VolTra is committed to encouraging volunteers to take Glocal Action. We believe that meaningful change begins when each of us is willing to take the first step and get involved. An international workcamp is more than just a trip abroad; it is an opportunity to combine service, learning, and cross-cultural exchange.
Here’s how you can apply for and take part in an international workcamp:
Step 1: Explore our Workcamps
Volunteers can browse international workcamp projects around the world through the VolTra website. You can search by country, month, project type, or keyword to find a workcamp that matches your interests, schedule, and expectations.
You can explore suitable workcamps through VolTra Search Engine (E-vet) or Featured Workcamps. Featured Workcamps are projects specially selected and recommended by the VolTra editorial team, while the VolTra Search Engine provides access to all workcamp projects worldwide that are available for application through VolTra.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form and Pay the Program Preparation and Support Fee
Complete the international workcamp application form to become a participant in VolTra’s workcamps. The application form helps us understand your background, motivation, and relevant experience, allowing us to conduct an initial assessment of your application.
As the selection process takes time, we recommend choosing a workcamp that starts at least ONE MONTH after your application.
At the end of the application form, applicants are required to pay a HK$980 Program Preparation and Support Fee to VolTra for their application to be considered officially submitted.
- The Preparation and Support Fee supports the overall preparation and support provided by VolTra before, during, and after your workcamp. This includes, but is not limited to, pre-application administration and application processing, communication and coordination with overseas partners, pre-departure preparation activities and information sharing, experience-sharing opportunities with fellow VolTra participants, local volunteering opportunities, the provision of pre-departure information packs, support before and after the workcamp, a certificate of participation upon completion of the workcamp, emergency support and coordination in the event of unexpected situations during the workcamp, as well as expenses related to participation in international workcamp networks and related administrative coordination.
Step 3: Complete the Eligibility Information Form
After you have paid VolTra’s Preparation and Support Fee, you will receive an Eligibility Information Form. Please complete and submit the form by the specified deadline for our initial assessment.
- Once VolTra has received the required information and completed the initial eligibility review, we will forward the application details to the travel agency and overseas host organisation for final placement approval. The overseas host organisation generally responds within approximately 7–10 working days after receiving the relevant information.
- Applicants who fail to complete the Eligibility Information Form by the specified deadline will be considered to have withdrawn their application and forfeited the Preparation and Support Fee already paid to VolTra.
- Please note: Final placement is determined by the overseas host organisation and may vary depending on available places and its assessment criteria. For arrangements regarding non-personal reasons (e.g. full capacity, cancellation, or date changes) or personal reasons for changing or cancelling your application, please refer to the relevant page below.
Step 4: Submit the Outbound Travel Service Fee and Camp Fee (if applicable)
If your application is successfully confirmed by the overseas host organisation, the travel agency will collect the basic Outbound Travel Service Fee, which covers the travel arrangements related to your international workcamp. To encourage participants to support communities in different parts of the world, the fee varies by destination as follows:
- Zone 1：HK$2,940
- Destinations covered： Africa, South America, Asia (except Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Macau), the Middle East, Central Asia and the Caucasus.
- Zone 2：HK$4,900
- Destinations covered： Europe, Latin America, North America, Oceania, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Macau.
Note: An additional HK$1000 Outbound Travel Service Fee will be charged for workcamp projects lasting more than 30 days.
- The Outbound Travel Service Fee covers, but is not limited to, communication and coordination with the overseas host organisation regarding local arrangements and related documentation, pre-departure travel arrangements and administrative support after placement has been confirmed, accommodation and meals during the workcamp provided by the overseas host organisation or relevant service providers, basic transportation expenses, basic insurance coverage during the workcamp, emergency support and coordination in the event of unexpected situations during the workcamp, protection under the Travel Industry Compensation Fund, and other administrative and travel services related to the overseas journey.
- The basic insurance included in the Travel Service Fee only covers basic risks related to activities during the workcamp. It does not cover the entire journey or personal medical expenses, and does not replace the applicant’s responsibility under Clause 6.2 of the Terms and Conditions to purchase valid travel insurance covering the entire journey.
- All overseas travel activities listed on this website are operated by the licensed travel agency I AM A DIFFERENT TRAVEL AGENCY LIMITED (Travel Agent Licence No. 354189)
Additional Fees and Expenses:
Camp Fee (if applicable): Some workcamps require an additional Camp Fee / Extra Fee
This fee generally covers accommodation, meals, and support for the operation of local community projects during the workcamp. Depending on the project, the Camp Fee may be included in the Travel Service Fee or collected separately by the designated travel agency or overseas host organisation. Please refer to the information provided for the individual project, designated travel agency, or overseas host organisation for details.
Other Expenses
Applicants are responsible for any other expenses related to their journey, including but not limited to airfare, transportation to the local meeting point and after the workcamp ends, travel and medical insurance covering the entire journey from Hong Kong and back to Hong Kong, expenses for private activities outside the workcamp programme, visa fees, meals and transportation during free time, personal expenses, and vaccination costs (if applicable).
Step 5: Join our Pre-Departure Training / Briefing Sessions
Step 6: VolTra’s Support Before and Throughout the Workcamp
Throughout your preparation and journey, VolTra will provide pre-departure information and support to help you get ready for your international workcamp. We also encourage you to capture your journey through photos and share your experiences along the way, so that your passion and commitment can inspire more people to get involved!
Step 7: Enjoy Your Workcamp, Challenge and Step Out of Your Comfort Zone!
During the workcamp, you will join participants from around the world in community service, cultural exchange, and everyday community life. Together with the local camp leader, you may take part in a variety of volunteer projects, community experiences, and cultural exchange activities, depending on the local context and workcamp schedule. Make the most of your workcamp, embrace new experiences, and discover the stories and perspectives of people from different backgrounds!
Most workcamps include designated free time, giving you the opportunity to discuss and arrange excursions or visits to places you would like to explore with other participants at your own expense.
Share your workcamp journey through Instagram posts or Stories and tag @voltrahk! Let us and your followers follow your journey and cheer you on along the way!
Workcamps generally finish around noon on the final day. Depending on the local arrangements, the Camp Leader may recommend or arrange transportation for participants to return to the city centre or designated meeting point. If you plan to leave the country on the same day, we recommend booking an evening or late-day flight to allow sufficient time for transportation and check-in.
Step 8: Join our Post-Workcamp Sharing Session and Other Activities
You may also choose to stay a few extra days after your workcamp and explore the local area at your own pace. After the workcamp, VolTra will organise a Post-Workcamp Sharing Session, where you are invited to share your experience and reflections with other participants.
We will also officially invite you to join the VolTra Community! Connect with like-minded people, continue your VolTra journey, and turn the inspiration from your workcamp into action. Together, we can promote the spirit of global citizenship, encourage more people to take action locally and globally, and share the impact and inspiration of international workcamps with others.
Ways you can stay involved include: joining local volunteering initiatives such as JC Volunteer Together — DO GOOD, sharing your workcamp experience at Workcamp Info Sessions, leading or participating in international workcamps and Mi-VolTra projects in Hong Kong, joining VolTra’s Cultural Facilitator Training to develop the skills to lead overseas projects in the future, helping coordinate or lead VolTra’s various fun and meaningful initiatives, and even creating your own community project.
Please visit the link below for the Terms and Conditions for International Workcamps.
