Costs. So how much dough will gap year volunteering cost you? Program fees vary depending on the length of the program, the number of countries that will be visited, and the program’s cost of operations. The price will also depend on what’s included. Some programs will have a price tag that amounts to a year of college tuition! But don’t freak out! You can save up your summer job salary, ask family and friends for donations, apply for grants, or kick off a stellar fundraiser using this FundMyTravel tool.

Accommodations. When it comes to a gap year crash pad, there are a couple of different set-ups. You could be sharing a room with fellow volunteers or have your own room in a local host family’s home. Now, if the idea of shacking up with new faces sounds intimidating, hakuna matata! It’s totally normal to feel nervous about living with strangers. Just remember that making new friends is a healthy part of the gap year volunteering abroad experience.

Visas. As a gapper, you’ll need some credentials to live in the country you’re volunteering in. This will be a visa that vouches for the fact that you’re legally staying in the country for a period of time. Your gap year coordinators may take care of getting your visa, or they’ll give you all the deets on how to get it when you land at the airport. Wanna get a head start on understanding visa requirements for gap year volunteer opportunities? Use this nifty GoAbroad embassy directory to get contact info for any embassy in seconds!

Safety. Your gap year volunteer work is going to be filled with some pretty mind-blowing and life-changing adventures. So while you’re riding the wave, don’t forget about personal safety. As a foreigner, you’ll be in unfamiliar territory and run into different cultural norms. Basic street smarts can significantly lower chances of lousy experiences like getting robbed. Leave your passport tucked away safely in your room and walk with copies of it. Ask your program staff for even more safety advice!