| P e a c e a n d U n d e r s t a n d i n g |
About Us — Frequently Asked Questions |
General Questions:
What does "Servas" mean?
Servas is an Esperanto word meaning "to serve."What's the purpose of Servas?
The overarching and long-term vision of Servas International is a more peaceful world, and the mission is to contribute to the progress towards this goal. Servas International is a federation of Servas National Groups. US Servas is one of those national groups, and fully supports this vision and mission. At the bottom of each website page you'll find this link about our organization's Ethical Code.How do travelers find hosts?
By going to the International site - Servas.org - and once logged in, searching under 'members' and use both the country and region to find members where you're traveling. You'll have access to the International site after first joining as a Friend of US Servas, then following the steps to reach Host/Traveler status.What is the Servas connection to the United Nations?
Since 1973 Servas has had consultative status as an international non governmental organization with the Economic and Social Council at the United Nations. Learn more on our About Servas page.Can I join outside of my home country?
People should join in their country of residence. Americans, even if traveling abroad, should join US Servas unless living abroad for more than a year; in which case, they should join in the country in which they reside. Non-US citizens living in America for a significant period of time (over a year) can join US Servas. When they return to their home country, their Servas membership can be transferred.Is Servas the right group for me?
Great question! Please visit our JOIN US page to see if Servas is the right group for you.Questions about Joining and Membership: |
How much does membership cost?
The nonrefundable membership fee is $33 per year, per person.How long does the application process take to be a Friend of US Servas?
On average, it takes between 3 and 10 days to become a Friend of US Servas. The time varies on many things including how long it takes an applicant to complete the online application including payment (some credit card companies process faster than others). We ask for patience during the process; please remember, we are an all-volunteer organization. If an applicant has not heard from us in 10 days, they should check their spam email folder to see if our message is there. If not, please Contact Us. Please note: this is the timeframe to become a Friend; there are additional steps to be taken for those who want to be a Host/Traveler.How long does it take to become a Host/Traveler with Servas?
Once we approve an applicant as a Friend of US Servas, the Friend has the option to apply as a Host/Traveler. There are four steps to reach that level of membership: (1) submit two letters of reference, (2) have an interview, (3) attend a virtual orientation (which may be included in your interview), (4) complete a Servas International Host/Traveler profile. For motivated members it may only take a few days if they can get quick responses on references, and be available for an interview and orientation. For others, it may take weeks or months. Do not wait until the last minute to apply to be a Host/Traveler. We recommend allowing three months for the entire process before any planned travel. Many hosts can be contacted a month or more in advance. Our hard-working VOLUNTEERS handle all administrative processes, so we appreciate your patience.Are there really multiple steps to becoming a Host/Traveler with Servas?
Yes, traveling or hosting with Servas takes more than a click of a button. Our organization is about meaningful, impactful travel -- to do that should take more than just a click. We start with all people joining as a Friend of US Servas. Afterwhich, people can complete the Host/Traveler form. For more information, visit Join Us.Once a Friend of US Servas, how do I become a Host/Traveler with Servas?
This is explained on our Join Us page.I used to be a member and want to re-join. How do I do it?Thanks for your past support. If you were a recent member, simply login and renew your membership; otherwise, reapply as a Friend of US Servas. Then, to move from Friend to Host/Traveler level, go to the Members menu for the Become a Host/Traveler page.I'm trying to log on and my log in or password doesn't work. what do I do?You may be on the wrong website. Please make sure you are attempting to log into the correct website and using the correct email.The US Servas website (usservas.org) and the Servas International website (servas.org) are two separate sites and they are NOT linked. This means the emails, usernames, and passwords are NOT the same (unless you set them up to be so). you click on 'Forgot password', you will receive an automatic email with information on how to log on.If you do not see it, check your spam/junk folder. If you receive the email and it does not work, make sure you are working on the correct website. Changing or resetting your password on one website does NOT change it in the other. |
Questions about Expectations and Norms:
I'm not ready to host travelers in my home. What options are there?
You can be a day host! You'd arrange to meet a traveler in or near your city for a few hours or any timeframe that works for both of you. A day host experience may involve you meeting for coffee, going to a cultural event, showing a traveler around your area, or anything else of interest to you both. If there's a cost for any activity, each person is responsible for their share. Please discuss this before meeting.What can I expect from a Servas hosting/traveling experience?
Every Servas stay is unique. Stays normally include opportunities for conversations which allow members to learn about different cultures, ways of life, paths to peace, and each other. Please review the Servas Host/Traveler Responsibility document, which covers what is expected from hosts/day hosts/travelers. Hosts may have time to show a traveler around their area. But if they have jobs or other commitments, they may just make suggestions of what you can see/do in their area when you stay with them. It is also typical for Hosts, Day Hosts and Travelers to share some meals together, as food is a wonderful cultural ice-breaker; however, it is not required. If you are a Host and cannot have any meals with a Traveler who requests a stay, do let them know ahead of time.What assistance is available to Servas travelers on the road?
Servas is not a travel agency. Travelers coordinate their own stays when traveling using the Servas International website. Advanced planning is recommended. There are wonderful Servas stories of how local members have been able to help Servas Travelers when they have issues while in a foreign country. This is not a guarantee of our organization, but it is great to hear how our network has been able to respond to Travelers on how to handle unexpected situations when abroad.I plan to stay in hotels when traveling, but I'd still like to meet local Servas members to learn about the culture. Is this possible?
Yes! A Servas visit isn't restricted to home stays. Day Hosts are happy to meet Servas members for cultural exchange. When you're contacting and corresponding with a Day Host, the two of you can decide how to spend time together (e.g. cup of coffee, walk around area, cultural event, dinner, etc.). If there is a cost for any activity, each person is responsible for their share. Please discuss this before meeting.As a host, am I required to accept every traveler who contacts me and requests a visit?
No. If it isn't a convenient time for you to welcome a traveler, you can decline the request. On the other hand, as Servas promotes trust, tolerance, and respect, you shouldn't decline a request on the basis of race, nationality, language, age, religion, or sexual orientation. Whether accepting or declining a request, please respond promptly. Remember, Servas exchanges aren't limited to home stays, so consider acting as a Day Host if you'd still like to meet with travelers but for any reason can't host in your home. If you know there's a period when you won't be able to welcome travelers at all, indicate that in your profile and then update it after that period is over (e.g. "I'm unable to host during December and January. Starting in February I'd welcome Day Host and/or home stay visits, and weekends are usually best for me.")Questions about Personal Information, Payments & Technology: