Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the trip cost? What is included in the price?

The cost of the trip differs according to program length. The two week programs to South America cost between $2,550 to 2,700; and the four week program to South America costs $4,700. These prices are subject to change. Prices are all inclusive, covering airfare, accommodation, meals, transportation, and insurance. Students should bring extra money for incidental expenses and local airport taxes.

Who do I make the cheques out to?

All cheques should be made payable to Solidarity in Action Inc.

How many people usually participate in each program?

The trips usually allow between 20 and 35 participants (depending on the program). Registration is based on a process of selection, determined by the application process and a short essay.

Do I need to get vaccinations?

Vaccinations are not required in order to participate in the program. However, it is mandatory that you make an appointment with your doctor or a travel clinic to discuss if vaccinations are recommended for your travel destination. Ultimately you should make a decision with your doctor if it is beneficial or necessary for you to receive certain vaccinations.

What if I have a health condition?

If you have a health condition, you should determine with your doctor if it is safe for you to travel and participate in the program. Participants should ensure that they are able to fully participate in this program due to its intense physical, emotional and psychological demands. It is important to find out whether travel insurance will provide coverage for your condition in the case of an emergency/relapse of a pre-existing condition. In the case of a medical emergency while overseas, an emergency protocol is in place to provide health coverage in-country and transportation back home if deemed necessary.

What if I have to cancel my trip?

In the event of cancellation, you will not be reimbursed the $300 registration deposit and there may be additional penalties which may not allow you to be reimbursed for the full cost of the trip. Travel insurance is included in the price of the program which will cover any emergency cancellations due to illness, injury, death, or death of a family member. Cancellation due to the reoccurrence of a personal, pre-existing medical condition may not be accepted.

Do I need a passport?

Yes, all participants travelling out of country need a valid passport. All passports must be signed with all emergency contact information filled out and be valid for another 6 months from the date of scheduled return.

What countries do I need a Visa for?

Currently, the only country which requires a visa for Canadian citizens from among our current destinations is Brazil. In order to apply for an entrance visa, participants must have a valid passport. Typically visas are applied for as a group. Further information will be provided upon registration. Visa fees are not included in the price of the program.

Are the trips safe?

Travelling to any destination, especially a developing country, poses some safety risks. However, Solidarity in Action takes every possible safety precaution in order to ensure the safety of its participants. Participants board in safe accommodations and are required to travel in groups at all times during the program. As long as students are aware of their surroundings and obey the guidelines set out by their program leaders, they should not be exposed to unreasonable danger.

What if I have special dietary requirements?

Participants who have special dietary requirements (such as vegetarian, lactose intolerant, etc.) should indicate this while registering. All efforts will be made to accommodate the student while on the program.

Do I have to arrange my own transportation to the airport?

Yes. All participants are required to organize their own transport to the airport.

Is religious affiliation required to participate on the trips?

No religious affiliation is required for participation in this program. However, clear respect for the religious beliefs of the participants and locals and an openness to explore spirituality is expected from all students.

What do I need to pack?

What participants need to pack depends on the trip they are participating in.

The following is just a general list of items to bring on the trip. Please check the weather forecasts of your country of destination to have a better idea of the clothing that you will require. Since Lima tends to have cool mornings and evenings with warmer afternoons, layered clothing is often the most practical option. In addition, Lima can become quite warm while Cuzco can become quite cold. Please make sure you are prepared for both climates. Brazil and Ecuador are both much warmer countries, but bring some items for potentially cooler evenings or days.

• 2-3 pairs of pants
• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• Sandals
• Running shoes
• 5 t-shirts
• 2 long-sleeved shirts
• 1 sweater
• 1 water-proof jacket
• Underwear and socks
• Pajamas
• Shampoo and other hygienic supplies
• Bathing suit
• Towel
• Hand sanitizer
• Moist toilettes/travel tissue packages
• Baseball cap/bandana
• Paper and pens for classes
• A journal
• One or more nice outfits for outings
• A side bag which includes a zipper (to prevent pick-pocketing)
• Around $200 USD (this is up to your personal discretion)
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Camera and batteries
• Basic first aid kit: Ibuprofen, Advil cold and sinus, Gravol, tums, band-aids, etc.
• Phrasebook
• Refillable water bottle (optional)
• Sleeping bag and pillow (optional)

Please note that it is often safer to wear jeans and closed toed shoes when working at a volunteer placement. Laundry facilities are available, but they are limited.

How much luggage can I take?

Usually, participants can take 2 pieces of checked luggage each weighing approximately 50 lbs, plus a piece of carry-on luggage and a purse. Each airline may have different weight or size restrictions. Participants will be informed of these specific restrictions during the pre-departure meetings.

