IYCC is committed to affordable program tuition which varies depending on the international project component. Other international conservation volunteer programs are typically double what we charge, and do not include airfare, trip medical insurance, or side excursions because they are for-profit placement agencies. We can keep our tuition affordable because we are a local non-profit program that partners with other local and global non-profit organizations, cutting out the middleman. In addition, we rely on volunteer mentors and chaperones and hold a fundraiser once a year to cover operating expenses such as marketing costs, website fees, and other administrative costs so we do not need to build that into student tuition.
Upon acceptance in October, a $250 non-refundable deposit (that goes towards your tuition) is due and then 1/2 of the program fee is due by our January meeting with the final installment due by our April meeting.
Tuition costs per program: $3295
Program fee includes:
Mentorship throughout program including local conservation project
Educational materials
Round trip airfare from DIA
All international in-country transportation
On-site project training
On-site supervision (3 IYCC adult chaperones per 8-10 students)
Lodging
3 meals per day
Travel medical insurance
Tourist visa if needed
Several excursions that highlight eco-tourism
Offset of carbon emissions from international flight through Sea Trees
Program fee does not include:
Travel to and from DIA
Travel to and from local meetings/local conservation project
Food/snacks on flight days to/from international project
Personal travel items including specific clothing or gear needed
Personal money for souvenir shopping
Return airfare if student is asked to leave project for not following IYCC code of conduct
Additional food/snacks if needed beyond 3 meals per day or for special diet/allergies that cannot be accommodated for in host country
Fundraising
While it is permitted for parents to fund their student’s participation in our program, we encourage them to fundraise their own program tuition. We have a lot of experience helping students fundraise and if a student decides to go that route, we will help them every step of the way to achieve their goal. To start, we highly recommend each student wanting to fundraise send out an IYCC approved email and social media post outlining their service trip and list work they can perform in exchange for donations. In addition, students can set up a free website with Go Get Funding which specializes in helping students raise money for causes including service trips (there is a service fee based on amount raised). Below is a list of ideas that students have used in the past to fundraise their program fees:
Grants from local clubs and organizations
Bake sales
Car washes
Dog walking
Babysitting
Part-time job
Yard work
Snow shoveling
Holiday bake sales
Tutoring/homework help
DIY holiday gift sale
Garage/Yard sale
Various group sales including mugs, shirts or discount cards