Answers to many commonly asked questions can be found in the Platform2 Overview.pdf. Note: Most computers will already be able to open this type of file. If not you may need to install Adobe Reader.

We aim to reply to emails to platform2@myplatform2.com within 14 days. For this reason, we recommend that you call us if your query is urgent. If you submit an application, we aim to send you an email to acknowledge receipt of your application within three weeks. How long it takes us to get back to you with regards to whether you have been shortlisted for interview depends on the dates you are available to travel. The reason for this is that we consider all applications for a given departure at the same time.

No – Platform2 is not a grant-making organisation. Our DFID funding is limited to sending Platform2 volunteers to projects operated by our in-country partner organisations. Platform2 is therefore unable to provide funding or other types of support to individuals, groups or organisations undertaking independent development work abroad.

Platform2 is for young people who would not normally get the opportunity to volunteer abroad. Each case will be examined individually, but you need to be able to demonstrate, both in your application and at interview, that you would not otherwise get the opportunity to do something like this.

Platform2 volunteers will travel in groups of 12-16, to work and possibly even live together. As Platform2 is designed to give you a completely new and challenging experience, we encourage you to apply on your own. We welcome applications from your friends, but can not guarantee that you will be placed together. However, we understand that everyone's situation is different so, if you feel you need to travel with someone you know, just let us know when you apply.

Departures to all Platform2 projects take place every other, in early January, mid-March, late May, early August and mid-October. We recommend that you send your application to us three to six months before you wish to travel. So, if you want to travel in October 2010, you should aim to get your application in between April and July 2010. Click here to see dates for the next deadline.

The only things you have to cover the cost of yourself are travel to and from your interview, travel to and from Heathrow airport and getting a Platform2 is funded by UKAid from the Department for International Development. There are only the following things which you will need to pay for:

- Costs in getting or renewing a current British passport;

- Travel to and from your interview and the airport (London Heathrow);

- There may be a few items that you will want to buy to bring with you, such as a good pair of boots and plenty of sunscreen;

- Although you get a small weekly allowance in country, you should also consider bringing a little bit of extra spending money.

You need to fill in an application form either online, or by printing it out. Then get the reference forms filled out by two people you know and a photocopy of your passport (or birth certificate if you don't have a passport). Please post your completed form (if you print one out), and the references and photocopy of passport back to us at: Platform2, 16 Bowling Green Lane, London, EC1R 0QH. If we think you're eligible and suitable, we'll invite you to an interview.

You'll attend a three day residential workshop and plan how you're going to express your trip in your community - through music, art, film, photography - whatever you're into.

You don't need any specific skills. However, if you have relevant skills or experience, we'll do our best to make sure you have the opportunity to use them.

No. However, you are welcome to express a preference for a particular country in your application and at your interview. The interview will also include a discussion about your preferences in terms of types of work/accommodation/etc, as well as any particular skills or experience you have that might be relevant to a particular project. Your preferences will be taken into account when placing you, but we can not guarantee that you will be placed in your country or project of choice.

With Platform2 you could go to Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Peru, India or Nepal.

All Platform2 placements are for 10 weeks, and you will not be able to leave early or stay on once your placement finishes. You will be travelling in a group of volunteers and all flights will be booked for you to fly out and come back together.

10 weeks. This includes roughly a week of in-country orientation and then nine weeks at the project.