C.U.R.E. Clinics FAQs

• Travel & Evacuation Insurance: Project C.U.R.E will enroll you in travel and evacuation insurance for the duration of your trip. If you wish to receive a copy of the insurance policy prior to departure, it must be requested via email.
• STEP Enrollment: Project C.U.R.E. will enroll you in the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the State Department prior to departure to ensure the local embassy is aware of your presence.
• Visa: You may be required to submit additional documents or complete additional forms depending on the visa requirements of your destination country. You may be required to send in your passport to Project C.U.R.E. so it can be submitted to the embassy for visa processing. The costs of any visa procedures that take place after the team’s arrival in the host country (i.e. visa cards purchased at passport control) are also included. If you are required to pay for your visa upon arrival at the airport, you will either be given money for this before hand at the pre-trip meeting, or you will be reimbursed once you are with the team in-country.
• License Transfer Procedure (for medical professionals): If you are a medical professional, you may be required to submit additional documents or complete additional forms depending on the license transfer requirements of your destination. Project C.U.R.E. and the in-country host can assist with the license transfer process by submitting completed documents to the appropriate in-country organization. You must submit license transfer forms and associated documents by the requested dates.
• Pre-Departure Meeting: Approximately 3 weeks before the departure date, there will be a team pre-departure meeting to go over trip details once more and answer any last minute questions you may have. The meeting will be in person at Project C.U.R.E International Headquarters in Centennial, Colorado. Those living in other states will be able to video or phone conference in.
• Departure Travel Packet & Associated Shipping Costs: A travel packet with detailed information about the trip prepared by Project C.U.R.E. will be sent to you about 4 weeks prior to departure.
• C.U.R.E. Kits & Kits for Kids
• In-Country Transportation: All in-country transportation including internal airfare, boats/ferries, buses/cars/taxis, fuel costs and tips are included in your program cost.
• Accommodations: All accommodations throughout the trip are included with in your program cost. You will be expected to share a room with someone of the same sex. However, if you would like a private room or a room upgrade, you will be responsible for the associated costs.
• Meals: All meals once you are in the host country are included in your program cost. If you would like food in addition to what Project C.U.R.E. is providing, you will be responsible for the associated costs.
• Clean Water: Clean drinking water is included in the program cost. You are required to bring a reusable water bottle for this purpose, as water is often provided in large one-gallon jugs.
• Translators: The cost of translators is included in program costs when appropriate. Every effort is made to provide an appropriate number of translators; however, in the case that there are not enough translators for each participant, preference will be given to medical professionals.
• Touristic Excursions & Activities: At least one touristic excursion or activity is included in the program costs. These activities offer you the opportunity to gain a more profound understanding of the culture of the people you are serving, as well as a well-deserved rest after many days of hard work. Information about the activity for each trip will be provided in the travel packet prior to your departure.
• Tour Guides & Driver: The cost of tour guides and drivers is included in program costs. Tips are also included in trip costs. If you would like to give any additional tips, please speak with Project C.U.R.E. to determine if this is appropriate.

• International airfare**
• Any fees associated with international airfare, including changing itineraries, baggage, upgrades, flight delays, etc.
• Meals while traveling internationally
• The cost of any vaccinations or prophylactic medication necessary for travel
• Touristic excursions/activities not included in trip itinerary
• Wine, beer and cocktails (i.e. any alcohol)
• Room upgrades
• Souvenirs
• Internet and Phone Access

This is the flight that the Trip Leader will be on. International airfare can be arranged by Key Travel for a $30 booking fee, in addition to the cost of the flight. Please email Key Travel at [email protected].

1. Within 7 days of acceptance to program, $500 deposit is due to Project C.U.R.E.
2. 90 days prior to departure, 50% of the remaining program cost is due to Project C.U.R.E.
3. 60 days prior to departure, all outstanding program costs must be paid in full.

** Program costs may be paid via credit card online or by check.

Pay Now by locating your clinic trip on the Clinics page and creating or donating toward your crowdfunding page

The $500 deposit shall be considered a tax-deductible donation to Project C.U.R.E. and the Participant will be provided a tax donation receipt. The other costs involved in humanitarian work vary from state to state and the Participant should consult their tax advisor on this subject.

Internet access varies by country and is never guaranteed in any location; you will be provided with additional information prior to departure. Project C.U.R.E. is not responsible for any fees associated with internet usage during the trip.

