FAQ

What are Brigades?

Brigades are service trips lasting 7-10 days, offered every year during winter break, spring break, and summer (soon after spring semester commencement ceremonies). Brigades take place in Honduras, Panama, Ghana, and Nicaragua and are organized by chapter. The type of projects vary greatly by discipline. To find out about travel eligibility, please consult the appropriate chapter president. For information on trip costs/payments see below.

How much will a Brigade cost?

The cost of each brigade varies across chapters and countries; the table below is an attempt to orgnaize all the information regarding the cost of a brigade.

The program contribution covers travel insurance, all ground transportation while abroad, food, lodging, legal fees, program materials (ex: Architecture Brigades requires wood or other construction supplies), etc. Program contribution amounts vary by country and chapter as follows:

Honduras Brigades – $750
Panama Brigades (non-Medical) – $790
Panama Brigades (Medical) – $820
Ghana Brigades – $880
Nicaragua Brigades – $930

Exact flight costs will vary by season or group size. Airfare for brigades typically fall within the following ranges:

Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua Brigades – $650-850
Ghana Brigades – $1,400-1,800

HTH insurance is an additional type of travel insurance that is required by the Penn State Risk Management department. Student group rates are $1.09/day for each day of the brigade. For more information follow the link here:HTH Information.

The necessity and cost of visas will vary by individual depending on nationality and destination country. There are a number of ways you can determine visa requirements such as embassy websites or through various visa services. Below are Visa HQ webpages for each of our destination countries:

Be sure to input your proper citizenship and residency when using Visa HQ. Please confirm with your trip leader before applying for any visas.

It is each individual’s responsibility to obtain any necessary visas prior to travel. Penn State Global Brigades will not provide refunds for students who do not acquire visas in time for their brigade.

The necessity and cost of vaccinations will vary by individual depending on vaccination history and destination country. To determine vaccination requirements/recommendations, please refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) webpage appropriate for your destination country:

For scheduling vaccination appointments or receiving more information on vaccinations for travel, you may contact the University Health Services (UHS) Travel Clinic.

It is each individual’s responsibility to obtain any necessary vaccinations prior to travel. Penn State Global Brigades will not provide refunds for students who do not receive necessary vaccinations in time for their brigade.

How do I start?

You start by applying to a brigade. To do that, click following the link: Application.