Bright Light Volunteers does not place individual volunteers. We specialize in working with school groups ranging from middle school through university level. We also work to place civic and corporate groups.

Ideally, the minimum duration of a program should be 7 days. Our maximum program duration for traditional school groups is 3 weeks.

The registration process is simple and easy. After the group leader has decided on the parameters of the service program, registration materials will be forwarded to you. Upon return of these materials, a $400 deposit is required to reserve the program dates.

Many groups decide to fund raise. Please click here.

Groups should register and put down a deposit to hold their program dates as far in advance as possible since many schools share the same holiday schedules. You may register as far in advance as you like, but we cannot accept registrations within 45 days of a program start date.

Many groups decide to fund raise. Please click here, to be taken directly to helpful information on fundraising. You may choose to fund raise collectively as a group, or your individual student participants can start their own personal fundraising campaign. A Bright Light Volunteers staff member can help guide you through this process.

No specific skills or language ability is required, but if you have any special skills or abilities that you would like to share please let us know upon registration and we would be happy to work with the community to make sure we take advantage of your unique abilities.

Your group will be guided every step of the way to ensure an optimal experience for both your group and the host community. While planning and implementing your service program you will work one-on-one with a Bright Light Volunteers Case Manager that will be assigned to your group. Upon arrival in the host country, all groups will be led by a bilingual Bright Light Volunteers Group Coordinator that is with you, on site, during the duration of your program.

Our Group Coordinators are Bright Light Volunteers employees, and NOT independent contractors. We hire and train locals in the host community to serve in the position, as they have a deep understanding of the culture and customs in the community and also because it creates jobs in the communities in which we work.

Additionally, 24 hour state-side support is always available. You will be given a 24 hour emergency number to call if any issue arises.

Nutritious, locally grown and prepared foods are provided. In some locations, meals may be taken at pre-chosen restaurants. We strive to make sure that participants have the opportunity to try authentic, local cuisine.

Upon registration we inquire about any specific dietary restrictions or food allergies anyone in your group may have and we will make sure to accommodate the dietary needs of everyone in your group. Please take care to inform us of any and all special needs during the registration process, so that we will be prepared to meet these needs prior to your groups arrival in the country.

Your safety and security is our utmost concern. We choose host communities that have safe locations and service projects that do not put volunteers in any unnecessary danger. We have highly trained and experienced staff that is with you every step of the way. Each volunteer participant is also covered with medical insurance and emergency evacuation insurance. In addition, upon registration your group will receive a detailed country specific orientation that will cover any and all country specific concerns and any precautions that should be taken during your time in the host country.

Bright Light Volunteers has no religious or political affiliation.

All monies to fund participation in our programs must be received, in full, 90 days prior to your program start date, unless special arrangements have been made with the Bright Light Volunteers Case Manager handling your group.

The deposit of $400 per participant is nonrefundable, but it is transferable within one calendar year of the program start date. If an individual or group chooses not to transfer the funds to another program within those dates, the funds will be used to implement a special project in the community that you had previously chosen.

If your group or an individual cancels more than 150 days prior to your program start date, all funds received, minus the deposit, will be returned.

If your group or an individual cancels 91-150 days prior to your program start date, 85% of the funds received, minus the deposit, will be returned.

If your group or an individual cancels 61-90 days prior to your program start date, 75% of the funds received, minus the deposit, will be returned.

If your group or an individual cancels 31-60 days prior to your program start date, 50% of the funds received, minus the deposit, will be returned.

If your group or an individual cancels 15-30 days prior to your program start date, 25% of the funds received, minus the deposit, will be returned.

If your group or an individual cancels 14 days or less prior to your program start date, no funds will be returned.