The Team Leader will carry a cell phone for use in case of emergencies. If you would like to use your personal phone during the trip, please contact your service provider to set up international calling and/or texting. It is a good idea to turn off data on your phone during the trip, as international data usage tends to be very expensive. Project C.U.R.E. is not responsible for any fees associated with international calls or texts.

The practice of bringing candy or small gifts for patients is prohibited. If you would like to bring gifts for your host or other in-country contacts, please speak with Project C.U.R.E. for approval and/or suggestions prior to your departure.

Contaminated food and drink are a major source of illness while traveling. Project C.U.R.E. makes every effort to provide participants with food that has been prepared carefully and safely. It may be wise to avoid raw fruits and vegetables depending on your destination. If you have any questions while in-country about a food or beverage, please ask your Team Leader prior to consumption. It is a good idea to drink only canned or bottled beverages and use a straw if you did not see the bottle or can opened.In general, boiled beverages such a coffee and tea are safe. The best ways to avoid becoming ill are to wash your hands with soap and water or antibacterial gel regularly, drink plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages, and get enough rest.

Please check with Project C.U.R.E. to determine if your dietary restrictions can be accommodated in the country you wish to travel to. Every effort is made to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies, but due to limited resources in certain countries this may not be possible. Be sure to bring plenty of snacks to supplement main meals.

Project C.U.R.E. expects accommodations to be clean and safe. Accommodations may vary from a private residence, to a hotel, to the most primitive shelter. Cold showers are fairly common; some facilities may only have a bathhouse with a dipper and bucket. Most accommodations provide towels, however, you are advised to carry your own towel, washcloth and soap. All rooms will be double occupancy and you will have a roommate, unless otherwise specified.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website where the current travel warnings and travel alerts, as well as the worldwide caution, can be found. Up to date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves, see the Department of State’s pamphlet “A Safe Trip Abroad,” on the website.

Common symptoms of culture shock are frustration, paranoia, criticism of local people and customs, oversensitivity and overreaction to minor difficulties, changes in eating and sleeping habits, loss of sense of humor.

Adjustment: Gradually, as you orient yourself, you regain confidence. As this happens, your perspective becomes more balanced; you are less critical and more willing to integrate yourself into the culture of the country you are visiting.

It can be shocking to experience poverty for the first time. Positive ways to cope with these feelings are to recognize that you are working to help the community and to discuss your feelings with your Team Leader and other group members.

Tips for coping include:

• Travel with a spirit of humility and a desire to meet and learn from local people.
• Take care of yourself—eat well, exercise and get sufficient sleep.
• Do not take anything too seriously.
• Do not let others irritate you—you have come a long way to learn, to enjoy the experience.
• Cultivate the habit of listening and observing rather than seeing and hearing.
• Spend time reflecting on meaningful aspects of your trip: What are you learning?
• Be aware of other people’s feelings and try to avoid behaving in a way that others may perceive as offensive.
• Spend time each day reflecting on your experiences.

In the US, making others wait is usually considered disrespectful and rude. However, most other countries do not have the same attitude towards time and punctuality. While you are abroad, it is your responsibility to be ready for the day at the time appointed by the in-country host, and be aware of how your actions may be delaying or hurrying the group. Although you are expected to be punctual, you are also expected to be prepared to wait patiently for others, especially individuals from your host country. This is a function of a culture with a more relaxed attitude toward timeliness and schedules; do not be insulted.

Many of the patients you encounter live in rural villages and will not speak or understand English. The local staff may speak English and translators will be provided as necessary. It can be frustrating to not speak directly with patients, but remember that smiles and hand gestures go a long way in communicating and connecting with people.

Appropriate dress varies from culture to culture. Volunteers must dress appropriately to show respect to the host facility, prevent misunderstandings and avoid offending the local community. Understand the local social etiquette. Learn the standards of politeness and common courtesy (greetings, giving and accepting gifts, table manners, eating customs, gestures, sacred spaces, etc.).

Recognize that when you first arrive at the clinic site, you will be a stranger to the local staff and community. You must work to earn the trust and confidence of those around you, and prove your competence and trustworthiness. It is important to demonstrate your dedication and commitment to hard work and empathy towards the community.

• Be ready to experience boredom, isolation, disorientation and annoyance and jet lag. Click here for tips on how to cope with jet lag.
• Keep in touch with other team participants.
• Develop friendships with people that understand experiences of travelling to developing countries.
• Keep up to date with current event in your host country. Anything you do to maintain your connection with the world at large will solidify the significance of your trip.
• Remember that you can maximize your impact by inspiring and sharing your experience with others.