FAQ

(click on the questions for answers!)

Before you sign up…

Alright, out with it! What’s the best trip?

Honestly, all of our programs will fundamentally change the way you see the world. They will make you grow in ways you would have never imagined as a person and will challenge your commitment as a global citizen. OG alumni from any of our trips will tell you the same thing, “it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Are you looking for anything in particular in applicants?

We’re looking for a generation that is smart and resourceful. We’re looking for students or recent grads that are enthusiastic, motivated and passionate. Our teams are dynamic and hold individuals with a variety of interests and streams of knowledge. All OG members have dreams that their pockets can no longer hold in. Sound like you?

How do I make it on a program?

Don’t pack your bags just yet! Here’s how you make it on an OG team. First, fill out the online application form. It’s pretty quick and easy to do. Shortly after you’ll hear from one of our trip leaders about scheduling an interview.

I have dietary restrictions, specific medical needs or physical concerns that are making me reconsider whether I can do this. What do you think?

We work with our team members to make the trips as accessible as possible. We think in terms of challenges and barriers not restrictions or walls. We urge you to email us to discuss your individual situation if you are concerned before applying but remember that every person is different and every country is different but we'll try to accommodate everyone.

My family/friends are worried about safety, what do I say?

All OG programs are built with the safety of the team members in mind. Emergency phone communication is held between trip leaders and the main office continually throughout the programs. Community partners are always aware of the on-the-ground situation and keep us in the loop at all times. As well, trip leaders have an intimate knowledge of the region and will not hesitate to change plans if safety is ever a factor. In general, OG alumni have reported feeling “very safe” during their post-trip evaluations.

So when are all the programs?

Good thing you asked! We have broadened our trip options this year as we are continually growing as an organization. We have Winter/Spring programs, Summer Programs and Adult Programs. For more information on any of these, please click on the "Where We Go" page.

What are the chances I’ll get on the trip I want?

Chances are good! We only take your top two preferences on our application form because we’re committed to sending you where you want to go. If there are an unusually high number of applicants for one program, we may offer you your second option as an alternative.

What does Round 1 and 2 mean?

OG reads applications and schedules interviews on a first-come first-serve basis. If you apply before the Round 1 deadline, you are guaranteed an interview to one of the programs of your choice. If you apply before the Round 2 deadline, you will most likely get an interview for either your first or second choice program. We still accept applications after our Round 2 deadline, but a few trips may already be closed to new applicants and we can't guarantee an interview for the program of your choice. But who cares? We know that all of our trips will be an unforgettable, life-changing experience so don't get too caught up in your first and second choices!

What happens after the interview?

Shortly after the interview you will hear back from us regarding your acceptance to the program. In addition, you will receive an acceptance package with detailed information on everything that you will need to know before leaving. To secure your spot on a team you will need to send back a confirmation letter along with a non-refundable deposit of $500 (this counts towards your program fee).

What is the interview like?

No need to worry – the interviews are just a chance for us to get to know you a little better, as well as a chance for you to ask those pressing questions that you weren’t able to find the answers to (no matter how many times you scoured this website). They will generally run about 20 minutes long and will be done in person if possible and by Skype video-chat (technology eh?) or phone if not possible. Formal dress is not required for interviews, although scruffy beards, big backpacks and unwashed clothes won’t win you any points either. Save that for the actual trips.

What’s included in the price and what isn’t?

The program fee includes just about all group expenses from the pre-trip orientation right up until the flight home. This includes: pre-trip goodies, all of your meals, accommodations, group activities, volunteer placements, group excursions, and more. The program fee does not include: your visas (unless noted), shots, flight, expenses during Independent Travel Time (ITT), or personal expenses (phone cards, souvenirs, etc).

Getting ready to head out…

Do I need to pack a towel?

"A towel, it says, is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have."

- Douglas Adams, A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy


Packing is an art. The classic traveler philosophy is to pack your bag and then leave half of it. OG members are encouraged to heed the backpackers call and travel light. In addition, just about everything you may need can be purchased in-country. This also helps support the local economy instead of big-box retail corporations at home. A suggested packing list for your trip will be provided upon acceptance to use as a guide.

How does fundraising work?

