Trip Rules & FAQ

Who do I contact if I have questions?

We are happy to answer your questions as quickly as possible. You can email Sam Beck, our Director of Operations, at sam@shapenw.com or schedule a call with him here: https://calendly.com/sam-l73f/tanzania-trip?month=2024-11

 

What are the sleeping arrangements? 

SHAPE NW purchased property in the village of Jambiani, the largest town in Zanzibar. There are 1.4 million people on the island and SHAPE has it's own property in the middle of this paradise about 1.5 football fields from the Indian Ocean. On the property we have built a swimming pool and are converted shipping containers into modern dorm style rooms.  We have 2 boys dorms and 2 girls dorms each with 3 bunk beds (each dorm sleeps 6).  There are no mixed dorm options for this trip.  It's a really cool plan and am so excited for our SHAPE kids to be guests on the property. I decided to purchase property and designate a portion for these volunteer trips because I foresee taking many trips with HS students in the future to Zanzibar for cultural and volunteer experiences. In Kahama, we also purchased a lake view property that is being renovated for our community service projects. Dorms will also be available in a similar set-up as Jambiani, only in a house.

 

Have you done this before?

This will be our fourth consecutive trip to Tanzania. I started with a group of 10 HS students in summer of 2022 and am expanding the program. In 2023, 50 students joined our trips over the three month course. Prior, I have been running camps in the PNW since 2009.  I first started a program K-5th grade and launched our Adventure Camp for 4th-8th in 2017.  It became apparent that I needed an extension of SHAPE for HS students.  But I wanted to add purpose and value to their experiences.  I am an avid traveler having visited over 60 countries so far. It is not only a hobby, but a lifestyle for me.  I have come to know that travel is the best gift you can give to yourself.  I have also come to realize that experiencing cultures and people that are so vastly different than yourself is one of the best ways to add value to life. This is our second HS trip abroad with students, and rest assured they are in very good and experienced hands. 

 

Who is chaperoning?

We will have a leadership team in both locations, comprised of both locals and adults from the U.S. Core Leadership: I will be in Africa the entire summer. Our Director of Operations, Sam Beck will be heading up our leadership team in Zanzibar with William, our project director. We will also have adult volunteers helping lead the students. I, Paulina, will be with the groups in Kahama also with adult volunteers and student ambassadors.

 

William Charles, a local to Kahama and a resident of Jambiani will be managing the projects in Africa and is our liaison for any services we may need while in Tanzania.

 

Is there security? 

Yes, we have hired private/professional security for the property in Zanzibar (Jambiani) and will be secured 24/7. In addition we have purchased surveillance cameras which will placed throughout the property.  

 

Is it safe? 

I would consider Zanzibar to be incredibly safe. I feel more safe here than in Portland these days.  That's not to say there isn't petty crime here.  Theft is the most common problem in Zanzibar.. cell phones, purses and scooters tend to be a big target. I am happy to say that they do not have issues with gangs, shootings, or child trafficking.  I chose this location very carefully and with the safety of students in mind. 

 

Can they go places alone?

No, however, they may be able to have free time in peer groups.. The Jambiani beach is just a couple minute walk from our property. Last year, students were awarded free time on the beach. Free time is given when students can demonstrate responsibility with their willingness to contribute and participate.

 

Can they have their cell phones? 

Yes, but very limited and only on weekends. I will allow them to have their cell phones to take pictures on our excursions.  But when we are working with the school kids or out in the community, no cell phones. We will collect cell phones upon arrival to Tanzania. Students may use their cell phones on the weekends for short periods of time.   I would like to limit calls to home to once per week but can be flexible with parents. If I feel cell phones become a distraction I may limit them to less time.  Local phones will be available for students to use in case of an emergency.

 

Can you drink the water? 

No.  I would not drink the tap water here.  The locals do not drink the tap water either. We will provide plenty of bottled water for us to drink.

 

Will they get sick and is there a hospital nearby? 

As long as they do not drink the tap water they should be fine.  There are a couple of nice local hospitals nearby (within 10 minutes) should anything happen.  

 

Are there a lot of diseases? 

Zanzibar is not ridden with disease like some other countries may be. It is a relatively clean island and people put a lot of focus on personal health and eating well. 

 

Are there any required immunizations or vaccines required?

Currently, there are no required vaccines to enter Tanzania. However, I would recommend a tetanus shot and a typhoid vaccine. Many also ask about Malaria medication. Consult your doctor on malaria medication. I do not recommend the medication as the side effects include hallucinations and nightmares which I heard to be common. Malaria is very rare in Tanzania. The medications are accessible and affordable and easily treatable there.

 

Is the covid vaccination required?

It is not required, however, a PCR test upon arrival will be required if a person is not fully vaccinated. If found positive, a mandatory 14 day quarantine will be put in place.

 

Medications? 

If your student takes medication or has allergies please make sure to pack what is needed.  When I came I purchased enough malaria medication for five months.  I stopped taking the medication after three days... a little mosquito repellent is enough protection for the island.  I would recommend packing some Imodium in case of tummy issues.

 

Is this trip right for my student?

Volunteering abroad can be a rewarding experience for anyone, however, there are some things to consider. Students who are most successful immersing and volunteering in developing countries have the right mindset going into it. They understand that social media will not be a part of their daily lives and that giving of themselves is a part of the program. Students will have to operate selflessly on a daily basis, leaving many aspects of U.S. culture of teenage drama far behind.

 

I would not advise students who are currently having behavioral issues at school, or showing signs of depression or have had recent suicidal thoughts to attend this trip. Immersing in this type of culture could be too much of a shock. Tanzania does not have good resources or counseling services to help students get through.

 

Can my student come home if they don't like it?

If your student isn't enjoying their time in Tanzania, I would encourage them to stick it out, as many experience homesickness early on. However, if they are determined to cut their time short, please note parents will be responsible for coordinating their flights home. In addition, we will need to hire staff to accompany them to the airport, which will incur additional costs for time, transportation and possibly hotel fees.

 

Is there any occasion my student would be sent home?

Yes, there are certain circumstances we would contact the parent to make travel arrangements for their student for early departure. Here are few examples of why we would ask a student to no longer participate:

• If a student attempts to, threatens or causes harm themselves or others

• If a student is showing signs of extreme anxiety

• Disrespecting the staff or one another

• Bullying

• Trying to solicit drugs or other substances considered to be illegal for their age

• Engaging in inappropriate sexual activities

• Refusal to participate or follow rules

 

If your student gets to the point we need them to go home, parents will incur the expense of all travel arrangements including staff for supervision, transportation to and from the airport for the student and staff which may include hotel, taxi, ferry, airline and/or bus fees. Traveling can be quite expensive, please make sure your students are emotionally and mentally healthy for the trip in order to avoid these possible scenarios.

 

Can parents attend also?

I would consider this on a case by case basis. The fees would be the same as the student fees. We are limited on private accommodations, although affordable hotels are close by if needed. We can make recommendations for parents to research.

 

After I pay my deposit (or pay-in-full), how do I register and is there paperwork?

Yes, we will have a NEXT STEPS page for you. As far as paperwork, here is what will be needed:

• Travel authorization form

• Conduct agreement

• Copy of student passport and additional passport photo

• Immunization records just in case of an emergency while abroad, a photo release

• Proof of covid vaccination if applicable