FAQ
These are some of our FAQs. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions.
What is the deadline to apply?
The online application process closes on November 1st, 2011. For further info see our Applying for CVAP page.
Do I have to be a Concordia Student to apply?
No. CVAP gives priority to current students, but Concordia alumni, staff, and non-Concordia students are all welcome to apply. For Concordia staff or non-Concordia students there are increased fee requirements. For more info see Financial Requirements section.
Does my GPA matter?
CVAPs main concern is not whether your GPA is high or low, but rather that you are in good standing and not failing any classes or struggling with your academic workload. CVAPs training sessions are intensive and students will need to devote time to these, in addition to some CVAP fundraising. We want to ensure that a student's academic studies will not suffer as a result of participating in CVAP. So long as you are not failing any of your classes, your GPA will not impede your acceptance.
Is previous volunteer experience required?
Previous volunteer experience is not a requirement, but is certainly a major asset when applying to CVAP. When selecting volunteers for CVAP, the application committee looks for people who have been engaged in their home communities in addition to an interest in helping strengthen communities abroad.
Can I receive course credit for my work with CVAP?
CVAP is constantly working to get our program more integrated into the university. Students are encouraged to speak with their department and professors about receiving course credit for work they do with CVAP. This is arranged on a case by case basis and is at the discretion of the university, faculty, and specific program of study that a student is enrolled in.
The winter pre-departure sessions can also be taken as an elective for 3 credits.
Why Uganda?
CVAP began its international development work in northern Uganda in 2007. It is currently the only country where CVAP does work outside of Canada. Given the long history of conflict in Uganda, which was largely ignored by the international community until early 2000, CVAP and other international NGOs work collaboratively with local partner organizations to help with the rebuilding of the community, to assist in education and awareness relating to illness and diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria, and a number of other outreach and development initiatives.
Will I be able to travel on my own while in Uganda?
While students are volunteering with CVAP they do not have the opportunity to travel outside of the Gulu District. This is due to travel delays or interruptions, which may occur. While students often have free time on the weekends, since bus service can be unreliable students are not allowed to take day trips outside of Gulu in their spare time. Students who wish to travel to other regions or on their own are able to change the dates of their flights to travel before or after their volunteer session with CVAP.
Is it dangerous in northern Uganda?
The civil war in Uganda is now over. The communities surrounding Gulu where CVAP works are now secure, and there is little risk that the LRA will return to the area. That said, students need to be cautious when traveling at night, when walking on the sides of roads, and traveling by bicycle, etc. Traffic fatalities are a leading cause of death in Uganda, so students need to exercise caution, and bear in mind that travel by boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) is prohibited. Because of traffic risks, CVAP employs professional drivers who are responsible to transport students to distant worksites and long-distance travel within the country.
Volunteers in Uganda
Where do volunteers stay in Uganda?
CVAP works in Gulu Town, northern Uganda. Volunteers are housed at the CVAP compound. Students sleep in dorm rooms with up to 3 other volunteers. Dorm rooms are not co-ed.
Will I have access to telephone or internet while in Uganda?
Yes. Students are able to purchase cellphones individually or share them amongst themsleves for international and domestic calls. CVAP does not provide office-phone use, except in the case of an emergency. Students can however access the internet in the CVAP office during the evening or early morning, but time restrictions do exist. There are also inexpensive internet cafes in Gulu where students can check their email and communicate with friends and family at home.
Do I get to choose the community partner I will work with or the projects I will work on?
CVAP organizes the volunteer placements collaboratively with our community partners in Uganda. Volunteers are asked to submit their interests and if they have any reservations about specific types of work. CVAP takes this into consideration when allocating volunteer assignments, but students are asked to be understanding and flexible in their volunteer placement. The short answer is no, you do not choose your placement, but you will have input and are always able to speak with CVAP staff about your placement or any concerns you may have.
I am a vegetarian/have special dietary requirements, can CVAP accommodate this?
CVAP has a cooking staff in Uganda who is sensitive to special dietary requirements. The staple of most meals while in Gulu is rice, so there will always be food available to those who are vegetarian/vegan or have other dietary concerns. Make sure you inform CVAP staff if you have any serious allergies and we can work collaboratively to ensure that your diet does not cause you problems while in Uganda.
Malaria and Medical Concerns
What are my chances of getting Malaria while I’m in Gulu?
Malaria is an ever present risk in many regions of The Great Lakes Region in East Africa. Foreigners who have never been exposed to malaria before are at greater risk. For this reason CVAP requires that volunteers take anti-malaria medication. Also it is important that volunteers wear long pants, long sleeve shirts, socks, and shoes in the evening, in addition to insect repellant. CVAP provides bug nets to its volunteers. Incidents of CVAP volunteers contracting malaria are rare, but have happened. The best way to limit your chances are to take all the preventative measures you can.
Are there any side effects to the anti-malaria medication?
There can be side effects to anti-malaria medication, but usually these are minor and depend on the type of medication you take. CVAP recommends Malarone or Doxycycline. CVAP discusses anti-malaria medication options in its training sessions, but students should also consult their doctor before deciding on the most appropriate medication.
What happens if I get hurt in Uganda?
The health of its volunteers is a major concern for CVAP. Students are required to purchase health insurance specific to Uganda as most plans, including the CSU health plan do not cover travel in Uganda. In the event of an accident or injury the student will be transported to a hospital or medical clinic by CVAP staff for treatment. Should a volunteer be forced to return home early because of an injury CVAP will arrange this on the students behalf.
Can I opt out of the CVAP fee levy?
Yes. Students are encouraged to visit our office during office hours (Mondays 10am-1pm, Thursdays 1pm-3pm), or to email us at admin@concordiavolunteers.org to set up a meeting at an alternate time. Please note that students will be required to provide proof that they have indeed paid their fees in full to Concordia University. Students with any outstanding Concordia fees will not be able to apply for refund. Refunds to students will be made via cheque. After submitting your proof of payment, it will take 1 week to process the cheque, and then students can pick up their cheque from our office. The Opt-Out Period for Fall 2011 and Winter 2012 runs from February 1, 2012 to March 3, 2012.
How can I volunteer with a Concordia Volunteer at Home (CVAH) project?
The CVAH programs are all operated independently of CVAP by former volunteers who want to remain involved in the development and support of Gulu and its surrounding areas. Interested volunteers can contact CVAP or the CVAH projects directly to see how they can get involved in Montreal.
