FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.  What is Encore?
A.  Encore is an independent 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization which places former Peace Corps volunteers, staff members, and professionals with similar overseas experience in capacity-building assignments in the developing world in their areas of professional expertise. Encore partners with U.S. and locally based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to build the capacity of individuals, groups and organizations to seek sustainable solutions to pressing needs, using the professional expertise and cross-cultural experience of volunteers.

Q.  How does Encore differ from Peace Corps Response?
A.  Peace Corps Response, like the Peace Corps of which it is part, is a federal government program.  Encore is a private development organization, which, in addition to former Peace Corps volunteers and staff, includes professionals with similar overseas experience.

Q.  How do I join Encore?
A.  Go to www.encoreservicecorps.org/join.cfm and follow the simple directions.

Q.  Is membership free?
A.  Yes. There is no charge for joining Encore.

Q.  Who is eligible to volunteer with Encore ?
A. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, former Peace Corps staff, and professionals with similar overseas experience are eligible to be members of Encore.

Q.  What are some typical assignments?
A.  Encore Volunteers can be found in Ghana teaching nursing or in Kenya providing organizational development support. There is no typical Encore assignment.

Q.  How long is a typical Encore assignment?
A.  Encore Volunteers serve from 3-12 months, depending on the project and the volunteer’s schedule.

Q.  Can my spouse/partner participate as an Encore volunteer?
A.  There may be some projects that can accommodate spouses and/or partners, depending on their specific skills. Since projects and sites vary, prospective volunteers should contact Encore staff to discuss such requests, which are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Q.  How is Encore funded?
A.  Encore is funded by foundation, corporate and individual grants and donations. Encore has received funding from the Abbott Fund, Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, the UPS Foundation, United Way Worldwide, the, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and hundreds of individuals.

Q.  With whom does Encore collaborate?
A.  Encore partners with NGOs and other development groups around the world.

LOGISTICS

Q.  Who manages Encore projects in country?
A.  Encore staff, working with partner NGOs, crafts volunteer assignments. Partner NGO in-country staff manages projects. Encore staff maintains regular contact with the NGO staff regarding the status of volunteers and the progress of their projects.

Q.  Is there any pre-assignment orientation for volunteers?
A.  Depending on the partner organization, Encore may conduct in-person orientations for volunteers. Prior to leaving on assignment, Encore volunteers receive comprehensive orientation guides, and are thoroughly briefed by Encore staff.

 Q.  What about insurance?
A.  Volunteers are required to obtain their own international health insurance, and must provide proof to Encore before leaving on assignment. They must also provide emergency evacuation insurance unless it is covered by the assignment.

Q.  What about vaccinations?
A.  Volunteers are responsible for obtaining all required vaccinations and medications.

Q.  What about a valid U.S. passport and visas?
A.  Encore volunteers are responsible for maintaining up-to-date passports and acquiring all applicable visas. 

Q.  Who is responsible for travel arrangements?
A.  Most assignments include round-trip travel to the project site. Volunteers make their own travel arrangements. At their own expense, volunteers may make personal travel arrangements for either before or after their Encore service. In all cases, volunteers must furnish Encore with their itineraries before leaving for their assignments.  

Q.  What about room and board on assignment?
A.  Most projects provide volunteers with room and board.

PLACEMENT, ORIENTATION & TRAINING

Q.  How long does it take to be placed as a volunteer?
A.  If a volunteer has the appropriate skills for the assignment, and is available, they could expect placement in one or two months.

Q.  Is there an orientation before I leave for the program?
A.  Depending on the partner organization, Encore may conduct in-person orientations for volunteers.

Q. What kind of specific information may Encore volunteers expect?
A.  Encore provides a comprehensive Orientation Guide, and other helpful information.  

Q.  After I am accepted, how do I prepare?
A.  Encore’s volunteer Orientation Guide specifically details how to prepare for your overseas assignment. It includes the names and contact information for Encore’s local NGO partner, Other information what to pack, what to expect in the way of local weather, tips on in-country transportation and lodging, where and how to contact the American Embassy, as well as other pertinent information.

Q.  Do I need to speak the language of the country in which I am going to volunteer?
A.  Some assignments require only limited familiarity with the local language. Others require fluency.

Q.  Do I need to pass a health screening in order to volunteer with Encore?
A.  You will need to provide Encore with proof from your health professional that you are physically fit.  

RETURNING HOME

Q.  What happens when I return home from my volunteer experience?
A.  As per your terms of service with Encore, you are expected to submit a Final Report within four weeks of returning home from your assignment. Also, Encore staff will call you for an exit Interview.

Q.  Can I volunteer more than once with Encore ?
A.  Yes.

Thank you for your interest!