More detail, including a packing list, is included in the packet you’ll receive after scheduling a trip.

1. What do volunteers do in El Salvador?
Most volunteer groups help build ERD-funded housing communities to replace houses lost in the 2001 earthquakes. The work is unskilled and somewhat strenuous (clearing brush, excavation, leveling, etc.). There are planned recreational activities, including a trip to the beach and to the craft market. There may also be opportunities to attend Eucharist or other worship services and bible meetings in the Salvadoran community. To see a sample schedule, click here.

2. How does this help?
Volunteer and beneficiary labor is part of the enormous amount of labor that goes into ERD projects in El Salvador. Perhaps more significant is the cultural exchange that takes place between program participants and beneficiaries. You will meet and work with Salvadorans and get to know a little bit about the problems facing El Salvador and other poor countries. Salvadors will gain perspective on American donors who care enough to visit their country. Finally, visitors help the local economy by bringing in tourism revenue.

3. How do I organize a volunteer excursion?
You need a minimum of five people in your group but no more than twelve.  We cannot accept groups larger than 12 or smaller than 5 because of cost-effectiveness and accommodations. Talk to your group members and decide when you can schedule an eight-day trip. Then contact ERD's Network Coordinator, Luke Fodor, at 1-800-334-7626 x6348 or by email at lfodor@er-d.org.

4. What are the accommodations like?
You will stay at either or both of the diocesan residences located at San Juan Evangelista Church in San Salvador and at the El Maizal ERD project site.  Accommodations are basic with bunk beds and cold showers.  In accordance with Episcopal Church rules facilities for men and women, adults and youth are separate, with a common meeting/dining area.

5. What is the age range for volunteers?
The minimum age for volunteers unaccompanied by a parent is 14.  Groups must have at least one adult chaperone per five minors (youths.) There is no maximum age, however please be advised that volunteer work is physical in nature, and some of the travel includes long drives on bumpy, dusty roads.

6. What is the cost of the program?
Generally, the trip costs under $1,300 per volunteer, depending on airfare. Here is the breakdown of costs:

1. A $200 per group non-refundable deposit is due to ERD when you schedule your trip. This money will go to support the activities of the El Salvador Program’s volunteer coordinator, whose work helps make your experience in El Salvador a productive one.
2. Volunteers must arrange and purchase their own air transportation to San Salvador. Round-trip flights cost about $600 (or closer to $700 in the summer peak travel season).
3. Volunteers pay the Diocese of El Salvador $40 per volunteer per day, 8 days for most groups. This fee covers local transportation, meals, lodging, and water.
4. We recommend about $150 per volunteer in additional spending money while in country. For U.S. passport holders, there is a $10 fee upon your arrival for your visa, and a $30 exit tax.
5. We also require that you obtain travel insurance since most US health insurance plans will not cover treatment abroad or medical evacuation.  Coverage can cost as little as $6/day and includes luggage loss protection. You may be able to obtain coverage through Church Pension Group at 1-800-223-6602.  Also try InsureMyTrip.

** The official currency of El Salvador is the US Dollar. ERD recommends bringing cash in denominations no greater than $20, because often merchants are suspicious of large bills and/or do not have change for them.

7. How will I communicate in El Salvador?
The language of El Salvador is Spanish.  Groups are received by and accompanied during the week by an interpreter.

8. What kind of food will be served?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are Salvadoran cuisine prepared by staff trained to cook for delicate North American stomachs. You may eat out, and boxed lunches are available for days when volunteers are not at the lodging during lunch time.

9. Will we have the opportunity to worship?
Yes.  ERD recommends that volunteers hold a group meeting every day to reflect on what they’ve experienced.  ERD will provide you with a copy of an example Compline service.  There may also be opportunities to attend Eucharist or other worship services and bible meetings in the Salvadoran community.  Some volunteers choose not to participate in worship.