FAQS FOR TRIPS

1. WHEN ARE THE TRIP DATES?

The trip dates are listed on http://ceciskids.org/volunteer/ for spring, summer, and winter.
The winter trip dates that coincide with the Virginia Tech winter break are
o Week 1: December 27, 2014 January 3, 2015
o Week 2: January 3, 2015 January 10, 2015
o Week 3: January 10, 2015 January 17, 2015
The first and last dates listed for each week are the travel dates. So you will be flying into the San Pedro
Sula Airport (SAP) on the first Saturday and leaving on the last Saturday.
o Note: your trip leaders as well as a few other executive board members from Virginia Tech will be
present during all three weeks.
2. WILL I BE SAFE WHEN I TRAVEL TO HONDURAS?
Safety is SHHs #1 priority; we take the necessary measures to minimize all risks associated with traveling
abroad. SHH has a perfect record and every single one of our volunteers has gone home safely.
o Note: although SHH takes all the necessary steps to ensure your safety, do not forget that you are
still in another country so please use your common sense.
There will be private security with each group 24-hours every day of the trip. This includes upon arrival at
the airport, during transportation from location to location, at the worksite, and at the hotel/lodge.
3. WHAT DO I DO WHEN I GET TO THE AIRPORT?
You will follow the rest of your flight through customs where they will check your papers
o Your destination location will be El Progreso, Yoro
o They will give you a slip of paper when they hand you back your passportDONT LOSE THIS!!
Otherwise you will have to pay $150 to replace it when you leave the country.
You will find your luggage, go through security, and as you exit security you will be greeted by an SHH staff
member.
4. HOW WILL I GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL/WORKSITE?
Upon arrival at the San Pedro Sula airport (SAP), there will be SHH staff members as well at the Virginia
Tech trip leaders greeting you with a sign. We will be wearing an SHH shirt. We would also recommend
wearing an SHH shirt yourself in order to make it easier to identify you.
We will have a list of names and flights in order to track your flight for delays and to ensure that you have
arrived safely at the San Pedro Sula airport. However, you MUST send in your flight information to the
official Students Helping Honduras website (the link to the submission form can be found at
http://ceciskids.org/volunteer/), otherwise we may not be able to arrange transportation for you from the
airport to your lodging in El Progreso.
Transportation from site to site will be by bus driven by an SHH staff member. You will travel with your
school and possibly another school, depending on the size of your group. As always, you will be
accompanied by a security guard at all times.

