Frequently Asked Questions

The Green Lion is a global program provider delivering meaningful travel, volunteer, and cultural immersion experiences across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. We work exclusively with sending organisations, schools, universities, and agencies who recruit participants, while we manage all on-the-ground operations.

Our portfolio includes:

• Volunteer programs in education, conservation, animal care, healthcare, and community development
• Cultural immersion and orientation weeks
• Group travel and service-learning programs for schools, universities, and organisations
• Gap year, adventure, and sustainability-focused experiences

All programs are locally operated by experienced in-country teams, ensuring strong community relationships, safety standards, and authentic cultural engagement.

Our programs are designed primarily for participants aged 18+, although some destinations accept 16–17-year-olds with parental consent or when travelling as part of an organised group with supervision.

Participants come from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, often travelling solo or as part of a group recruited by our partner organisations. Most programs do not require prior experience, however certain placements, such as medical or specialised internships, have clear qualification or study requirements. These are always outlined in the program details shared with partners.

Participants are usually gap year travellers, university students, recent graduates, or young professionals seeking purposeful travel. Many travel solo but join an international group on arrival, while others arrive as part of school, university, or private group bookings.

Our programs attract participants mainly from Europe, the UK, North America, and Australia, though we welcome all nationalities.

Accommodation varies by destination and program but is always clean, safe, and community-oriented. Most participants stay in:

• Shared volunteer houses
• Local guesthouses
• Program-managed accommodation with other participants

Rooms are typically shared, usually 2–6 participants per room, with basic but comfortable facilities. In some destinations, private or upgraded accommodation is available at an additional cost.

We prioritise safety, cleanliness, and a social environment that supports cultural exchange. Full accommodation details are provided per program for partner use.

Participants receive comprehensive local support throughout their stay, including:

• Airport pickup and orientation
• Daily support from local coordinators
• 24/7 emergency assistance
• Help with logistics, cultural adjustment, and general wellbeing

Our coordinators live locally, know the communities well, and act as the main point of contact for participants during the program.

Yes. Participants are responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa and travel insurance.

Visa requirements depend on nationality and destination. In most cases, participants travel on a tourist visa, obtained online or on arrival. We provide general guidance to partners, though final responsibility remains with the participant.

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all participants and must cover medical care, emergencies, and program-related activities.

In most destinations, common dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, or religious restrictions can be accommodated if communicated in advance.

Meals are typically local and home-style, prepared by local cooks. While we do our best to meet dietary needs, options may be more limited in rural or remote locations. Early notice allows us to plan appropriately.

The Green Lion operates as the on-ground delivery partner. Our sending partners manage marketing, recruitment, and participant communication, while we handle:

• Program delivery
• Accommodation
• Local staffing and coordinators
• Safety management
• Participant support

We offer a zero-inventory, low-risk partnership model with dedicated partner support, fast response times, and access to a global portfolio of programs.

To explore a partnership or request program information, simply contact our team. Our team will guide you through the next steps and support you throughout the partnership.