FAQ

Here we have collected the most asked questions and answers. If you have any questions not covered, you are welcome to write to us on usa@oneworldcenter.org

What type of organization is One World Center?

One World Center is a non-profit research organization in the State of Michigan. We were incorporated in 1997. The IRS has determined that OWC is an organization as described in the revenue code 501(c) 3.

Our EIN number is: 38-3379778 . For more details about our mission statement, please see Mission & Values under the About Us tab.

Are you affiliated with any religious or political groups?
No, we are not affiliated with any religious or political group(s)/organization(s).
How long has One World Center been operating?
One World Center has been running different programs in the United States for over 30 years. We have been training teams at our Michigan Campus since 1999.
What is Institute for International Cooperation and Development (IICD)?
We are also the Institute for International Cooperation and Development, Michigan. In June 2013, we changed our name to One World Center to celebrate 30 years in the United States.
Is there an age limit to join your programs?
No, there is no age limit. The minimum age is 18 years old.
Do I need previous experience to participate in your programs?

No, you do not need previous experience or a degree to join us.

How do I enroll in a program?

After you fill out the contact form, we will email you additional information and assign you an enrollment advisor. After your first initial call with your enrollment advisor, they will email you step-by-step details about the enrollment process. 

Are the abroad project locations safe?

We do not travel to dangerous areas. The safety of the locations you travel to is always being monitored for optimal safety standards. The well-being of our volunteers is of the utmost importance to us. For more details about safety protocol, please speak with an enrollment advisor. 

What are the living arrangements like during the programs?

For both the 10 & 18-month programs, you will be at our Dowagiac, Michigan campus for the 1st and 3rd periods of the program. We have a dormitory where you will share a room with one or two participants.

Your overseas accommodation is arranged by our partner Humana People to People; you may stay at one of their schools or at the communities where you will serve in a house together with your teammates and maybe a host family.

For our 6-month USA program, you will spend all 6 months in Michigan.

UPDATE: During the year 2023 campus location is different from above. Please talk to your enrollment advisor for specific living details.

Why do we do fundraising?

Some of the costs of the programs are subsidized allowing us to keep the out-of-pocket cost you pay, affordable. The program fee that you pay is separate from the fundraising done by you and your team during the first period of the program. 

While fundraising helps with the cost to run the programs, there are many other benefits to fundraising aside from this that we look forward to talking with you about. 

For more details about the cost of the programs and what is and isn’t covered by your program fee, please see the program pages, or talk with your enrollment advisor.

Do I need immunizations?

At this time, due to the changes in program locations, this varies and is best discussed with an enrollment advisor so that they may give you up-to-date information. Please speak with them directly.

May my family and/or friends visit me on campus?
Yes, your friends and family are welcome to visit you on campus. We just ask that you notify the staff ahead of time so we can make proper arrangements for food and sleeping arrangements.
Will I gain any credentials from completing one of your programs?

For both the 10 and 18 month programs, you will earn 2 certifications. One from ISET One World that certifies you as a Development Instructor and one from Humana People to People certifying your volunteer work during the service period abroad.

If you choose the 18 month program, you get an extra certificate from ISET One World in Mozambique awarding you with 62 academic credits for the studies you have done during the program.
These certificates will add a lot of value and experience to your professional resume.

Please note, it is your responsibility if you are wanting to transfer these credits to an acredited college to request the course details from your enrollment advisor.

You will want to take this information to the college you want to transfer them to beforehand so that you can confirm whether or not they will accept these courses. Some may accept them as an elective credit, but this is NOT anything we guarantee as we are not an acredited college institution.

Will I have time off to explore?

We encourage you to get the most out of your experience here and explore when you are able..

During your 1st period here in the USA and likely during your last period as well, you will have various openings in your teams schedules to do some local exploring. For more details about this, please ask your enrollment advisor.

If you enroll in one of our programs that travels abroad, you will need to check with your Humana People to People representative to confirm whether you are able to explore around your given community location.

What is the average out-of-pocket expense?

This depends on your lifestyle. We have had students that haven’t required additional spending money and had everything they needed. If you do not bring enough hygiene products to last for the duration of your program, you will want to bring money for this expense as this is not included in what is covered in the cost of the program fee.

Please see details of what is and isn’t covered in the cost of the program. Your enrollment advisor may talk with you in more detail about out-of-pocket expenses as well.

Is there any compensation?

Our programs do not have compensation but the studies and fieldwork experience gained are a great career starter in the humanitarian and nonprofit sector, as well as a strong add-on to your resume.

What happens if I enroll in a program and decide not to start?

The enrollment fee of $500 is non refundable. If you decide not to start, your place will go to another person for that team.

f you are unable to come for your originally scheduled team for emergency reasons, you can speak with your enrollment advisor about the possibility of moving to the next upcoming team.

Can I bring my pet?

Unfortunately, you cannot bring your pet to the programs. If you would like to learn more about our animal policy, please ask your enrollment advisor.

Is there an interview I need to attend to be able to join?

Yes, you will have an interview with an enrollment advisor before enrolling. However, please note, all interviews are conducted over the phone.

Can I visit the campus before enrolling?

Yes, you are welcome to come and visit us before making a decision. Let us know in advance so we can arrange your visit and the duration of your stay.

How do I enroll?

After you fill out a contact form, we will email you additional information and assign you an enrollment advisor. We will review with you on your first scheduled phone call, the enrollment steps and application process.

Do you teach English as a part of the program?
No, we do not offer English classes at One World Center. However, you will have plenty of opportunity to practice/learn in our English speaking environment – and there are always some students who are keen to teach.
Do I need to speak English?

Yes, you need to have, at a minimum, an intermediate level of English speaking and reading comprehension to join our programs. We do not ask you to have a certificate but be aware that the entire program as well as all materials will be conducted/provided in English.

Our enrollment advisors are here if you would like to practice your English and get more comfortable speaking before arriving.

I have a B1/B2 visa, can I join?

Yes, you can come to the USA with your B1/B2 visa and be a volunteer with us in one of our programs. PLEASE NOTE: This will also depend on how long your visa is valid. Please be sure to discuss this with your advisor.

I have a student visa, can I still participate?

To keep your F-1 status, you must be enrolled in your university. One World Center is not an accredited education institution, we are a non-profit 501c3. So to join our program, you can change from F1 to B1/B2 status.

However,  you should do that only when you have finished your studies or if you have decided not to continue with your university. To join One World Center’s program, we will ask you to be available full time.

Additionally, consider that our programs require extensive traveling, first here in the US and then abroad, making the ability to do both One World Center programs, and college classes next to impossible to do at the same time. 

6 Months in the USA

10 Months abroad

18 Months Abroad