world map
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo

logos
logos

FAQs

Why Oyster?
Through our experience, we know what makes a great gap year. Roger has had 15 years experience of sending young people overseas and Jon has undertaken our Tanzania project himself. Equally – if not more – important to us is to know that our volunteer projects have real value for host countries. We have long relationships with most of our host projects, great overseas representatives and an experienced, enthusiastic team in the UK.
top

How long have you been going?
Most placements have been running since 2000 and many staff have been with us since then, but we changed our name to Oyster in 2006.
top

Can I speak to a former participant?
We’ll happily put you in touch with a former participant, preferably one from the placement you’re interested in (but we can’t guarantee this). You can also search for Oyster on Facebook, we have a really popular page that a lot of our past and present participants are members of.
top

Is Oyster a member of the Year Out Group?
Yes, we are full members. All our procedures have been fully assessed.
  top

Is there a minimum or maximum age for participants?
All participants need to be at least 18 years old before departure. You need to be aged 18-30 for a Canadian or Australian visa, but otherwise we welcome career breakers of any age.
top

Do I need to learn a language?
You don’t need to speak one already, but we really encourage you to learn out there. Most participants find it one of the most rewarding bits of their time away. Don’t worry; there’s basic teaching on arrival.
top

Do I travel on my own?
No. Groups vary in size but you are certain to make friends with some or all of your group-mates; many travel together after the placement. If you’d prefer to go on your own, that’s fine, just give us a ring.

top

Can friends go together?
Yes.
top

Can I do more than one placement?
Yes. Many participants like to combine a bit of hedonism with feeling good about themselves, so do a voluntary and a paid placement.
top

What if I want to arrange my own flights?
That's fine, just let us know and we’ll reduce your placement price accordingly. Remember that you may miss out on travelling with your group and, more importantly, you will not be protected by our ATOL.
top

How do I apply?
Just click on the ‘How it Works’ and ‘Apply’ tabs on the homepage – you’ll find all the information you need there.
top

Why do you need to interview me?
By far the best way of getting the right placement for the right person is to meet you. That way you make the most of your time abroad and our projects get the right participants. It also lets you check us out!
top

Can I have a telephone interview?
Yes, if there’s no other way, but given the scale (and cost) of what you have applied to do, it would be much better to meet face to face.
top

What happens at the interview?
You spend a couple of hours with us in East Sussex to meet the team and destination manager for your placement – and possibly other applicants for your destination. We want to know about your life experience, motivation and expectations and will brief you on your potential placement. You will hear back from us within 24 hours.
top

What is a pre-departure course?
Courses are at or near the Oyster offices and last 1-2 days, depending on destination. Your only cost is getting there and back. They cover everything from what you need to take to health, safety, language and cultural issues. It's also a great chance to meet your travel-mates.
top

When do I pay?
You pay a £180 deposit pre-interview. This is refundable if you are not offered a place or decide not to accept one. If you accept a place, it counts as your first payment, to be followed by a payment of £450 six months before departure and the balance 90 days before departure.
top

How do I raise the money?
Most people work, but we can give you plenty of fund-raising ideas!
top

Find out more

Contact Roger (01892 770771; roger@oysterworldwide.com).