Frequently Asked Questions

Participants and their families are encouraged to contact the Youthlinc office directly for additional support or questions not covered in the FAQ.

The Youthlinc Service Year Program is a service-leadership program that combines local volunteer work with an international service trip. It aims to instill a humanitarian ethic in young people while promoting understanding among diverse communities.

The program is open to secondary school and college/university students within Utah. Adult mentors with relevant expertise are also selected. Family members of mentors may join under specific conditions.

Selection is based on an application review focusing on a sincere desire to serve, reliability, teamwork, and relevant skills or experiences. An application does not guarantee acceptance.

Yes, family members can join if space allows. However, secondary school or college-aged family members must apply and meet all program requirements. Children of parent mentors will not be in the same room or committee.

The $500 deposit is non-refundable. Payments made for the international trip are also non-refundable if withdrawal occurs after certain deadlines. The refund policy details are outlined on the Youthlinc website.

Yes. Participants are notified of awards by December

Participants are encouraged to fundraise for their trip. Fundraising contributions are managed through individual social fundraising pages. Youthlinc does not manage funds for divergent travel and cannot refund money donated specifically for airfare if the participant diverges

If Youthlinc cancels or postpones a trip, the $500 deposit remains non-refundable. Participants may be required to make up any shortfalls in payments for alternative or postponed trips.

Financial aid applications are reviewed, and recipients are notified by mid-December. Detailed instructions for applying can be found on the Youthlinc website or by contacting the Youthlinc office.

Direct donations to Youthlinc are tax-deductible. Costs directly related to the service trip may also be tax-deductible; participants should consult their tax advisor for personal tax advice.

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due by November to secure your spot

The cost covers airfare, in-country transportation, accommodations, food, water, major medical and travel insurance (excluding trip cancellation insurance), and Youthlinc program fees. It does not cover personal expenses, such as toiletries or souvenirs.

Flights, in-country transportation, lodging, meals, safe drinking water, major medical and evacuation insurance, and program fees. Costs do not include passports, visas, recommended vaccines, souvenirs, or personal expenses.

Participants receive a payment schedule at General Orientation. Total trip cost is divided between December 1 and April 1 of each year that so participants have smaller payments due each month rather than any balloon payments. Payments must be made on time, with a $25 late fee assessed for each late payment.

Costs include a $500 non-refundable deposit, international service trip expenses (airfare, in-country transport, accommodations, food, major medical insurance), and personal expenses. Costs can be found on each country’s landing page. Financial aid may be available.

Participants can apply for financial aid by following the guidelines provided through their Dashboard when they register. Financial aid is allocated based on need and availability, and awarded amounts are subtracted from the participant’s overall costs. Recipients are notified in December.

Participants are accompanied by highly trained Youthlinc Team Leaders, adult mentors, and a medical professional (MD, RN, paramedic EMT). The program includes on-site support, including medical assistance, local guides, and coordination with local organizations.

Any travel separate from the team for tourism or other activities before, during, or after the trip. Divergent itineraries are discouraged, require a waiver, and participants are fully responsible for their own travel arrangements and costs

Youthlinc arranges all team flights, accommodations, and in-country logistics. Divergent activities are not organized by Youthlinc

Divergent itineraries for tourism or other activities unrelated to the service trip are discouraged and require a waiver. Youthlinc is not responsible for any issues related to divergent travel.

Youthlinc works with local partners and organizations to select service sites that align with the program's goals and are in genuine need. Preparation includes site visits, cultural training, and safety briefings for participants.

Participants are encouraged to communicate any issues they face. Youthlinc provides support through Team Leaders and staff who can offer guidance and assistance. Regular check-ins and group discussions help address emotional concerns.

Youthlinc prioritizes safety by providing comprehensive pre-trip training, including health and safety protocols. Participants receive guidance on vaccinations, safety precautions, and emergency procedures. Travel insurance covers major medical issues.

Youthlinc has protocols for handling medical emergencies, including access to local medical facilities and coordination with travel insurance providers. Participants are also provided with a contact list for emergency support.

