Cross-Cultural Solutions charges a program fee to cover the many expenses associated with providing the highest-quality international volunteer experience. This ensures that the local communities and organizations with which we work are not financially burdened by hosting our volunteers and enables our staff to provide volunteers with extensive preparation and support.
The chart below shows what is included in the CCS program fee within the annual breakdown of the program fee.
Volunteer & Field Expenses: 91%
Food, Lodging, Transportation, & Staff Support: 51%
- Your volunteer placement with one of our Partner Programs including all of the coordination, in-person visits, and communication necessary with each local organization
- Locally-based, full-time in-country staff provide you with supervision and guidance through your stay
- Orientation, placement, and regular feedback sessions
- A comfortable and safe Home-Base at each program site with trained local staff available at all times
- Meals that are safe for travelers and are prepared by our in-country staff
- Transportation in a CCS vehicle to and from the airport, your volunteer placement, and Cultural & Learning Activities
- Cultural & Learning Activities, including language lessons, guest speakers, and excursions to points of interest
- Travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation insurance
- Local phone calls, incoming international phone service, and a 24-hour emergency hotline in the U.S.
Outreach: 15%
An experienced staff of alumni provides volunteers with essential program information and printed materials for volunteers before enrollment. CCS maintains a website and other web-based information for those interested in learning about CCS.
Program Development & Management: 13%
CCS carefully researches and selects each program location, and monitors the quality of our in-country program sites through ongoing management and travel to our program sites. Program Development and Management includes the selection of our Directors and in-country staff and the management of worldwide program sites.
Volunteer Coordination: 12%
An experienced Program Manager (and former CCS volunteer) will help prepare you for your experience abroad and will provide you with extensive materials, including an in-depth volunteer handbook and in-country informational materials. Program Managers also provide extensive telephone support from enrollment to departure.
General & Administrative: 9%
These include accounting and legal fees; computer equipment; credit card processing fees; liability insurance; office expenses; payroll taxes; human resources; and support services.
What's not included in the program fee?
- International and domestic airfare and corresponding airport departure taxes
- Costs associated with obtaining a visa or immunizations (when needed)
- Personal Internet time and long-distance (domestic and international) phone calls
- Laundry service
For more information on the policies regarding our program fee, please read our Terms & Conditions.
Tax deductibility and fundraising
Program fees are 100% tax-deductible for U.S. residents and many people successfully fundraise.
