Money
- I don’t think I can come up with the money. Don’t worry! Did you know that since ILP is a non-profit organization, any donations are tax deductible? To help you get started, we have a fundraising packet that explains how others have had success, and experienced representatives who can assist you along the way. Good people are most valuable to ILP. There is much we can do to solve financial concerns, including payment plans. Decide if the experience is right for you, and the financial part will work out.
- How much does it cost, and what does that cover? The experience costs $2,520. All those who can pay in full within 3 weeks of acceptance receive a $100 discount, bringing the total to $2,420. This includes airfare, visa, housing, food, language & culture classes, pre-departure training, on-site training, and on-site supervision.
- Does the cost of the program include credits or is that in addition? No, credits and payments for credits are arranged separately with the universities or colleges that provide them.
- How successful is fundraising? It used to be a rare occurrence that someone would have the full program fee sponsored but that has changed. Recently we have had whole groups raising the full amount. It takes a lot of work, but it allows others who couldn’t go abroad due to family and work commitments to contribute in other ways.
- If you pay in full, can you still get sponsors after? Yes. In fact, many volunteers pay in full to receive the $100 discount and then fundraise to “pay it back”. Once you’ve paid in full we will refund up to the full amount from received donations.
- When do you have to pay the application fee? You can pay the application fee at any time during the application process–first, last, or any time in between. This fee will go toward your program fee. We recommend that you pay after you have decided you would like to go, as the fee is non-refundable unless you are denied acceptance.
- What happens if you get married? We love couples to go! See if your future spouse would like to have a meaningful honeymoon. Ask your representative about married discounts.
- When do you have to have the money in? The program fee must be paid in full one month before departure. If you have done all you can and fall short, talk to us. We will work with you.
- What if my income isn’t steady, and I don’t know exactly when and how much I can make payments for? Estimate, but be conservative. In general, it is better to plan to make bigger payments early, and smaller ones at the end, to avoid the balloon payment at the end.
- What if I can’t get the money until I get a job this summer? That’s fine. Simply write your payment plan to reflect when your job will begin.
- I am trying to get people to sponsor me, but I don’t understand how the tax exemption status works. Since ILP is a non-profit, 501(C)(3) organization, any donation made to the organization is tax deductible. When someone sends in a donation made out to ILP we will send them a receipt (if the donation is smaller than $75 please request one) which they can keep in their files for tax purposes.
- What is the exchange rate? The exchange rates change constantly. As of February 2010, the exchange rate is approximately 30 Russian rubles, 7.5 Ukrainian griven,7 Chinese yuan, and 13 Mexican pesos to one U.S. dollar.
- How much should I bring for spending money? We recommend $1,000-$1,500. It depends on your spending habits. We’ve had some volunteers spend much more, some much less. If you need to do it on a “shoe-string budget” you can.
- Can family members get tax deductions? Sure! Whoever sends in the check!
- Is travel expensive? Personal travel (travel within the country) is often the biggest expense, but it is also not required. If volunteers choose to travel while they are there, about half their spending money is usually spent there.
- Should I take travelers checks? Travelers’ checks are secure, but they are not very user-friendly for the current ILP countries. Most people bring about half their money in cash, and take a Visa or Master Card debit card to access the rest. Debit cards work very well in most cases.
- Is it safe to take cash? Carrying cash always involves some risk, however using good judgement, being discreet when you access it, etc. minimizes this risk. Normally you will only be carrying a large amount when you travel over, but you’ll also have the safety of having many people with you at that time. When you arrive, you can simply put it in a safe place, and take out small amounts as you need it.
- Can I use a credit card? Credit or debit cards work very well, especially Visa and MasterCard.
- Do I need a money belt? Money belts work well, but are awkward for some people to use. It is a personal choice.
- Am I going to get robbed? In general, it is very safe in the cities where ILP schools are. Most of our very few cases of robbery could have been avoided by adherence to ILP safety rules, or using good judgement. For example, crowded subways and buses are prime areas for pickpockets in all big cities. Robbery risk can be greatly reduced in these areas by carrying your wallet in your front pocket and wearing your backpack in front of you, etc.
- Will there be any extra expenses I need to plan for? It’s always good to plan for extra expenses when traveling. Pre-departure expenses include a passport, a medical exam, ID photos, immunizations if needed, teaching materials (if not donated), and transportation costs to get to training. Post departure expenses can involve public transportation costs, airport fees, and ticket change fees in case of sickness or early return. We normally estimate the full cost of extra expenses and spending money at $1,000-$1,500.