FAQs

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions, and the answers you may find helpful:

  • Where do your group trips travel to?
    San Bernardino, Guatemala & Port-au-Prince, Haiti
  • What skills are required to attend a group trip?
    None! We take people from all walks of life. Of course, house-building, medical, or related language skills are helpful, but not required!
  • What is the cost to attend a group trip?
    Most trips average about $1,300 total.
  • What vaccines are required for the group trips?
    • For Guatemala:
      Please Note: Our work site is not in a Malaria zone and Malaria pills are not needed. Consult with a doctor, if desired.

      • Hep A (Schedule this early!)
      • DPT/Polio up to date
      • Tetanus up to date
    • For Haiti:
      • Hep A (Schedule this early!)
      • DPT/Polio up to date
      • Tetanus up to date
      • Malaria pills/vaccine

    These are the vaccinations required by Partners In Development for travel with our organization. You may consult with your own physician about other vaccinations they may recommend.

  • Is PID looking for local volunteers?
    Yes! We are always looking for volunteers in and around the Ipswich, MA area. If you’re interested, please fill out our application.
  • Does PID have any available internships?
    Yes — most interns are hired during the summer, and the application for an internship can be found here.
  • Does PID have any available jobs or upcoming job openings for paid positions and/or looking to hire anyone full time?
    Unfortunately not. Part of the reason PID is able to make such an impact in the areas we work is due to the work of our wonderful volunteers. We prefer to avoid paid positions, as with them we’d be left with much less funding for our programs in Guatemala and Haiti. If you’d like to be involved, we’d love it if you’d sign up to volunteer locally here.
  • How much of my money will go to the child I sponsor?
    100%. As stated above, PID is takes great care to avoid many of the typical administrative costs most organizations devote much of their funding to by utilizing volunteers and donated goods/services as much as possible.
  • Is PID religiously affiliated?
    Partners in Development is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian service organization. PID serves anyone one falling within PID’s economic guidelines and does not discriminate against individuals of diverse backgrounds and faith. Likewise all are welcome to participate in our group trips to Haiti and Guatemala.
  • Where is PID located?
    Our US office and mailing address is 55 Market Street, Suite 201, Ipswich, MA 01938. Feel free to drop by the office anytime! We’re open weekdays, during normal business hours.

    • For our Guatemalan and Haitian locations, please see here.
  • What percentage of trip costs are used to support PID’s programs?
    At least 50 % of each traveler’s base price (cost excluding airline expenses) are used to fund our building and medical programs in the country the traveler is visiting.
  • Can a traveler fund raise to help cover their trip costs?
    Yes! Travelers may seek donations to help fund their trip from friends, family members and co-workers. If a traveler raises more than the actual trip cost, a refund can be issued or the additional funds can be donated to support the project the individual traveler will be working on while traveling with PID (construction or medical). Partners In Development does not carry balances for travelers to use additional funds for future trips with us.
  • What type of accommodations are provided?
    In both Haiti and Guatemala, teams stay in a bunk house. Our bunk houses are very modest, but do have beds, flush toilets and showers (cold ones!).
  • Are there any medical or physical requirement to join a trip?
    Please click here to read our statement of health requirements.