Frequently Asked Questions

Financial aid applications are reviewed, and recipients are notified by mid-December. Detailed instructions for applying can be found on the Youthlinc website or by contacting the Youthlinc office.

The program is open to secondary school and college/university students within Utah. Adult mentors with relevant expertise are also selected. Family members of mentors may join under specific conditions.

Participants receive a payment schedule at General Orientation. Total trip cost is divided between December 1 and April 1 of each year that so participants have smaller payments due each month rather than any balloon payments. Payments must be made on time, with a $25 late fee assessed for each late payment.

Yes, family members can join if space allows. However, secondary school or college-aged family members must apply and meet all program requirements. Children of parent mentors will not be in the same room or committee.

Costs include a $500 non-refundable deposit, international service trip expenses (airfare, in-country transport, accommodations, food, major medical insurance), and personal expenses. Costs can be found on each country’s landing page. Financial aid may be available.

Participants must complete 80 local service hours, with at least 40 hours at a MAIN SERVICE SITE. Hours must be logged and approved by June 1st.

If Youthlinc cancels or postpones a trip, the $500 deposit remains non-refundable. Participants may be required to make up any shortfalls in payments for alternative or postponed trips.

The Youthlinc Service Year Program is a service-leadership program that combines local volunteer work with an international service trip. It aims to instill a humanitarian ethic in young people while promoting understanding among divers communities.

Divergent itineraries for tourism or other activities unrelated to the service trip are discouraged and require a waiver. Youthlinc is not responsible for any issues related to divergent travel.

Direct donations to Youthlinc are tax-deductible. Costs directly related to the service trip may also be tax-deductible; participants should consult their tax advisor for personal tax advice.

The $500 deposit is non-refundable. Payments made for the international trip are also non-refundable if withdrawal occurs after certain deadlines. The refund policy details are outlined on the Youthlinc website.

Participants can use the Youthlinc Local Service Directory to find a MAIN SERVICE SITE. The site must be approved by the Assistant Team Leader to ensure it meets program criteria.

Participants and their families are encouraged to contact the Youthlinc office directly for additional support or questions not covered in the FAQ.

Failure to meet the service requirements by the deadline may result in dismissal from the program. Participants will be given warnings and may be asked to complete a Low Service Hour Plan of Action. Youthlinc gives an incredible amount of support to help you achieve this requirement.

Selection is based on an application review focusing on a sincere desire to serve, reliability, teamwork, and relevant skills or experiences. An application does not guarantee acceptance.

The required and recommended vaccinations and health precautions are provided during General Orientation and varies by country. Participants are responsible for obtaining recommended vaccinations and following health advisories specific to the destination. Youthlinc provides a consultation with the University of Utah Travel Healthy Clinic so that all participants have access to information relevant to their international destination and individual health situations. Check your country specific team manual for additional details.

Youthlinc prioritizes safety by providing comprehensive pre-trip training, including health and safety protocols. Participants receive guidance on vaccinations, safety precautions, and emergency procedures. Travel insurance covers major medical issues.

Youthlinc has protocols for handling medical emergencies, including access to local medical facilities and coordination with travel insurance providers. Participants are also provided with a contact list for emergency support.

Youthlinc provides cultural training as part of the pre-trip curriculum. This includes information about local customs, cultural norms, and expectations to help participants interact respectfully and effectively.

Participants are encouraged to communicate any issues they face. Youthlinc provides support through Team Leaders and staff who can offer guidance and assistance. Regular check-ins and group discussions help address emotional concerns.

Youthlinc has a code of conduct that participants are expected to follow. Any behavior that endangers the participant or others, or is contrary to Youthlinc’s values, may result in disciplinary action or dismissal from the program.

Youthlinc provides guidance and resources to help participants find and log local service hours. Each participant has access to a Dashboard account where they can track their hours and get approval. There are also workshops and meetings to assist with finding suitable service sites.

Participants who do not meet the local service requirements by the June 1st deadline risk dismissal from the program. They may be required to complete a Low Service Hour Plan of Action and could be excluded from the international trip.

Youthlinc vets all local service sites to ensure they meet safety and program standards. MAIN SERVICE SITES must provide hands-on service in a positive mentoring environment. Participants must also get approval from their Assistant Team Leader for their chosen site.

Participants are accompanied by highly trained Youthlinc Team Leaders, adult mentors, and a medical professional (MD, RN, paramedic EMT). The program includes on-site support, including medical assistance, local guides, and coordination with local organizations.

Youthlinc works with local partners and organizations to select service sites that align with the program's goals and are in genuine need. Preparation includes site visits, cultural training, and safety briefings for participants.

The cost covers airfare, in-country transportation, accommodations, food, water, major medical and travel insurance (excluding trip cancellation insurance), and Youthlinc program fees. It does not cover personal expenses, such as toiletries or souvenirs.

Yes, donations to Youthlinc are tax-deductible. Youthlinc is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means all contributions made to it are eligible for tax deduction according to IRS regulations. This includes donations to your own trip cost. Be sure to keep your donation receipts for your records and consult with a tax advisor to understand how to properly claim your deductions. According to IRS regulations all donations that are NOT made directly by a participant or a parent of a participant who is a minor, by law are non-refundable.

Participants can apply for financial aid by following the guidelines provided through their Dashboard when they register. Financial aid is allocated based on need and availability, and awarded amounts are subtracted from the participant’s overall costs. Recipients are notified in December.

Participants are encouraged to fundraise for their trip. Fundraising contributions are managed through individual social fundraising pages. Youthlinc does not manage funds for divergent travel and cannot refund money donated specifically for airfare if the participant diverges