ISV’s commitment to safety and well-being of every leader and participant take top priority in the planning and operation of each international program. Because thousands of young adults from around the world participate in ISV’s programs each year, we have extensive experience in our response to handle incidents and emergencies abroad. Please assure 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 affect our program. We research 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 website. While safety cannot be guaranteed at home or in any country, we take every measure possible through proper hiring and training of ISV field staff; in-country office assistance; 24-hour support team and promotion of thorough preparation before departure to their host country, etc.

ISV Staff:

ISV field staff (Project Leaders, Tour Leaders and Tour Leaders in Training) guide participant groups on volunteer projects and outdoor adventure tours, respectively. We require all field staff to have current First Aid certification. Additional certification, i.e., Wilderness First Responder, CPR Certification, etc. are encouraged, but not mandatory.

All ISV staff are well trained and have prior experience leading/guiding groups. Staff training is thorough; we focus on the need for staff to be proactive and preventative with accidents and incidents. Ultimately, participants over the age of 18 are responsible for their own behavior and actions, however ISV staff emphasize to every participant that each must be safety-consciousness at all times.  Participants can assure ISV staff will always do everything responsibly and within reason to safely guide participants on their overseas experience.

In-country offices:

ISV has established offices for each host country we operate volunteer and adventure travel programs. In addition, each country has a Country Coordinator to direct the program, assess local conditions and oversee ISV in-country field staff. In the unlikely event of an incident abroad, our Country Coordinator will contact and coordinate with ISV head offices who handle preparation of each participant prior to departure. Important communication between family and friends is achieved by calling the ISV head office who will relay information to the Country Coordinator in the participant’s host country. 

ISV Staff is available 24 hours a day, in the event of an emergency.

Volunteer projects:

We assess every volunteer project for safety and risk. In order to minimize safety hazards and eliminate potential or plan high-risk activities, ISV host organizations complete a formal risk assessment at least six weeks prior to project start. As potential risks can change between time assessment completion and the arrival of volunteer groups, ISV Project Leader(s) and host organization staff take volunteers through the risk assessment process prior to beginning work. ISV staff provides proper protection and training in the use of tools, equipment and/or other health and safety concerns. Safety and assessment is essential in the operation of every project.

Adventure tours:

Country Coordinators are responsible for site inspection and evaluation of every activity included in the ISV program. ISV staff collaborates with high-standard professional operators who conduct the activities on ISV adventure tours. In addition, we organize contingency plans for each day’s itinerary, should an activity need to be changed due to unforeseen circumstances.
ISV staff carefully chooses activities, from assessment of equipment quality to the minimum skill level required, that allow participants to be challenged yet have a fun and safe experience on our tours. We reserve the right to change the tour itinerary, activity or accommodation for safety concerns; i.e. to decide not to go white water rafting due to high water levels deemed unsafe. In the event conditions arise that could hinder our ability to provide a safe program, we will arrange a comparable alternative.

Travel/Medical Insurance:

We require every ISV participant to show proof of Traveler’s Insurance no later than 65 days prior to departure. Once participants reserve a place on their ISV program, we encourage students to obtain insurance. Ideally, each insurance policy should provide coverage against unforeseen medical care, emergency evacuation, cancellation, lost or stolen belongings (i.e., passports), flight cancellations or challenges, (i.e., lost baggage) etc.

Please make certain the participant insurance policy you chose will provide coverage against potential injury from the activities students undertake as part of the ISV program. ISV is pleased to recommend a travel insurance provider who is familiar with our ISV program and activities. Should you require more information, please, contact an ISV office.

Medical matters:

We require participants to indicate on their ISV Application if they have an injury, illness, allergy or are currently taking medication(s). Information should be complete and accurate.

Our ISV office will follow up with a thorough medical form, should a participant indicate anything on the Application that might require ISV to obtain additional information. Participants must update ISV, in writing, should any medical information change between the time of Application completion and departure to host country.

Illness or injury overseas

We provide the location and details of the nearest medical facility for each volunteer project and tour destination. If a participant is ill or injured overseas, ISV staff will assist the participant to receive appropriate medical care (i.e. first aid application or clinic or hospital visit). Depending on the severity of the situation, ISV staff will contact the participant’s listed emergency contact via ISV head office. ISV will provide participants with local and ISV emergency contact numbers and details for local clinics, if a participant may require them.

Prior to departure – Immunizations:

As part of ISV’s program preparation, we strongly recommend all participants visit a medical doctor for a travel consultation prior to departure overseas. A medical doctor will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information suitable for each host country.

Although ISV does not require specific immunization(s) for participants on an ISV program, we strongly advise all participants to ensure the following immunizations are up to date:

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

*We recommend Malaria and Typhoid immunization(s) for certain host countries.
*Please, note some vaccinations take months to be effective. Ensure appointments are made as soon as possible.

Participants may 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, prior to departure, we encourage participants to attain at least a moderate fitness level so that they can maximize participation and enjoyment level throughout the experience.

*Please, contact your ISV Office if you have questions regarding safety and procedures of the ISV program.