1. What kind of volunteer work can I do with IBO?
IBO organizes construction, ecological, and social projects lasting 1–3 weeks. Together with a group of international volunteers, you will contribute during this period to a local project that aims to make the world a little better. This allows you to combine making a meaningful contribution with learning about other cultures and meeting new people. These projects are intended for individual participation. It is also possible to go on a tailor-made or group project.
2. Who can volunteer with IBO?
Almost anyone! You can register individually for all projects on our website. Through IBO, you can also volunteer with your own group, such as a school class, or commit to a customized project for a longer period of time. Are you not Dutch? In most cases, you can still participate as a volunteer. If you come from a country where we have a sister organization, we will refer you to the IBO offices in Belgium, Austria, Germany, or Italy. In other cases, you can simply register as a volunteer. Would you like to know more about this? Feel free to contact us first.
3. How old do I need to be to volunteer with IBO?
This varies by project. Each project lists an age category: 18+, 18–30, <18, or all ages.
You can participate in the 18+ projects starting from the year in which you turn 18. There is no maximum age, but you must be able to actively participate in the work. Some projects are specifically for ages 18–30. This age limit is related to subsidy requirements, so unfortunately no exceptions can be made. Projects for <18 are usually intended for ages 14–17 or 16–17. Projects listed as all ages are open to everyone.
4. Can I volunteer with my family?
Yes, you can! In 2023, we organized a special family project in Italy for the first time. Contact us for more info.
5. What is the best way to travel to my project?
IBO believes it is important for all volunteers to travel to their project as sustainably as possible so they can create the greatest positive impact. However, not every destination is easily accessible, so some projects may require you to fly. If you do fly, we encourage you—if possible—to stay longer at your destination, for example by combining your project with a trip or holiday. You can also compensate for the emissions from your travel.
If you would like to travel to your project by train or bus but are unsure how to organize it, feel free to contact us—we are happy to help you think it through!
6. Can I compensate for the emissions of my trip through IBO?
Yes, starting in 2023! For projects that are farther away, we encourage you to compensate for your CO₂ emissions and make your journey a bit greener. You can do this through an external organization, but now also directly through IBO.
For CO₂ compensation by IBO volunteers, we collaborate with our partner organization in Uganda, BUVAD. This NGO in Kayungu was founded by local volunteers and focuses on development and poverty reduction in the region through several projects. We have worked together for many years—IBO volunteers, for example, help build sanitation facilities and water storage there.
Recently, a new project has started in Kayungu: trees are being planted for the development of agroforestry to combat the effects of climate change. These trees act as a climate measure by absorbing CO₂ and at the same time contribute to employment and food security in the region by planting local fruit varieties. It is a wonderful project that we are proud to support. Would you like to support it as well? Contact us for more info.
7. How does IBO Netherlands deal with safety in project countries?
IBO Netherlands is proactive and follows the guidelines of the RIVM, the WHO, and the Dutch government. We also monitor the measures in each project country and stay in contact with our IBO network and the project organizations about the latest developments. We communicate changes personally to the volunteers involved and provide general updates through the news page on our website.
8. Can I always register for a project?
Yes, you can register for any project on our website as long as there are still available places. It is helpful for IBO and the project organizations to know that you are interested in volunteering. However, we usually advise waiting to book your travel to the project country until it is certain that the project will actually take place.
9. Can I contact IBO before registering?
Yes, of course! IBO Netherlands can be reached every weekday via email at info@ibo-nederland.org or by phone. Please see the contact page for all contact details. Would you like to speak with someone in person? Feel free to make an appointment for a video call or to visit our office.
10. How does payment for the project costs work?
The costs for your project must be paid in advance. If your project cannot take place, or if you cannot reach it—for example due to pandemic measures or a war—we will discuss the next steps with you. You may be able to participate in another project. If that is not possible, you will receive a full refund of your participation fee.
11. Can I travel to the project country?
IBO monitors which countries are accessible. Sometimes it is not possible to travel to a project country (for example due to war or a pandemic). You can still register for such a project—we will then know that you are interested in that specific project. We will monitor developments and keep you informed about the possibilities.
You can register for any project on the website. If it ultimately turns out that it is not possible to travel to the project country, you will not have to pay the project costs. We will discuss whether you would like to switch to another project or cancel your registration.
Please note: as usual, you are responsible for arranging your own travel. IBO Netherlands cannot be held liable for (any issues during) your journey. However, if you encounter problems, we are of course happy to think along with you.
12. How do I know what the situation is in my project country?
You can check the website of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see the current situation. IBO also monitors the situation in each country, including through this website and through contact with our international network and the project organizations. Information about international air travel can be found on the IATA website.
13. How can I help?
We’re glad you asked! Your help as a volunteer is needed in these projects. It is important for us to know who we can count on when projects can go ahead. So please: sign up as a volunteer.