Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I am trying to apply and wondering what is meant by the Newspaper City, Newspaper Address and Newspaper State. Can you let me know what I need to put for this?

A. We like to send out press releases about youth doing humanitarian projects in your local paper. That is why we nee this information.

Q. What if the trip that I want to attend is full?

A. The best way to be able to go on a trip that is full is to ask your mom or dad to go as an adult coach.  We always reserve space for the son or daughter of an adult coach.  Just get them to apply as an adult coach and then call us and we will add you to the trip.  If your mom or dad can't go, the second option is to put your name on the waiting list. We start a waiting list once all of the trips are full for young women (or young men).  There is only one waiting list for all trips and all dates and we take people in the order that they apply for the waiting list.  If a waiting list is available it will be posted on the Expeditions page.

Q. What if I want to do an Eagle Project while on an AYS expedition?

A: AYS allows two young men on each trip to work on their Eagle Projects. Participants that want to do an eagle project during their AYS trip should check the box "Eagle Project Desired". Once you have checked that you desire to do an Eagle Project and paid your $500 registration fee you sill must submit a written description to AYS for approval. Please refer to the Eagle Project link on the AYS website home page for complete details. If you have already registered for an AYS trip without checking this box and want to do an Eagle Project you must call AYS to check on the availability for your trip. Participants may not organize Eagle Project work on an AYS trip unless they are one of the two young men that have been approved in advance. 

Q. If I am signing up as an adult coach do I sue the same application as a youth participant?

A. Yes, the adult coach and youth participant application are the same, any field that does not apply to you as a parent write NA. Only a parent of a youth participant can go as an adult coach, and must be a current temple recommend holder.

Q. What if I am a parent filling out the application for my son or daughter?

A. Fill in the application as if you were the participant, but be sure to check under the getting to know you section that you are the parent/guardian.

Q. Can I attend an AYS expedition if I am not from the US or Canada?

A. Yes, all fields in the address portion of the application must be filled in. In the (select a state) drop down menu please select "other". All participants regardless of home state or country are responsible for round trip domestic airfare/transportation from home to the start point airport (usually LAX or MIA). There may be additional visa charges and immunization requirements from other countries other than the US or Canada. Please contact AYS directly if you have any difficulty registering or paying for your deposit for any AYS trip.

Q. Which e-mail address will AYS use to contact me regarding important or time sensitive trip information?

A. The e-mail address you use when you set up your username and password, will be the primary means for AYS to contact you. Please make sure this is a current active address. If you need to change it for any reason, please contact AYS directly. 

Q. Who should I use for my Emergency Contact information?

A. List two contacts who would most likely be available in case of emergency while you are on your AYS expedition.

Q. How do I calculate my years in seminary?

A. When answering the question of how many years of seminary you will have completed by your trip date, be sure to include the seminary year you are currently enrolled in.

Q. I am too young to hold a temple recommend, what does this question mean?

A. This question is referring to a temporary youth recommend specifically for conducting baptisms that you may request from your bishop.

Q. Why do I need a temple recommend?

A. In expedition countries where there is an LDS temple, the group plans a temple night where youth have an opportunity to do baptisms. Your Bishop should be able to provide you with a youth recommend.

Q. Can I still go on an AYS expedition even if I am not able to obtain a temple recommend?

A. Yes, saying no on your application will not disqualify you from a trip but it will require approval from AYS staff. It will also exclude you from the temple activity. The LDS recommend request is a youth recommend obtained from you bishop for baptisms only.

Q. I am not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Am I still able to attend?

A. Most definitely and we would love to have you. We just require that you commit to and sign the code of conduct and follow LDS principles and standards.

Q. How detailed do I need to be when answering questions in the health section?

A. Please be as honest and detailed as possible.  The health questions are not intended to prohibit anyone from going on AYS expeditions. This information is kept confidential and is only provided to the adult leaders on your specific trip, to be referred to in case of an emergency, or if you should need any special attention or assistance while abroad.

Q. If more than one family member is attending the same expedition do I still need to fill out two applications?

A. Yes, we need a separate application for everyone that is attending. You will also have to setup a different login for each person.

Q. do I have to pay the $500 deposit when I apply?

A. Yes. the following cost and guidelines apply:

•  Each participant is required to make 3 payments
• $500 down payment with the online application (Non-refundable once confirmed on an expedition).
• $1000 2nd payment due February 28 or with the down payment if application is made after February 28.
• Balance of trip cost is due April 30

Q. I want to go on an AYS trip , but don't think I can come up with the money. What options do I have?

A. It is possible to go on an AYS trip with little or no expense to the participant by becoming an AYS volunteer fundraiser. Click here for more information on fund raising.

Q. What Eagle Projects do you offer?

A. There are several options for doing an eagle project in conjunction with an AYS expedition.  Click here for more information.

