FAQ
Q: How much does the trip cost?
A: The cost to participate in a four-week summer campaign is $750 US dollars.
Q: Does this fee include the airfare?
A: No, this fee is only for lodging and meals, but does include the weekend excursions.
Q: Can LCO help me pay for the trip?
A: No, but if you are willing to stay in Armenia and volunteer for an additional 4 weeks with any other organization, including LCO, Birthright Armenia will reimburse your flight ticket. Please visit their site for more information.
Q: Should I purchase travel insurance?
A: Although we have never cancelled a trip, we highly suggest you purchase travel insurance.
Q: Do I have to be a member before I can apply for the trip?
A: No, once you pay for the campaign, you become a member for that year.
Q: Do I have to pay right away?
A: No, you can pay later via paypal or check.
Q: I don't have a paypal account, what do I do?
A: You can create one, just use a credit card or pay by check.
Q: Will a debit card work in Armenia?
A: Yes, you can use it at ATMs to pull out Armenian currency and not worry about exchange rates.
Q: Do I have to speak fluent Armenian to participate?
A: No, you don't. There is always someone who can act as a translator.
Q: Will someone pick me up from the airport?
A: Yes, an LCO representative will meet you at your arrival time and will take you to your location of stay in Yerevan.
Q: Can I leave the worksite to travel in Armenia and visit friends?
A: You can not leave the worksite during work hours, 9am-5pm. The area is usually very remote and you can not travel back and forth during the work week. The last week of the campaign is usually in Yerevan for excursions. If you wish to join other friends at that time, you may. However, it must still be coordinated with the group leader.
Q: Can I leave the group to visit friends and family on the weekends?
A: You may leave the group, but you need to confirm this with your site leader. No one leaves the work site, or the group without prior arrangements with the group leader. Remember that our weekend excursions are part of the LCO experience as well.
Q: What if I want to stay longer or arrive earlier than the campaign dates for personal travel?
A: Many of our volunteers do. We are only responsible for you during the campaign time period. The fee also covers you only for that period. If you wish to stay beyond the dates or arrive earlier, at your own expense, you can certainly do so. Please be sure to let the coordinator know when you will arrive and where you will be staying, if you arrive earlier. We want to ensure we can coordinate pickup for when all the volunteers arrive in Yerevan.
Q: Can my Armenian friends and family visit me during the week?
A: We cannot stop people from visiting you. However, this is a work project, your number one goal is to work at the work site. There is not much time during a work week to visit with family. The village is usually very remote and outside of Yerevan. There are no accommodations in the village, such as a hotel or hostel, for any visitors.
Q: What items should I bring with me?
A: Please refer to our checklist.
