Frequently Asked Questions

• Why volunteer overseas in Dominica?
• What kind of excursions will we be going on?
• How do I get there?
• What about visa requirements for entering Dominica?
• What is the time difference to the USA?
• How is the weather? What to wear and bring?
• What is the standard of the accommodation?
• Where is the closest Internet café?
• Is there laundry service?
• What will the food be like?
• What experience is needed to join?
• Will I have to be able to speak another language?
• Who is the yoga teacher and group leader for the trip?
• What is the itinerary?
• What will the daily schedule look like?
• Am I insured?

There is a need for passionate and motivated volunteers in countries all over the world. Not only do overseas volunteers have the chance to interact with other culture''''s and people, and exchange and share ideas, but also get to contribute something meaningful to the world. Each pair of hands is creating a positive change one step at a time. With Karma Yoga and the path of selfless service, extending compassion and removing the borders that divide self from others is a life-changing experience for everyone involved. Giving of oneself is a path toward greater social engagement and leads to more connected and enriched global communities.

Many programs charge fees for international volunteering. For our Karma Yoga Journeys trip to Peru, the package includes all accommodations and vegetarian meals, daily yoga and meditation classes, several excursions to cultural and historical destinations, and all local transportation. Included in the package fee however is the additional cost encountered by the local program operators; these include all work supplies, local interpreters, and additional staff support.
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What kind of excursions will we be going on?
Throughout our stay in Dominica and between days of volunteering we will be going to several cultural and environmental destinations. These excursions will include:

Grand Fond
You will visit an organic herb farm, but the owner, Mr. George, is getting old and needs help. The group will get the chance to help him organize his tours, and train the children from the school in running the garden tours, as well as with farming methods. They will also get the chance to discover traditional herbal medicines & remedies, and taste various bush teas, from the impressively knowledgeable Mr. George.
Visitors can also hike to the local waterfall, do trail maintenence work, stay with a family from the village for a night and help train them to become home-stay hosts and develop the programme to increase funds in the village. Also help teach kids in the village school. Help run a community renewable energy workshop. Enjoy guided hikes through the lush tropical forest.

Roseau Valley
Tour hot springs, sulphur mudbaths, waterfalls, and a cool lake.

The Carib Indian Territory
Head to the land of the indigenous people of Dominica. Visit the official Carib Model Village, designed to be a tourist attraction. Then, compare, and spend the rest of the day with a Carib Family, learning traditional cooking and arts and crafts, and eat with the family.
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How do I get there?
For our Dominica program, most international flights arrive in Roseau. A program representative will meet you at the airport in Roseau and take you to our accommodations at 3 Rivers. For more information regarding this extra service please inquire with us.
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What about visa requirements for entering Dominica?
Passports are required for all of our program sites. Most, if not all, international airports will not allow you to leave your originating country with out a passport. You will also need to have proof of a return flight.
Please verify that your passport is not only current but will not expire for at least six months after your program is scheduled to end. If you do not currently have a passport, please consult with the appropriate agency to obtain your government''''s requirements for obtaining one. Processing time needed to obtain a passport varies but can take up to two months to receive.

Immigration officials require most visitors to Dominica to present a valid passport on arrival. All need to show a return ticket and some need to have a visa. Canadian citizens can show documents certifying proof of citizenship that also bears a photograph, and French nationals can stay for up to two weeks by presenting a valid identification card. Visitors coming from a specified list of countries, who intend to stay for 21 days or less, do not require a visa.
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What is the time difference to the USA?
Standard time zone: GMT -4. The time zone in Domenica is one hour ahead of the Eastern Standard Time in the US.
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How is the weather? What to wear and bring?
Visitors to Dominica should expect plenty of sunshine interjected by intermittent rainfall. The island''''s annual temperature averages at 27 C. Frequent rainfall cools the tropical heat, nourishes the island''''s extensive rainforest, and feeds its rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. On the coast, average rainfall registers 1,780 mm, but in the interior that figure is triple.

What is the standard of the accommodation?
Lodging is a choice of a mixed dormitory or, for a moderate additional charge, single camping, shared camping or cottage.
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Where is there internet access?
Anywhere on the main property of 3 Rivers, you can open your laptop and connect with the world, through the 3 Rivers Wireless Network facilities. 3 Rivers also provides direct internet access.
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Is there laundry service?
Laundry service is available at 3 Rivers and hand washing is also possible.
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What will the food be like?
You can expect lots of substantial and traditionally prepared vegetarian meals. Dinner meals are prepared by local cooks and served family style allowing for a generous amount of reflection on the day''''s challenges and successes. Try the local food with Green Banana and Chopped Salad with some Cacao or Bush Tea. Or try a traditional Kubuli Breakfast: Two frosty local Kubuli beers with yummy home-baked bread with local tropical fruit jam.

The 3 Rivers restaurant hours are as follows:

Opens at 7:15 a.m (8:15 a.m. Sundays) -
Breakfast menu - 7:15 a.m - 3 p.m.
Lunch, sandwiches and snacks - 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Evening communal Meal served daily around 7:15 p.m
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What experience is needed to join?
The program is available for individuals over 18 (unless accompanied by a parent or guardian) from any country with an adventurous spirit and a true desire to help others. In terms of yoga, practitioners of all levels are welcome. The asana class will be taught as a mixed level class. The actual karma yoga can usually be adapted to participant''''s abilities, skills and strengths. We encourage each and every one to share their interests and skills so bring along any musical instrument, games or tools needed to express and share your passion. We strongly suggest you have a genuine will to help and a liking toward children.
As we are very careful not to do more harm than good and to emphasize the need to protect the integrity of these children, we will make sure no participant has previously been registered with inappropriate behavior with children. We apologize for this and hope you can understand our caution in doing so.
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Will I have to be able to speak another language?
No, a background in another language is not necessary for the trip. English is the official language, spoken with a melodic French lilt, but a large portion of the population speaks Kwèyòl (Creole), with a few northern villages speaking Kokoy. A project coordinator will be available throughout the volunteering projects and trip excursions as a cultural liaison providing both language translation as well as information on the culture and history of the area.
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Who is the yoga teacher and group leader for the trip?
Patricia Perkins will be the group leader for the trip. Patricia first started practicing yoga 15 years ago. She has experience with Hatha,
Kundalini, Bikram, Iyengar and Ashtanga. She has a Masters in Teaching and is also Scuba Instructor and Yoga Instructor.
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What is the itinerary?
click here for the itinerary
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What will the daily schedule look like?
Be prepared to be flexible, time is fluid. This is our tentative daily schedule.
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Am I insured?

Karma Yoga Journeys will pay for basic health insurance and medical emergency evacuation. Contact us for suggestions in finding out where to do this. World Nomad.com can help with cancellation and health trip insurance if your medical policy does not cover it.

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