Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays for the Village itself (food, activities, utilities, etc.)?

The host Chapter pays for all operational costs for the Village Camp. The only responsibilities of each participant are payment of the program fees and the costs of traveling to and from the city or town where the Village camp is hosted, plus 1/4 of the leader's airfare cost. Each CISV Chapter worldwide is required to host a Village at least once every 3 years (we host every other year in Jacksonville). When hosting a Village, the Chapter raises funds (in our case about $30,000) sufficient to pay for all costs to operate a four-week camp for 70 children, staff, leaders and junior counselors. When Jacksonville hosts a Village, each Chapter member is asked to help in a variety of volunteer jobs.

What if a youth applicant can't afford all the fees, preparation and travel expenses?

CISV is the greatest bargain imaginable for such a memorable, educational and culturally enriching experience. Regardless, the total cost can be difficult for some families. CISV encourages participation from the entire Jacksonville community, without regard for race, religion or economic circumstances. To that end, our Chapter has limited scholarship/financial assistance to those who have true need. The number and amount of financial assistance grants varies from year to year based on the number of applicants, the degree of need, and the amount of financial assistance funding available. For more information see the Chapter Information/ Scholarship section of the website. All information regarding applications and financial assistance awards is kept strictly confidential.

How can CISV operate these complex programs as an all-volunteer organization - who does the work?

Volunteers like you and me! Thousands of dedicated people devote many hours to CISV programs around the world because they have experienced the special, rewarding feeling that comes from making new friends around the world and learning about other cultures and ways of life. These volunteers want others to experience the same feeling, and they want to give something back to the organization that means so much to them and to their children.

If I apply for the Village Leader program, must I first be a chapter member? Is it an advantage in the selection process to have previous membership or CISV program experience?

You are not required to be a Chapter member to apply for the Village Leader Program. If you are selected, Chapter membership is a part of the participation fee.

The goal of the Selection Committee is to choose Delegates and Village Leaders who form the most compatible, cohesive and representative delegations. The primary focus is on the interaction between the youth and with the adult leader.

Can parents contact children during the Village Camp? What about international phone calls?

We encourage frequent letters and cards from families to and from the delegate. Phone calls are not allowed except in the case of family emergencies. There is always a phone number provided for emergencies, and the policy is to contact your delegation leader should a need exist to contact your child. Phone calls usually create or intensify homesickness. Many years of experience have taught us that this is the best approach.

How are travel plans arranged?

The Chapter selects a single travel agency to coordinate all travel plans. The agency will understand CISV requirements, rules and regulations regarding safety and direct travel to and from the Village host country. We are assured that we benefit from negotiations for the best available airfare for which we qualify.