RESPONSIBILITIES OF SERVAS TRAVELERS

Over the past fifty years, our members around the world have enjoyed the art of hosting visitors in the Servas way. The system works remarkably well, but only when travelers remember to do the following:

AVOID MISUNDERSTANDINGS BY LEARNING SERVAS PROTOCOL

Host lists provided by US Servas are in English and are prefaced with important local rules for visiting Servas hosts. Your interviewer can provide more details but, as a minimum, Servas protocol includes the following “DOs” and “DON’Ts”:

• DO contact hosts well in advance and include a copy of your Letter of Introduction.
• DON’T call before 8 am or after 10 pm, call hosts collect, or expect hosts to return your long-distance call at their expense.
• DO confirm arrangements before arriving and notify your hosts if your schedule or your arrival time has changed.
• DON’T request more than a 2-night stay; the visit may be extended later at the host’s express invitation (EVP or LS codes).
• DO make sure all your travel companions (18 and older) are valid Servas members, each with their own Letter of Introduction.
• DO take seriously your responsibility for getting to the host’s home… and getting there on time.
• DON’T assume your hosts will feed you. While some hosts will invite you to share meals with them, they are not obligated to do so.
• DO present your original Letter of Introduction to your hosts at the door when you arrive… before being asked.
• DO be polite and gracious, follow the rules of the house, and accept whatever sleeping and eating arrangements that are offered.
• DON’T make calls from your host’s telephone without first asking for permission… even local calls.
• DO consider carrying your own sheets or a sleep sack, in order to save hosts the trouble of doing extra laundry.
• DO spend time with your hosts—this is the central purpose of the visit! Make time to get involved and share your ideas.

LEARN ABOUT THE REGION

Learning new things about other cultures is a driving force behind Servas. A prerequisite to any trip is familiarization with the customs and cultures, history and governance of the places you will visit. Consider seriously what you hope to learn on your trip. One idea is to read a novel set in the country you will be visiting or one that is written by a native author.

GIVE BACK TO YOUR HOSTS

Take every opportunity to thank Servas hosts for their hospitality in whatever ways you can: help prepare a meal, treat your hosts to a meal out, or bring a small souvenir from home. Find out what household chores you can help with. After returning home, send your hosts a thank you note; add special hosts to your holiday card list.

The best way to thank your hosts is by being a model guest. Always ask before using a host’s telephone and reimburse them immediately for any calls made. Calling card accounts and prepaid calling cards are excellent ways around this problem.

Whatever you do, don’t be a burden to your hosts. You should always have the means to pay for your own transportation, food, and activities. You should also be prepared to pay for lodging elsewhere (a hotel or hostel) in case plans fall through and because you will occasionally need “down time.” Also be prepared for medical expenses or carry international insurance coverage.

GET INVOLVED IN YOUR HOSTS’ LIVES IN THE SPIRIT OF PEACE

Servas offers you a unique opportunity to find out about a community from an insider’s point of view. Ask to accompany host families to work or to school. Find out if there are any local gatherings or cultural events you could attend with them.

Be sensitive and respectful of your host’s values and custom—especially where there are differences. If something offends you, find out if the root of the problem is cultural or individual and try to resolve things in a peaceful manner.

If Servas helped make your trip worthwhile, the best way to show your appreciation is to remain active in the organization. You could become a host or day host yourself, or volunteer locally for Servas. Tell your friends about Servas if you think they would make good hosts or travelers. If you are already involved with other peace organizations let them know about Servas, too!

MORE TIPS FOR THE TRAVELER

• Make the effort to contact hosts living outside of major cities. Rural hosts typically have more time and want more visitors.
• Assume hosts are not involved with Servas for sexual reasons. Your conduct should be above reproach. In the unlikely event that a Servas member acts inappropriately, please report the incident quickly to that country’s national secretary for action.
• Have realistic expectations about the number of hosts you intend to visit. Why burden yourself with lists you may never use?
• Never divulge host information to non-members you meet on the road. Have them contact a local volunteer coordinator.
• Servas membership does not guarantee anyone the “right” to free hospitality. Servas hosts, on the other hand, do have the right to refuse a homestay request… even without an explanation. Be polite and understanding when a host, who finds it inconvenient to receive you, must say “No.”
• Remember that Servas has just one small office in the US; elsewhere, Servas is a completely volunteer-run organization and local Servas coordinators may not be available the day you call. Remember also that each Servas branch is autonomous.

Please take this set of guidelines along with you and refer to them on your trip.