Fundraising $1000 is not as daunting as it seems. Past participants have found it not to be too difficult and have often raised far more than the required amount. As we are in the process of becoming a registered charity (bureaucratic red-tape is very slow and sticky), tax-deductible receipts cannot be issued. However, 85% of fundraised money goes towards your in-country partners so you can ensure accountability to your donors as you will actually be seeing where the money goes. Your team will decide which partner organization or on-the-ground project is most deserving and put it to use while abroad. Upon paying your deposit, we will send a fundraising package to assist you with your MANDATORY $1000. We also have a super helpful Fundraising Coordinator to keep you on track.

How much money do I need to budget in for personal expenses and ITT?

In most of host countries, you can live relatively cheaply if you so choose. We have had participants spend 10 days on ITT with as little as $9 and come back with $20, obviously with great stories to tell. On the other hands, some people are eager to live the good life and travel here there and everywhere. In general, we would suggest you come prepared with approximately $300 of pocket money altogether, although your need for tacky souvenirs may be much higher than ours.

Should I be getting my shots, visas and insurance before I leave?

Yes! Again, more info for all three of these topics will be provided upon acceptance (and is different for each region) but you can be assured that we will help you go through the necessary pre-trip process.

What else happens during this time?

Besides counting down the days on a big calendar, you should spend this time preparing what you need, fundraising, and getting to know your other team members.

What if I have to cancel last minute?

First off, we'd be sad to see you go. If you need to cancel for some reason more than a month before the program, your full program fee minus your deposit will be refunded. If you decide to cancel less than a month before the program, you will be refunded half of your program fee. If you decide to cancel less than two weeks before the program, you will not be refunded your program fee. We do this because programs are planned and budgeted with specific numbers in mind. Cancelling on short notice puts our budgets and trips in jeopardy.

What if I need to cancel…because I get sick?

Gotta back out? We’re sure you’ve got a good reason. You will usually be able to get money back for your flight, provided you’re covered by travel insurance (which we recommend you do and can help you with). Your deposit and program fee to OG is non-refundable as it shows your commitment and allows us to turn others away.

Where does the fundraised money go?

For more information on Operation Groundswell’s fundraising initiatives, please visit our Fundraising Page. Rest assured, 0% of your fundraised money will go towards pad thai, fufu or falafel.

Who books the flights? What if I want to stay longer or come early? What if I live outside of Canada?

Participants are responsible for booking their own flights. Our trip leaders work closely with participants to ensure that dates for arrival and departure match up with the trip itinerary. Many participants also choose to stay in-country for longer than the planned trip, and we encourage it if possible. Round-trip flight costs vary between regions. For example, Guatemala is the cheapest flight at roughly $700 while most of the other trips are somewhere between $1000-$1700. We can’t control the cost of the flights as we don’t have any OG planes…yet.

On the ground…

How many people are on the team?

OG teams are relatively small, in order to keep the program personal, mobile, and well integrated into the local communities. Groups on average have 10-12 team members and 2 trip leaders.

Is the water safe to drink?

In all the places we go, there is safe drinking water accessible to the team. Unlike in developed countries where this may come from the tap, all of our drinking water comes from purified bottles/jugs/Steripen purification systems. Your team leaders will ensure that this is taken care of in all situations.

What will the accommodations be like?

Accommodations are generally to local standards, which might mean you’ll have to dream about your feather bed back home. All of our accommodations are safe and clean though and, as said, we firmly believe in integrating as much as possible into local life. Unless otherwise noted, teams usually stay together, although there may be shorter amounts of time where homestays with local families are arranged.

What will the weather be like?

Hot! Get ready for it.

Will I be able to stay in touch with family and friends while away?

For the most part, yes. Local SIM cards are easy and inexpensive to purchase in all the countries we go to so bringing your phone is encouraged. Going without a phone shouldn’t be a problem though, as friendly team members will share theirs with you. Internet access can be sporadic but all of our teams keep a weekly blog (through our site) written by team members to keep family and friends up to date. In addition, there will be an emergency contact both in-country and in Canada at all times.

Back home…

Is it hard to come back home?

The sad answer is yes. Quite often, culture shock is felt much stronger at home than upon arrival on our adventures. We will try our best to help you acclimatize back to your regular mundane lives, while connecting you with memories of the best experience of your life.

What can I look forward to back home?

Besides having more stories than your family and friends will have time for, there is a lot you will take back with you. You will have gained new skills that will help you in future jobs, made new friends (both at home and overseas), and will already be planning your next trip away. In addition, your trip leader will be happy to write you a reference letter for that new job. Most importantly though, you will gain membership to that esteemed group that calls themselves “OG Alumni”. Our alumni get together on a regular basis for hikes, outings, jams, and mixes.