HOW TO APPLY TO JOIN THE TEAM: Please click here to apply to participate in the mission. You will be informed of your acceptance and documents needed to proceed. DO NOT purchase an airline tickets for the mission until told to do so.
EXPECTATIONS: This trip is limited to adults 18 and over.
Interested volunteers need to fund their own airline ticket, required immunizations and some of your own meals. Team members will arrive by Saturday June 1st in Athens. The mission begins Sunday, June 2nd and ends on Saturday, June 9th. At that point, volunteers can return home or remain longer with Samos Volunteers, Med’EqualitTeam, or your own personal travel plans. For those returning to Athens on June 9th, Relief Share representatives will accompany you back and assist with transportation to the airport for your flights home to the US, Europe, or elsewhere. Volunteers may choose to stay longer to visit many of the interesting locations nearby at their own expense.
IMMUNIZATIONS: Outbreaks of common diseases do happen in some parts of Europe. Make sure your routine immunizations are up to date. One good site for vaccine information is: https://www.passporthealthusa.com/destination-advice/greece/#vaccines
TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS / SECURITY:
Greece is listed as Level 2 (exercise increased caution) on the website Travel.State.Gov as being a level 2 advisory.
Lesvos, Samos and Chios and locations we’re visiting are safe, according to many volunteer groups that have already visited.
PASSPORT INFORMATION: A valid passport is required to enter Greece. A visa is not required for stays under 90 days.
UNITED STATES EMBASSY IN GREECE
Our group will register with the embassy upon arrival in Athens.
U.S. Embassy Athens
91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue
10160 Athens, Greece
Telephone: +(30)(210) 721-2951
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +30 210 729-4444 or +30 210 729-4301
Fax: +(30)(210) 724-5313
Email: athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov
LODGING:
This is in discussion and will be confirmed later. Volunteers should expect that they may be asked to agree to same-sex room sharing to help reduce the costs incurred. Relief Share will assure minimum standards to ensure volunteer safety and comfort.
MEALS:
Also in discussion and will be confirmed later.
Samos is the eighth biggest Greek island in the east of Aegean Sea. Opposite Samos is the west coast of Turkey. Samos is one of 51 prefectures of Greece. It is largely mountainous, but also a lush, very green island with forests and many places to visit.
Chios is the fifth largest of the Greek islands, situated in the Aegean Sea, 7 kilometers off the Anatolian coast. The island is separated from Turkey by the Chios Strait.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/greece/northeastern-aegean-islands/samos
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/greece/northeastern-aegean-islands/chios
WHAT TO BRING:
Electrical Adaptor – Electrical outlet standards vary by country. An electrical adaptor is an essential accessory to take on your trip to ensure your electronics stay charged.
Sunscreen – Greece is generally very sunny. During the summer a small bottle of sunscreen can cost you up to 15 Euros due to the high demand.
Comfortable Shoes –The country is known for its steep roads and mountainous terrain along the islands.