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5. WHERE WILL I STAY IN HONDURAS?
SHH has a volunteer lodge located within the gated community of Villa Soleada (the village built by SHH).
There is also a guard tower with 24-hour security. Since the volunteer lodge is located within the village,
volunteers will have the opportunity to interact with the children from the Childrens Home if they choose
to do so and with the villagers of Villa Soleada.
In addition, SHH has done thorough research in nearby hotels in El Progreso where volunteers may also
stay. The two hotels approved by SHH are Hotel Casa Blanca (www.hotelcasablancahonduras.com) and
Hotel Cascada (http://hotellacascadahn.com/indexEn.php). The hotels are gated and SHH security will be
present 24-hours. The hotels also have pools and other amenities such as wifi, hot water, and air
conditioning.
o Note: these Hotels have been serving SHH for approximately 5 years and value their business and
relationship with the organization.
6. WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET SICK/HURT?
First aid kits and over-the-counter medications will be available on-site at all times, in addition your trip
leaders this year are certified EMT-Bs.
For more severe illnesses and injuries, transportation and assistance to a private clinic (within a 10-minute
drive) will be provided immediately.
o Note: It is advised that you keep all receipts/papers from the private clinic so that you can get it
covered by insurance. You may also want to consider getting travelers insurance if you feel it is
necessary.
7. HOW CAN I GET INTO CONTACT WITH THE U.S.?
Your trip leaders will have an international phone with them at all times for any emergency phone calls.
Some volunteers choose to get a temporary international plan so that they can remain in contact with their
family in the U.S.
There will be access to Wi-Fi in the hotels and at the volunteer lodge. For smart phones, a free app called
Magic Jack can be used to make free phone calls to anywhere in the U.S.
o Note: Although there is access to Wi-Fi, it is strongly advised that you limit use of your phone in
order to fully appreciate your experience abroad.
8. DO I HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SPEAK SPANISH?
The ability to speak Spanish is not mandatory to participate on this service-trip. Language may pose
obstacles when communicating, however it is not impossible to communicate with the local Hondurans.
Most importantly, speaking Spanish is not required to help a community in need.
o Note: common activities for non-Spanish speakerstag, patty cake, taking photos together, and
of coursesoccer! (or ftbol) And remember, everyone laughs in the same language
The trip leaders, as well as several other volunteers, will be proficient in Spanish and will be able to
communicate to others. In addition, there are several bilingual SHH staff members that can assist you.
o Note: Use this opportunity to learn or improve your Spanish!
9. WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE?
In a typical work day we will eat breakfast at approximately 7AM. We will leave our hotel/Villa at 8AM and
arrive at the worksite by 9AM. Lunch will be served at the worksite at noon and the work day typically ends
between 2PM and 4PM. There will be frequent breaks throughout the day in which you can interact with
the kids, rehydrate, etc.
There will be evening activities scheduled throughout the week including a movie night, salsa night, cage
soccer, and other group activities lead by your trip leaders.
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10. WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Your passport and $40 exit fee, as well as additional copies of your passport.
Sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle.
If you have extra room in your suitcasedonations! Especially used backpacks, school supplies, shoes, and
used soccer equipment for the children.
o Note: speaking of soccer, we will have many opportunities to play soccer with the kids and with
other volunteers, so bring your cleats if you have them and bring your skills!
A fancy outfit for a night out learning how to salsa (from Shin and Maria) and a bathing suit for the beach!
o Note: for guys remember to pack long pants and close toed shoes as you may not be admitted
into the club.
A more thorough packing list can be found at http://ceciskids.org/volunteer/
Lastly, an open mind and a positive attitude!
11. DO I NEED TO BRING ANY ADDITIONAL MONEY?
An exit fee of approximately $40 is required in order to leave country. It is advised that you keep this
money tucked away safely so that you can exit the country. In the past, the ATM at the airport has be
unreliable at times so it is strongly advised that you do not spend this cash.
The $650 trip fee includes expenses for lodging, transportation, 3-meals a day, snacks, and supplies for
building the school. Besides the exit fee, any extra money you wish to bring can be spent on souvenirs,
additional snacks, and beverages.
12. HOW DO I EXCHANGE US DOLLARS FOR LEMPIRAS?
We will be making a trip at the beginning of the week to the grocery store where they accept US dollars,
however make sure that your bills are in good condition because they will not accept bills with ANY minor
tears or holes.
You are able to exchange money at the airport or your bank, however be aware that there may be
additional fees involved.
The currency exchange rate is approximately 20 lempiras to 1 US Dollar.
13. WHAT IF I HAVE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
SHH tries our best to accommodate any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Most meals will include
beans and rice with additional meat, eggs, vegetables, and tortillas.
o If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, let your trip leader know so that the cook can be
informed.
We will be making a trip to the grocery store at the beginning of the week, so if you feel as though you are
unable to eat the food there will be many snacks and food options available.
o Note: It is encouraged that you try the food in order to experience the Honduran culture.
14. WHAT ARE SOME THINGS I NEED TO DO BEFORE GOING DOWN TO HONDURAS?
Check, double check, and TRIPLE check to make sure that you have your passport and that is valid for at
least 6 MONTHS before your travel date. Check this sooner just in case because it may take a few weeks to
get your passport renewed. We also suggest bringing copies of your passport as well.
Immunization shots: you likely have most of the shots you need from when you came to school. A few
additional shots you may need are: Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, and measles. You will also need to get a
prescription for malaria pills from your physician. For more information on the vaccinations necessary you
can visit the CDC website (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/honduras)
o Note: Schiffert provides all the required immunization shots.
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15. WHAT ARE SOME OTHER THINGS I SHOULD KNOW BEFOREHAND?
Do not drink the tap water. Purified water will be available at all times, so dont forget your water bottle!
o Note: use purified water when brushing teeth, washing fruit, etc.
Do not flush the toilet paper anywhere or any other toiletries. The plumbing is not strong enough to handle
anything else going down the toilet.
Finish all the food on your plate. If you feel completely satiated then offer your food to someone else. It is
disrespectful to waste food, especially in a country that does not have the luxury that most Americans do.

For more detailed information about the trips, visit http://ceciskids.org/volunteer/ for a thorough packing list,
details about safety, and what to expect during your service trip!