FAQ (Funders)
1.
How will Black Girls Go Global be funded?
The program will be fully funded by donors/sponsors. Program participants are asked to help raise funds (individually or collectively)
2. What type of insurance is provided?
Each participant is covered by supplemental, international, medical
insurance and emergency evacuation insurance. A separate COVID
travel insurance will be provided as required by the Costa Rican
Ministry of Health Department.
3. How are the girls selected?
Girls are selected from organizations or schools that have expressed an interest in the Black Girls Go Global program. Each participant shall (1) provide written permission from parent(s); (3) write a 1-page essay as to why she wants to participate in the program; (4) apply for a passport if the student does not already have one; and (5) raise $500 per participant.
4. What is the cost to participate in a Bright Light Volunteers global
experiences for youth?
Bright Light Volunteers is committed to making this an affordable experience. Other similar programs cost between $5,000 and $7,000 and doesn't include airfare. Participants and parents have the opportunity to fundraise through letter campaigns, GoFundMe, garage sales, etc.
5. What experience do the program leaders have?
Our program leaders are experienced working with young girls and have an expansive knowledge of the host community. They have established relationships in the area with medical professionals and facilities.
6. What is the service learning project?
The girls will be working 12 hours during the duration of the program. The work will take place at Monkey Park Foundation outside of Brasalito. Monkey Park Foundation is a non-profit foundation that has made itself available to the indigenous wildlife of Costa Rica in order to provide a safe and experienced environment for the local wildlife’s rehabilitation and release needs. Participants will also learn the basics of organic farming, soil conservation, environmental studies, etc. Its staff and program have been expertly tailored to benefit a balanced ecology by providing educational opportunities for visitors in order to help curve the current rate of decline of many fascinating fauna that are necessary to maintain a healthy ecosystem that Costa Rica has to offer. Monkey Park Foundation teaches local women how to farm so they can replicate and grow food for their families and community.
citizenship program compared to other international education
1.
Who can enroll?
All Bright Light Volunteers programs are designed for groups of at least 8 participants and at least one chaperone/educator. Groups must be formed prior to scheduling
2. What is program duration?
The minimum duration of a program is 7 days
3. Are parents allowed to participate in programs?
No. We believe that girls gain a different and positive experience in
learning with their peers
Yes. A girl can complete the application early and participate in the
program at age 16.
completed, but will be 16 by the time the program takes place, can they still apply?
application but will be 16 by program time?
For Black Girls Go Global, full scholarships will be provided for every participant. However, participants are expected to help the organization raise funds (individually or collectively) to
help offset program costs.
Absolutely! Bright Light Volunteers makes safety our first priority.
While traveling, students will either be with BLV coordinators, in
groups, or assigned to a chaperone ... but never alone. Our
student/chaperone ratio is 2:1.
All chaperones have worked with young girls; have been through an
interview process; and are selected by partner schools or program
leaders.
Participants are housed in safe, clean, secure accommodations.
9. What is the food like?
Nutritious, locally-grown and prepared foods are provided three
times per day. In some locations, meals are eaten at pre-selected
restaurants. When completing the application, we inquire about
specific food restrictions or allergies and take special care to
accommodate the dietary needs of all participants.
10. Will program participants have clean water?
Students are provided access to unlimited, safe, drinking water.
11. What type of transportation is used?
Participants will travel in passenger buses or 14-passenger vans.
Vehicles used are safe, well-maintained and operated by licensed
drivers.
12. What type of insurance is provided?
Each participant is covered by supplemental, international, medical
insurance and emergency evacuation insurance. A separate COVID
travel insurance will be provided as required by the Costa Rican
Ministry of Health Dept.
13. What experience do the program leaders have?
Our program leaders are experienced working with young girls and
have an expansive knowledge of the host community. They have
established relationships in the area with medical professionals and
facilities.
14. What is the cost to participate in a Bright Light Volunteers global
Bright Light Volunteers is committed to making this an affordable
experience. Other similar programs cost between $5,000 and $7,000 and doesn't include airfare. Participants and parents have the opportunity to fundraise through letter campaigns, GoFundMe, garage sales, etc.
The participant costs for Black Girls Go Global includes ...
a)Roundtrip airfare to Costa Rica
b)Community service project funding
c)On-site, trained BLV representative
d)On-site, bilingual community host leader
e)All on-site transportation
f)Shared lodging
g)Cultural and recreational activities
h)Three (3) meals a day
i)All culturally immersive activities
j)24/7 state-side support
k)Travel insurance (required if not COVID vaccinated)
l)COVID test to return to U.S.
m) Costs of passport application
n)Facial masks, hand sanitizer, etc.
o)Farm tools (i.e., gloves, shovels, rakes, hoes, etc.)
p)Certificate of Global Citizenship
q)Opportunity to earn the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (Bronze Level)
15. What is not included?
While your program contribution allows us to fund all in-country
expenses, it does not cover:
– Any applicable baggage-handling fees imposed by airlines;
– Reciprocity fees or any other fees associated with entry or exit from
a particular destination;
– Extra beverages and snacks outside of the three daily meals provided
by BLV;
– Expenses caused by airline rescheduling, cancellations, or delays
caused by the airlines, bad weather, or any other event or
circumstances beyond BLV’s control.
16. What happens to any deposits of monies
paid if the program is canceled?
If program is cancelled for reasons beyond the control of Bright Light Volunteers, any deposits or monies contributed to the program will be considered a program donation. If at any time, the group falls below 8 participants, the program may be cancelled.
FAQ (Parents)
5. Does Bright Light Volunteers provide scholarships?
6. Will my child be safe?
7. How are your chaperones selected?
8. What is lodging like on this program?
4. If a participant is not 16 at the time application is
(i.e., 15 at time of
citizenship program compared to other international education
experiences for youth