Q. Can I go on an AYS expedition if my 16th birth date falls during the trip?

A. No. You must be 16 by the trip beginning date. No exceptions.

Q. How do I choose which trip is best for me?

A. First of all narrow down your trip choices by date (which ones work best for me). Secondly, read over the trip details and itinerary and choose the trip you want to attend based on the service provided (which one inspires you the most). The majority of your trip, and the primary focus will be providing service to others.

Q: Where does the expedition start and end and what transportation I am responsible for?

A: The Expedition Page lists a “Trip Start/End Point” for each expedition.  This is usually Los Angeles (LAX) or Miami (MIA) International Airport.   Each participant is responsible for their own transportation to LAX or MIA in time to meet the group and depart on the international flight together.  Each person is also responsible to arrange transportation back home from LAX or MIA at the conclusion of the expedition at LAX or MIA.  Usually this means each participant will need to purchase their own round trip air ticket from their home airport to LAX or MIA.   However, If the participant lives close enough, they may choose to drive to/from the departure airport.  The international air ticket is included in the cost of the trip and will be purchased by AYS. AYS will send each participant the exact international flight times in March.  Please wait until you have the international flight details to book your domestic air so that you can make sure that you will arrive early enough at the trip start airport to make the international connection.

Q: I don't think I can come up with that much money, what do you suggest?

A: There have been many participants who have gone on our expeditions at very little or even no cost to themselves.  They have done this by raising funds for AYS.  Fund raisers receive a discount on the cost of their trip and can even earn a free trip based on reaching fund raising goals.  See our Fund Raising Information for the details.  Of course, the sooner you start the easier it will be.  To help you, there is also a fundraising packet available.  This packet contains hints, sample letters and other ideas to make the fund raising easy.  It also explains that Alliance for Youth Service is a non-profit organization and the donations to AYS are tax-deductible. 

Q: What is included in the trip price?

A: It covers round trip international airfare from the trip departure airport, food, lodging, local transportation and tours.  About $400-500 of it goes directly toward the cost of the construction project.

Q: What costs are not included in the trip price?

A:
1. Round trip domestic airfare/transportation from your home to the trip departure airport.
2. Passport, visa and vaccination charges (US Passports cost $100, see trip information for any visa requirements)
3. Incidental expenses including telephone, laundry, snacks and drinks(we recommend about $50)
4. Souvenirs (we ask each participant to not bring more than $100 for shopping)

Q: What if the trip I want fills up before I raise enough money to make the $500 reservation payment?

A: In our experience it usually takes until the end of January for each trip to fill up but some may fill up much faster.  Hopefully this will be enough time to raise the $500 needed for your application.  We will post the status of each trip on the Expeditions Page so you will have up-to-date information on how many slots are still available for each trip.  If you are concerned about holding a space on one of the expeditions you may make the $500 deposit as part of the application and have this amount refunded to you later if you fund raise enough to earn a free trip.  See the Fund Raising information for details.

Q: Can I be over 19 and still go on the trip?

A:You can go if the trip start date is before your 20th birthday and you are single.

Q: How much luggage can I bring?

A: Due to the limited luggage capacity of the local buses and vans AYS requests that participants only bring one carryon and one suitcase weighing no more than 50 pounds and up to 62" total inches-that's the height, width, and depth added together.

Q: Will I need to bring spending money for food?

A: The trip cost already includes three group meals and beverages per day however participants can bring spending money should they want to stop for a drink or ice cream during the trip.  We suggest that you bring about $50 for telephone, laundry, personal items, snacks and drinks.

Q: Can I use my frequent flyer miles and arrange my own international flight?

A: If you can arrange to be on the same flight it is permitted.  Traveling on a separate flight is not usually permitted because unaccompanied minors on international flights may not be accepted by the airlines.  It is also preferable to travel as a group because the group gets to know each other during those travel hours together. You certainly can use mileage to purchase your domestic ticket. Just make sure you have your international flight reservation from us first so you can make sure that the connections will work.

Q: What about calling home?

A: We encourage you to bring some spending money (about $15) to buy international calling cards.  We make it a point to provide time for the participants to call home a couple of times during the trip - usually on Sundays (especially Father's Day).

Q: Will I have a place to wash my clothes there?

A: This varies from expedition to expedition but usually we will have a local individual available to do laundry once during the trip. This laundry service usually costs about $10 depending on the amount of clothes.  We recommend that you bring enough underwear and socks for 9-10 days.

Q: Will I be covered by trip insurance?

Q: What is the exchange rate and should I change some money before leaving? Should I bring travelers checks?

A: The exchange rate changes daily. You don't need to change money before leaving; you can change it when you arrive. Most places will take American dollars; you just have to be aware of the exchange rate to determine the price.  It is difficult and inconvenient to find places that will cash travelers' checks.  We recommend that you only bring US currency.