What if I don’t speak any languages other than English?

Many participants who participate in the programs are not fluent in a language other than English. In countries where the main language is one other than English, students will attend language classes’ in-country in order to equip them with basic knowledge of that language.

What kinds of activities do students participate in while on the trip?

Participants will be active in different volunteer placements during most of the day. Night activities are designed to increase the participant’s knowledge of the country and its culture. This may be done by visiting museums, attending concerts or lectures, or visiting local shopping destinations to name a few. Language classes may also be provided in order to aid the process of communication with locals. Overnight excursions to local landmarks will also be provided, such as Machu Picchu for Peru and Cuenca for Ecuador. The program is designed to not only help participants act in solidarity with the needy, but to also give them an understanding of the culture and history of the country they visit.

When and how will I get to choose my volunteer placement?

Typically participants will visit as a group of the possible volunteer placements and then smaller groups will be set up to go to the individual placements based on interest. Students are able to change their volunteer placements daily if they so desire or remain at one placement. The size of the group to each placement depends on the requirements and needs of the placement.

Where will we work?

Participants work in various volunteer placements throughout the local community. Some of the placements available are in hospitals, health campaigns, schools, daycares, elders’ shelters, maternity clinics, physiotherapy clinics, construction and painting projects, environmental projects, soup kitchens and orphanages. Placements vary with each country. It is our desire to place each participant in locations that are related to their interests, so students are free to request placements in which their interest lies.

What will we be doing?

Besides providing the local organizations with much needed donations, participants will be working with local organizations, learning and providing assistance and aid. Tasks will differ as the placements and needs vary. Some possibilities are teaching English, running health campaigns, aiding in clinics, building schools and feeding the homeless.

How do I collect donations? What donations should I take?

Every individual is allowed two suitcases at 50lbs each. It is asked that one suitcase be filled with personal items while the second is used for donations. Donation letter templates will be available in order to request donations from organizations and offices you are familiar with. Powerpoint presentations can also be made available for those who are interested in doing presentations in order to collect donations. You and your donors can decide whether monetary donations are to go towards paying for your trip or to the organization to help fund on-site projects. Some common areas to ask for donations are from churches, religious organizations, dentists, doctors or other organizations. Please try and fill your bags with, medical supplies, school supplies, baby supplies, etc. before adding adult clothing donations. Much of our work will be with children.

• crayons
• markers
• pencils
• pens
• coloured paper
• notebooks
• art supplies
• glue
• scissors
• erasers
• rulers
• calculators
• chalk
• puzzles
• games
• books (in native language)

• antibiotics
• anti-inflammatory
• vitamins
• painkillers
• cold/flu medicine
• band-aids
• cough syrup
• surgical tape
• latex gloves
• antibacterial hand sanitizer

• latex gloves
• surgical supplies
• baby clothes
• baby diapers
• baby soap/shampoo/creams

• shampoo
• soap
• geriatric diapers
• warm bed clothes
• vitamins
• medical supplies
• board games
• playing cards

• sports clothes (especially soccer)
• balls (soccer)
• skipping ropes
• outdoor toys

• shoes
• summer clothes
• clean socks and underwear
• warm clothes

• toothbrushes
• toothpaste
• mouthwash
• floss
• children’s toothbrushes

• the construction of schools and daycares
• the construction of community centres
• community development projects
• buy products in-country to support the local economy

Please make sure that all the donations you bring are not expired! Adult clothing, although helpful, is the least important donation to bring. If possible, try to fill your suitcase with other donations first.

What will the weather be like?

Weather conditions vary from country to country as well as time of year. Students should check the forecast for the country they are traveling to in order to get a better idea of what the climate will be like while they are visiting the country. More information will be provided for each country at the pre-departure orientation sessions.

Where will we live?

Participants usually stay in retreat houses or universities. These retreat houses provide safe and comfortable accommodations, as well as meals. Participants may stay in double or triple occupancy rooms. Specific addresses of retreat houses will be provided during the pre-departure orientation sessions.

What are pre-departure orientation meetings? Are they manditory?

Pre-departure orientation meetings are sessions designed to prepare participants before they leave on their trip. They will provide valuable information regarding international and political differences as well as how to adapt to cultural changes. Booklets on the country of destination will be given to each participant to help them learn and familiarize themselves before they go. If participants do not attend one or more of the pre-departure orientation sessions, their attendance on the trips may be reconsidered.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

If you have more questions, please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and a member of our team will contact you as soon as possible.