Safety & Support
Our approach
When you travel with us, safety isn’t a separate policy—it’s the foundation of everything we do. We believe our safety and security framework is the most comprehensive in the industry, refined over 30 years to provide the freedom you need to grow.
Here’s how we do things differently:
- Expertly vetted teams: We don’t outsource your support. We employ our own full-time staff in every destination, all vetted and trained to our rigorous global standards.
- The gold standard in risk assessment: Every Project and destination undergoes a thorough, ongoing risk assessment to ensure political stability and physical safety. If it isn’t safe, we don’t go.
- A personal safety net: With teams on the ground 24/7, you always have a local expert by your side to navigate any challenge, from minor illnesses to logistical hurdles.
- Carefully selected host families: We hand-pick our host families for their security, comfort, and warmth, ensuring you have a true “home away from home.”
- Expert medical consultation: Our in-house expedition doctor is available to consult with you and your GP before you depart, ensuring you feel physically and mentally prepared for your journey.
We handle the backup so you can focus on stepping outside your comfort zone with confidence.
British Standard BS 8848
We fully conform to BS 8848, which is the British Standard for organising and managing visits, fieldwork, expeditions, and adventurous activities outside of the UK.
It sets out to help ensure operational systems are effective at managing risk and help reduce the likelihood of incidents. In so doing, BS 8848 reassures those wishing to be involved in a venture, demonstrates a duty-of-care to employees and others, and provides a means of demonstrating that good practice has been followed.
Well-trained staff, everywhere
No matter where you go, every member of our team is vetted, trained, and dedicated to your success.
In all destinations, the staff you interact with represent Projects Abroad, so you know you’re getting the best support available.
In fact, many of our team members began their own journeys as volunteers with us. With some staff celebrating over a decade by our side, they understand exactly what it feels like to step off that plane. They know the challenges you’ll face and the support you’ll need to thrive.
From the moment you land, we’re there. Our in-country team will meet you at the airport, take you to your accommodation, and provide a comprehensive safety induction.
After that, we’re as involved as you need us to be. We’ll check in regularly, but we’re also available 24/7 for a chat, a question, or a helping hand.
With emergency contact lines always open for you and your family, you have the total peace of mind required to focus on your personal growth.
Fully vetted accommodation
Most of our volunteers and interns live with a local host family. Each of our host families are carefully chosen for security, comfort, and friendliness. The family, their home and the neighbourhood are all fully vetted by our expert staff before and during your visit.
Many hosts are associated with our programmes, for example, a teacher or headmistress at one of our partner schools, or a doctor at one of our medical placements. We also try to place you alongside a fellow volunteer or intern so your stay is sociable and you can share your experience with like-minded people.
A personal service
You aren’t just a name on a list to us. Our teams are genuinely invested in your journey, and we’re here to make sure you get the most out of every moment. We stay connected with you from the day you book, throughout your time in-country, and long after you return home.
We have whole teams of staff in every destination, but you’ll have a dedicated supervisor assigned to you. As locals themselves, they know their communities and host families inside out. They are your first point of contact—experts who monitor local conditions in real-time to keep you safe and secure. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a bit of guidance, they’re on the ground 24/7 to support you.
“From the very first day, our support quite literally could not have been better. Our main Projects Abroad contact and our two other support staff, did quite literally absolutely everything they could to make our stay easy, enjoyable, stimulating and any other adjective you can think of! They were wonderful, we could not have asked for more. Would I do it again? Tomorrow, without a second thought!”
– Vicki James, Warwickshire Girl Guides Group Leader.
Your safety comes first
Safety doesn’t limit your experience; it makes it possible. We know you achieve your best when you feel secure, which is why safety is built into every project from the start.
We only work in destinations that are safe and politically stable. Our team is in constant contact with the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office and international officials to monitor local conditions. If a location isn’t safe, we simply don’t go
Our safety framework has been refined over 30 years. We conduct thorough, independently reviewed risk assessments for all projects and maintain 24/7 in-country support. Our permanent local teams are fully trained in crisis management, ensuring they’re ready to support you whenever you need it.
This multi-layered support gives you and your family total peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying your time abroad.
“The trip was incredibly well organised. At Taricaya, the community of staff and volunteers were super friendly, helpful and made sure we got the absolute most of our time. Outside of the jungle, we were looked after wherever our next adventure took us. Whether it was the city of Cusco or the top of Machu Picchu, the Projects Abroad staff were both supportive and helpful and knew everything about the area we were in.”
– Lucy Luck, 2nd year student, Animal Management & Zoology Degree course at Capel Manor College.
An in-house medical advisor
Stepping into a new environment is an exciting challenge, but you won’t navigate it alone. To ensure you’re prepared, we provide access to an experienced expedition doctor who can consult with you and your GP before you even leave home. They’ll offer expert advice tailored to your needs, so you can arrive feeling confident and ready to grow.
Our support continues throughout your journey. If you need medical assistance while abroad, our doctor works directly with our permanent local teams to coordinate the best care. We also handle the logistics with your insurance company if required.
With the details managed by experts, you’re free to focus on discovering what you’re truly capable of.