaders and tour leaders) guide our participant groups on their volunteer projects and outdoor adventure tours, respectively.  ISV requires all field staff to be certified in first aid. ISV’s staff are well trained and experienced in leading groups. Staff training is thorough, and focuses on the need for staff to be proactive to prevent accidents and incidents. Ultimately, participants over the age of 18 are responsible for their own behavior and actions; however ISV staff emphasize to all participants that they each must be safety-consciousness at all times.  Participants can be assured that our ISV staff will do everything responsible and within reason to safely guide our participants on their overseas experience.

Our in-country offices

ISV has established an office in each of the countries we operate volunteer and adventure travel programs. In each country we have a country coordinator who assesses the local conditions, directs the program and oversees ISV’s field staff. In the unlikely event of an incident abroad, our country coordinator will contact and coordinate with ISV’s head offices (that handle the preparation of each participant prior to their departure). Important communication between family and friends is best achieved by calling the ISV head office who then relays information to the country coordinator in the participant’s host country. 

ISV has a global team of staff who cooperate to ensure the well-being of all participants and leaders, and who are available 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency.

Volunteer projects

Every volunteer project is assessed for safety and risks. As part of this process, ISV’s host organizations complete a formal risk assessment at least six weeks prior to the project’s start in order to minimize safety hazards and eliminate potential or planned high-risk activities. As risks can change between the time the assessment is completed and the arrival of the volunteer group, the ISV project leader(s) and staff from the host organization, take the volunteers through the process of risk assessment prior to beginning work. Proper training in the use of tools or other health and safety concerns is provided, and the use of appropriate equipment and protection is essential in the operation of our projects.

Adventure tours

Country coordinators are responsible for site inspecting and evaluating every activity included in the ISV program. ISV works with professional operators of the highest standard who conduct the activities on ISV adventure tours. There are contingency plans for each day’s itinerary should an activity need to be changed due to an unforeseen circumstance.

From assessing the quality of the equipment, to the minimum skill level requirements, we carefully choose ISV activities that allow participants to be challenged yet have a fun and safe experience on our tours. ISV reserves the right to change the tour itinerary, activities or accommodations for safety reasons; i.e. we would make the decision not to go white water rafting if the water level was too high and therefore unsafe. In the event that a condition arises that hinders our ability to provide a safe program, we will arrange a comparable alternative.

Travel/Medical Insurance

Every ISV participant is required to obtain traveler’s insurance. Proof of insurance for each participant is required by the ISV office no later than 65 days prior to departure; however insurance should be obtained by participants shortly after reserving their place on the ISV program. Ideally, each participant’s insurance policy should provide coverage against unforeseen medical care, emergency evacuation, cancellation, lost or stolen belongings (such as passports), and problems with flights (such as lost baggage) etc. Participants should also ensure that their policy provides coverage against injury from the activities undertaken as part of the ISV program. In many cases, ISV can recommend a travel insurance provider who is familiar with the ISV program and activities. Participants should contact their ISV office for more information.

Medical issues

Participants are required to indicate on their ISV Application if they have any injuries, illnesses, allergies or are taking any medications. The information provided should be complete and accurate. The ISV office will follow up with a thorough medical form should a participant indicate anything on the Application that would require ISV to obtain additional information. Participants must update ISV in writing should their medical information change between the time of Application and departure to their host country.

Illness or injury overseas
For each volunteer project and each tour destination, ISV obtains the location and details of the nearest medical facility. If a participant is ill or injured overseas, ISV staff will assist the participant in receiving appropriate medical care (including applying first aid or visiting a clinic or hospital). Depending on the severity of the situation, ISV will contact the participant’s listed emergency contact via the ISV head office. Participants are also provided with local and ISV emergency contact numbers and the contact details for local clinics should they require them.  

Prior to departure – immunizations
As part of ISV’s program preparations, ISV strongly recommends that all participants visit a medical doctor for a travel consultation prior to departing overseas. A medical doctor will provide the most accurate and up to date information suitable for each host country.  Although ISV does not require any specific immunizations for participants on an ISV program, we strongly advise all participants to ensure that their immunizations are up to date for:

• Tetanus     
• Diphtheria
  
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Hepatitis A and B

Malaria and Typhoid immunizations are also recommended for some countries. Please note that some vaccinations can take months to be effective, so appointments must be made as soon as possible.

Participants may also visit the following website for more information:
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx

Get fit before you travel
Due to the design and nature of the ISV program, participants should ensure that prior to departure they also attain at least a moderate fitness level so that they can maximize their participation and enjoyment level throughout the experience.

Please let us know if you have any questions regarding safety and procedures on the ISV program.  We look forward to a safe and incredible journey toward a better world through the ISV program.