Q: Will I need a passport?

A: Yes, you will need a passport to visit any country outside the US.  Passports are good for ten years, cost about $100, require that you send in your birth certificate and take about 2 months to process.  Forms and instuctions will be sent to you when you apply to go on our expeditions.

Q: If the trip is overseas will I need to speak the language?

A: No. Some knowledge is helpful, as is a dictionary, but our trip leaders and alliance partners are fluent.

Q: Can I delay my return and spend more time touring the country?

A: The answer to this question is complex. First, if you tour for more time, the IRS may consider your trip to be primarily for tourism and you will loose the tax deduction for the amount you paid toward your trip. (Contributions to AYS from your unrelated friends, neighbors, employers, etc will still be deductible).Second, if you are under 18, you would have to be accompanied by your parent or an adult (21 or up) with guardianship transferred from your parents. If you are 18 or above you would still have to be accompanied by another person of 18 or above with the approval of your parents.Third, this decision would have to be made at least 3 months in advance of the trip to be able to reschedule your return flight for a different time. You would also have to pay for any increase in airfare for not returning with the group. Please contact us if you are confirmed on one of our trips and are considering this option.

Q. How do I know where to meet my group when I get to the departure airport?

A. Our groups generally meet at the departure gate for their flight. However, your trip leader will call you in the weeks preceding your departure and provide you with that information in addition to other important trip details and also be available.

Q. Why send my son or daughter on an AYS trip?

A. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to send your son or daughter on an LDS teen humanitarian expedition. AYS humanitarian trips change the lives of those served and those who serve. Service builds character and testimony.

Q. Can I accompany my son or daughter?

A. Yes. Come along as a volunteer adult coach. On every trip, we reserve space for adult male and adult female coaches. Click here for more information.

Q. Can you give me a contact for a parent who has sent their teenager on one of your expeditions?

A. Yes, we have an advisory board, comprised of past participant parents and also parents who have attended an AYS trip as an adult coach.  You can find contact information for them in the About Us section.  Click here for the advisory council information.

Q. How many kids and adults go on a typical AYS trip?

A. The typical trip is comprised of 10 Young Women and 6 Young Men, between the ages of 16 and 19.  There is one group leader and three parent chaperons.  AYS maintains a 1 adult to 5 youth ratio.

Q. How does AYS choose a trip leader?

A. Trip Leaders are recruited from within the organization.  They may have attended AYS trips in the past as participants or as a trip leader trainee.  Trip leaders serve in this capacity on a strictly volunteer basis.  All of our trip leaders have been leaders in the YM/YW organization, hold current temple recommends and in most cases are returned missionaries.  Click here for more information on our trip leaders.

Q. Will I be able to call my teen while they are out of the country?

A. Most locations where we serve don't have telephones.  If you need to contact your child in case of an emergency, you may call AYS and we will contact the group leader to put you in contact with your child.  AYS will send an email to the parents once the group has arrived at the departure destination and the group leader will send an email to the parents once the group has arrived in the foreign country.  The group leader will also send an email about halfway through the trip to update parents, and the youth will have one opportunity about halfway through the trip to email home.

Q. Will there be someone to meet my teen when they get off the plane at the departure destination airport?

A. No.  There will not be someone to meet your teen when they get off the plane at the trip departure airport (usually Los Angeles or Miami).

They will have to find their way from their arrival gate to a designated meeting place (usually the departure gate), where the trip leader or one of the adult coaches will be waiting for them.  All AYS participants are given an AYS t-shirt to wear while traveling to help keep the group together. We will also provide them with the cell phone number of the leader just in case they need to call for directions.

Q. Do I need to purchase travel insurance for my teen while they are on an AYS expedition?

A. No. AYS will purchase an international travel and medical emergency policy for your child while they are out of the country.  AYS will email you confirmation of that policy about a week prior to the trip departure date.  You do need to have your youth covered by your own health insurance policy.

Q. Who can participate in an AYS expedition?

 A. Single youth ages 16-19 who submit an online application and are accepted to the program. 

Q. How long has AYS been sending LDS youth on these "mini service missions" to poverty-stricken areas?

A. Since 1999. Areas of service include:  Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Fiji, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Peru, Tonga, United States (Appalachia), and West Africa.

Q. How many youth participate?

A. In 2009, nearly 200 youth from throughout the U.S. and Canada traveled abroad to serve on one of nine AYS expeditions. In 2010, service projects were increased to try to meet the increasing demand from youth who want to to participate.

Q. Is an AYS expedition a site-seeing trip?

A. No. Of the typical 18-day expedition, only Saturdays are set aside for site seeing. AYS believes in immersing youth in the communities and among the people of foreign lands to help them understand the lessons of poverty and the genuine joy that comes serving those in the most extreme circumstances.