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

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 for Encore service.

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

Q.  How long is a typical Encore assignment?
A.  Encore Volunteers generally serve from two to three months, depending on the project and the volunteer's schedule, although selected assignments may be shorter or longer. There is no formal restriction on the length of an Encore assignment.

Q.  Can my spouse/partner participate as an Encore volunteer with me?
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.  Although some projects are funded through foundation grants, most are individual projects supported by the partner organization. We rely on individual donations to continue to develop Encore and support our volunteers.

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

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, welcomes professionals with similar overseas experience as Encore volunteers.

LOGISTICS

Q.  Who manages Encore projects in country?
A.  Encore staff work with partner NGOs to craft volunteer assignments. Partner NGO in-country staff manage the projects. Encore staff maintain regular contact with the NGO staff regarding the status of volunteers and the progress of their projects.

 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. Encore arranges for 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.  Room and board are provided by either the project partner or Encore, depending on the circumstances.

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 be placed in a little as six to eight weeks.

Q.  Is there any pre-assignment orientation for volunteers?
A.  Prior to leaving on assignment, Encore volunteers receive comprehensive orientation guides, and are thoroughly briefed by Encore staff. Some partner NGOs provide an additional orientation.

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, 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. Each assignment description will specify the level of proficiency required.

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 complete 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. We expect that our volunteers will continue their relationship with their partner organizations and continue providing support virtually long beyond the formal assignment!

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

Thank you for your interest!