MAJOR FAQ

About the Institute for Field Research Expeditions and Volunteer Abroad Program

Institute for Field Research Expeditions (IFRE), a 501 (C) 3 under IRS code, is a non profit organization. IFRE is registered with the state of Louisiana . We are also registered with the state secretary of Texas as Institute of Field Research Expedition . The main goal of IFRE is to carry out authentic field research programs on ecology, environment, wildlife, archeology, and other areas affecting global communities. The secondary objective of IFRE is to offer affordable and high quality volunteer abroad and internship abroad programs.

In collaboration with local organizations, IFRE presently offers volunteer abroad programs in Nepal , India , China , Thailand , Peru , Costa Rica , Brazil , Ghana , Kenya , South Africa , and Tanzania . Our volunteer abroad programs are focused on working in orphanages, teaching English, working in health projects, and conservation sectors.

Legitimacy of Institute for Field Research Expeditions

IFRE is a legitimate US non profit organization registered with the state of Louisiana and Texas . Due to name conflict, we are registered as an Institute of Field Research Expedition in the state of Texas . Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a US federal agency, has approved IFRE as a 501 (C) 3 organization. This means all of your program fee will be TAX deductible.

As IFRE is a US organization, do I need to be a US citizen to join the program?

IFRE accepts volunteers from all over the world. Majority of our volunteers come from US, UK , Canada , Australia , France , Netherlands , Japan , Ireland , Germany , and New Zealand

Why should I pay for volunteer abroad program?

IFRE volunteer programs aim to enrich the local people and communities in developing countries. We work with local grass root organizations, NGOs, schools, and orphanages. Most of these local organizations are resource poor and not in a position of offer room, food, and other logistic support needed for volunteers. Therefore, the fee is needed to develop and promote programs, develop logistic support, and make arrangements for room and food for our volunteers. We do not get any donation or fund to run our volunteer abroad program.

Are the fees and expenses tax deductible?

Yes, as IFRE is approved as a 501 (C) 3 organization by Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the program fee would be tax deductible only to the US citizens.

What does program fee cover?

Although there is not much difference in terms of the quality of our programs when compared to our competitors, IFRE offers highly affordable program fees that covers the followings:

• Airport receive
• Transport to project/host family
• Room (hostel or host family)
• Food (local food 3 times a day)
• Insurance
• Services of our local staffs

What program fee does not cover?

• Airfare
• Visa and Visa extension fee
• Airport drop, airport taxes
• Any personal expenses on food and travel· Mineral water and soft drinks
• Gifts to project staffs and host family
• Laundry
• Telephone
• Immunization

What are your refund policies?

Refund Restrictions. Your deposit payment of US$ 200.00 to IFRE is strictly non-refundable under any and all circumstances.

Cancellation 50 or More Days from the Start of Project. IFRE agrees to refund to You seventy-five percent (75%) of the total Program Fee, excluding the nonrefundable deposit fee of $200.00 and any other applicable bank charges.

Cancellation 35 to 49 Days from the Start of Project. IFRE agrees to refund to You sixty-five percent (65%) of the total Program Fee, excluding the nonrefundable deposit fee of $200.00 and any other applicable bank charges.

Cancellation 15 to 34 Days from the Start of Project. IFRE agrees to refund to You fifty percent (50%) of the total Program Fee, excluding the nonrefundable application fee of $200.00 and any other applicable bank charges.

Cancellation 14 or Less Days from the Start of Project. IFRE agrees to refund to You twenty-five percent (25%) of the total Program Fee, excluding the nonrefundable application fee of $200.00 and any other applicable bank charges.

Cancellation On or After the Start of Project. If You notify IFRE with a requested cancellation on or after the start of the Project, no refund whatsoever will be made to You under any conditions or for any reasons.

Cancellation of Project by IFRE. If IFRE cancels a Project before the start of the Project, IFRE will provide You a full refund of the applicable Program Fee. If IFRE cancels a Project before the Project Period due to a sudden outbreak of disease, political instability, natural disaster or similar conditions beyond Our control, IFRE will refund to You a portion of the Program Fee based upon the remaining weeks in the Project Period. The rate ranges from $50-150 per week depending upon the particular Host Country, as further explained in the Term Sheet.