this information is from the IVPA website

PRE-PROGRAM

1. Materials are clear and accurate about fees, activities, expectations, criteria for acceptance, and other aspects of the program. Should include clear refund policies in case of cancellation by (a) the participant before or during the program, and (b) by the organization.

2. Application is open to all based on stated criteria, but applicants are evaluated as to maturity, motivation, skills, responsibility, physical and mental health, cultural sensitivity. Willing to reject applicants who do not meet the stated criteria.

3. Intentionally encourages diversity in recruiting, including persons with disabilities, persons from low income backgrounds, and other underrepresented groups. Devotes a portion of organizational income, or seeks funding support, for this purpose.

4. Makes names and contact information about previous volunteers available to new applicants. Suggests means of fundraising to applicants.

5. Provides thorough pre-departure and orientation descriptive materials well before the program. Includes information about the country, culture, language, and issues of the society.

6. Provides information about health, safety, travel, passport and visa requirements.

7. Requires that volunteers/participants have international travel medical insurance.

8. Clearly defines expectations of behavior in the program, including responsibility in the volunteer service, behavior offensive to the host culture, or violation of local laws. Includes statements about the organization's policy in regard to the involvement of the volunteer in in-country politics and social advocacy activities.

PROGRAM

1. Has reliable in-country staff with ongoing community relations, connections in the society, and commitment to the ideals of the program. Provides in-country names, addresses, contact information.

2. Includes appropriate and ongoing language training.

3. Wherever possible places volunteers with local and ongoing agencies and projects rather than creating its own. The agencies or projects should be those that allow volunteers to encounter directly the social and developmental issues of the other culture and society.

4. Wherever possible allows for home stays to give volunteers connections to the local community and an experience of the family dimension of the society.

5. Engages volunteers in structured and regularly scheduled written and oral critical reflection on their experiences. This may be formal (i.e., for academic credit) or informal (i.e., discussion sessions, etc.). The keeping of a journal should be encouraged.

6. Allows and encourages opportunities for volunteers to broaden their experience of the host culture by field trips and experiences beyond the basic obligations of the program.

7. Suggests to volunteers ways that they might bring resources/materials to their agency/project.

8. Provides clear guidelines and procedures for faith-based programs regarding policy on avoidance of proselytizing.

9. Demonstrates commitment to providing quality customer service by giving timely responses to inquiries.

POST-PROGRAM

1. Conducts a survey/evaluation of volunteers about their experiences.

2. Suggests ways that volunteers can share their experiences and continue their work and concerns on return.

3. Provides support for an alumni network through which volunteers can stay in touch with each other, contribute to the work of the organization's programs, and be involved in fundraising and recruitment