Where does money go?

Our program fee is 40-100% less than most international volunteer organizations

Today, there exists fierce competition between professional volunteer, internship, and study abroad programs. Even though our offices are located in Asia, we cannot recruit volunteers unless we advertise heavily in United States and Europe. Advertising companies in the US and Europe are expensive.

Moreover, RCDP is a self-reliant, independent, and non-profit organization. We do not accept or receive funding from any religious, corporate, or government agencies and contributors. Therefore, we must charge our participants a reasonable fee in order to keep our program running effectively.

All of RCDP's programs rely solely rely on program fees. With the fees volunteers pay to enroll in the program, RCDP is able to attain its goals, thus empowering local communities and allowing Westerners to participate directly in Eastern traditions. Ultimately, RCDP, its diligent volunteers, and its hopeful grassroots organizations are able to work toward deeper cultural understandings.

Allocation of program fee

  • Advertising in USA/Europe (Online and with different marketing organizations)
  • Salaries of national and international employees
  • Office space, utilities, and maintenance of national and international offices
  • Communication with local partners when volunteers are in the field
  • International travel to monitor projects
  • Indirect expenses such as accounting and legal fees, payroll taxes, computer equipments, credit card processing, program development and management, outreach, volunteer coordination, orientation for in country staffs, etc.
  • Telephone, Internet, fax, e-mail, and website maintenance.
  • Utilities
  • Local advertising and printing materials
  • Government taxes
  • Bank receiving charges
  • Daily field expenses including utilities, transportation, fuel costs, etc.
  • Program coordination with local, national, and international partners

Allocation of Language, culture, and In-country costs

  • Airport pickup and hotel transfer
  • Language and cultural courses
  • Food and accommodations
  • Training materials: books, paper, orientation package, TV, video, trainer, etc.
  • Local sightseeing/tourist site arrangements
  • Recreational activities
  • Village stay/host family
  • Cultural programs and additional activities
  • In-country transportation
  • All government taxes, bank charges, and entrance fees
  • Placement transfer, visits, and reception
  • Project support costs
  • Certificate of performance