Question 1

What is volunteering abroad?

Accepted Answer

Volunteering abroad offers a powerful vision built on our belief that partnership with local communities has a vital role to play in development and in building a more just and sustainable world. Our programs are a tool to demonstrate that living and sharing knowledge is not only possible but also rewarding. Through our project you have the possibility of participating in a cultural exchange experience, and thus gain in-depth knowledge of other social, cultural and economic realities of the world.

Question 2

Why volunteer abroad?

Accepted Answer

Volunteering abroad is a unique and once in a lifetime experience.  Volunteering abroad will allow you not only to visit a country but to get to know it by living there as a local. You will have the chance to know another culture, discover new food and other ways of living. By being part of a volunteer project you will be working on various activities that will help the community grow.

Question 3

Who can volunteer abroad?

Accepted Answer

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 99 years old is accepted to volunteer with Uvikiuta. You only need to contact one of our partner sending organizations and follow their instructions.

Question 4

Who can I volunteer with?

Accepted Answer

You can volunteer alone or with friends, family members, your partner, etc. Just let us know in advance and our team will make sure that you are placed in the same accommodation.

Question 5

What visa do I need?

Accepted Answer

Volunteers are requested to avoid tourist visa since it does not work for this kind of program in Tanzania. Business visa is suitable for the program and it can be easily obtained at the airport or other boarder entry on arrival. The visa is valid for 90 days and it cannot be extended.

Question 6

What are the fees for volunteering with Uvikiuta?

Accepted Answer

Program fees vary depending on the program you wish to enroll. Please contact us or your sending organization and all the details will be provided.

Question 7

Is Tanzania a safe country?

Accepted Answer

Tanzania is in general a safe, hassle-free country. Just make sure to be aware of the basics of Tanzanian law, take the usual precautions and follow the security and safety instructions you will be provided with by Uvikiuta following your arrival.

Question 8

Will I be able to learn Swahili during my stay?

Accepted Answer

Uvikiuta offers free Swahili classes that will allow you to know the basic aspects of the language so you can move around and work while having small interactions with the locals.

Question 9

What is the currency used in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

In Tanzania they use Tanzanian Shilling, which usually ranges around 1 USD = 2,220 TZS. However to know  a more presice number you can find it here.

Question 10

What is the commission at the ATM?

Accepted Answer

The commission ranges about 8,000 to 15,000 Tanzanian Shillings depending on the quantity of the withdrawal and the bank used. Also, keep in consideration that the withdrawal limit is normally 400,000 TSH.

Question 11

Can I use US Dollars in Tanzania? And Euros?

Accepted Answer

Touristic places will accept Euros or US Dollars. However, please take into consideration that US Dollars and Euros have expire dates in Tanzania, therefore, we recommend you to bring new bills. In your daily basis, for local shopping and bus tickets, the currency you will use will be Tanzanian Shillings, which you will be able to exchange or withdraw once you arrive.

Question 12

How can I move around during my stay?

Accepted Answer

Our local team will make sure to provide you with all the information needed in order to travel safely within the country. In the surroundings of Dar es Salaam the easiest ways to travel are with the local bus (Dala dala) or with Uber or taxi. If you would like to travel throughout the country, there are plenty of domestic flights in the most touristic destinations and other means of transport such as ferry or bus.

Question 13

What can I do during the weekend?

Accepted Answer

Uvikiuta does not offer scheduled activities during the weekends and it is up to you how you decide to spend your free time. Tanzania offers a various list of activities you will be able to enjoy during the weekends and public holidays. The organization will provide you with any information you might need.

Question 14

Can I travel during my volunteer program?

Accepted Answer

If you wish to travel around Tanzania for a longer time than a weekend, we recommend you to arrive before the project starts or stay longer after to enjoy the most of what this country has to offer.

Question 15

Where are the volunteer projects located?

Accepted Answer

Uvikiuta has different projects around Tanzania. However, the Uvikiuta Center is located in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam meaning ‘house of peace’ in Arabic is the largest city and the economic capital of Tanzania. It is also one of the most important cities in East Africa and one of the fastest growing cities in the world, going from a fishing village into a thriving tropical metropolis of over four million people. Dar es Salaam is divided into five districts: Ilala, Kinondoni, Temeke, Kigamboni, and Ubungo. Uvikiuta is located in the outskirts of Dar es Salaam in Temeke district about 30km to the South. It is close to Mbagala, one of the most known markets in Dar es Salaam.

Question 16

Where will I live during my volunteer program?

Accepted Answer

There are the options of a host family or a volunteer house at the UVIKIUTA Center, but the accommodation varies depending on the project. We recommend you to contact us directly and we will provide you with the information

Question 17

How are the meals?

Accepted Answer

Uvikiuta provides the volunteers with three meals a day. This meals will be based on Tanzanian local products and diet and there will always be a vegetarian option provided. If you have any allergies, please let us know in advance. On the other hand, if you have further requests, please be aware that we might not be able to cover it.

Question 18

Is there Wi-Fi in my accommodation?

Accepted Answer

We do not have Wi-Fi in the accommodations or workplaces. However, our staff will help you obtain a local SIM card which you can connect to your phone or your computer. The most recommended one is Vodacom.

Question 19

What vaccinations do I need?

Accepted Answer

For health issues, we highly recommend you to visit your doctor and follow their instructions.

UVIKIUTA

Tanzania