You have been accepted to an AEI program, how exciting!

Remember if you have any questions at all about volunteering, flights, programs or anything in between, reach out! That is what we are here for.

AEI FAQs.

  • How do I pay: You can make your payment through Paypal on our website (Paypal accepts all major credit cards), Interac/Online money transfer through your online banking, by cheque, or money order. If you do send a cheque or money order it should be in Canadian dollars and made out to Animal Experience International. For more information about payments and fees please see our page. 
  • When is my deposit due? Within two weeks of your interview. Remember, it's in Canadian dollars! 
  • When is my final payment due? 60 days before your departure. 
  • Can I fax my contract and waiver? We actually need your original autograph so your contract and waiver need to be send in the mail to our office: Animal Experience International, 30 Owen Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada, L4M 3G7
  • What about my doctors note? The rest of your paperwork (doctors notes, vaccination records, transcripts, etc) can all be emailed to us! Pro tip: Don't have a scanner because it's not the 90s? Just take a picture with your phone and email it to us that way. :)
  • Do I need a specific form for the doctor to fill out? Nope! Just anything that shows you went to the doctor and they think you are healthy to travel.
  • What is this Global Travel Academy course you were talking about? As a client of AEI you get your tuition paid for so you can earn a certificate in International Volunteering by the Global Travel Academy. A 100% online course, curated by travel professionals to nurture safe and responsible travelling- a 3 hour course that will make sure you get the very best out of your adventure. 
  • How do I call my parents when I am away? Or update my Facebook to make everyone jealous... err I mean educate people? There are a few different options, we wrote a sweet note about this: Connectivity While Traveling!  
  • Can I take pictures? Oh yes please! We love when our clients take pictures to help spread the word to their friends and family! If you are taking pictures of animals, just make sure your flash is off. If you are taking pictures of people, consent is important! Ask people if you can take their photos, don't take photos of anyone in a compromising position and don't take photos of children unless you have both their parents consent AND their own consent.
  • Do other clients and alumni have advice for me? Yes they do! We actually have a whole page of advice for you to check out. Spoiler alert: read the manual, bring a rain jacket, extra diarrhea medication and mosquito repellent. 
  • Real Talk: Am I going to be safe while I volunteer? Don't worry, we get this question a lot. It can be really overwhelming to travel and volunteer, that is why you should read our Guide to Safety. 
  • Is Guatemala safe? My parents have expressed some concerns. It's so nice that our parents care so much about us! We work in small and friendly areas in Guatemala and have never had any safety concerns, nor have our clients! We wrote more about Guatemala though, just for you and your loved ones. You can read more about safety in Guatemala: here. 

Travelling resources for clients.

Travelling can be a fun and wonderful adventure! It can also be stressful. We want to make sure you know, you aren't alone out there! Here are some videos and some articles we put together to help you, help animals and help yourself. 

B Corps are certified by the non profit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. We have been a B Corp since 2013 and since then we have always been in the top 10% of quantifiable benefit to the environment and the communities we operate in.