The required vaccinations and health precautions are provided during General Orientation and varies by country. Participants are responsible for obtaining recommended vaccinations and following health advisories specific to the destination. Youthlinc provides a consultation with the University of Utah Travel Healthy Clinic so that all participants have access to information relevant to their international destination and individual health situations.

Youthlinc vets all local service sites to ensure they meet safety and program standards. MAIN SERVICE SITES must provide hands-on service in a positive mentoring environment. Participants must also get approval from their Assistant Team Leader for their chosen site.

Participants must complete 80 local service hours, with at least 40 hours at a MAIN SERVICE SITE. Hours must be logged and approved by June 1st.

Participants who do not meet the local service requirements by the June 1st deadline risk dismissal from the program. They may be required to complete a Low Service Hour Plan of Action and could be excluded from the international trip.

Youthlinc provides guidance and resources to help participants find and log local service hours. Each participant has access to a Dashboard account where they can track their hours and get approval. There are also workshops and meetings to assist with finding suitable service sites.

No. Only hours completed after October 15 count toward the Service Year requirement

Failure to meet the service requirements by the deadline may result in dismissal from the program. Participants will be given warnings and may be asked to complete a Low Service Hour Plan of Action. Youthlinc gives an incredible amount of support to help you achieve this requirement.

Participants can use the Youthlinc Local Service Directory to find a MAIN SERVICE SITE. The site must be approved by the Assistant Team Leader to ensure it meets program criteria.

To receive college credit, participants must complete the program requirements from start to finish. Late starters may not be eligible for credit.

No, the cost associated with the College Credit is included in the Service Year cost and will be paid for by Youthlinc.

Potentially! College credits earned through SUU may fulfill elective or other graduation requirements, depending on your degree program and the policies of your institution.

All Youthlinc Service Year participants are eligible, regardless of their current school or location.

Yes, high school participants under 18 will need a parent or guardian signature on the SUU registration forms to authorize enrollment.

No, the 40 hours must be completed through local service between January 15 and June 1. International service is an important part of the program but does not count toward this specific credit requirement.

If you are unable to attend a team meeting, you can still receive credit for that portion by completing a make-up worksheet provided by Youthlinc. This ensures you stay on track with the program requirements and remain eligible for college credit.

To receive college credit, participants must complete the program requirements from start to finish. Late starters may not be eligible for credit.

Participants can earn 2 (two) college credits upon successful completion of the Youthlinc Service Year requirements.

No. The Youthlinc SUU credit is separate from your high school transcript and GPA, but it will appear on your official SUU college transcript.

No. Credits are awarded by SUU and can be transferred to many other colleges and universities, depending on their transfer policies.

Yes! College students can opt in for the SUU-accredited course. Regardless of whether a participant is in high school, college, or an adult learner, the program fee is the same.

Yes! Adult participants and current teachers who opt in are eligible for college credit through SUU. They must complete all program requirements, local service hours, team meetings and impact modules to receive credit.

High school participants can still earn the credit and have it stored on an SUU transcript until they begin their college career.

No, federal student aid or scholarships cannot be used for this program.

Youthlinc will provide instructions during the program year, including registration deadlines, required paperwork, and payment steps.

Yes. Upon completion, the credit will be listed as an official SUU course on your transcript.

No, the deadline to opt in is January 10. This ensures all participants have enough time to complete the required coursework and service hours.

Youthlinc provides cultural training as part of the pre-trip curriculum. This includes information about local customs, cultural norms, and expectations to help participants interact respectfully and effectively. 

Devices are collected by Team Leaders upon arrival and returned at the end of the international trip to encourage full engagement

Participants must follow all U.S. and host country laws, respect cultural norms, avoid drugs, underage drinking, co-ed rooming, PDA, and unauthorized activities. Violations may lead to dismissal at your own expense

If a code of conduct violation/s are deemed to be severe and/or pervasive, Youthlinc reserves the right to dismiss any participant from the program at any time. If a dismissal occurs during the international capstone trip, participants are responsible for any logistics and costs from that point forward, including lodging, transportation, return flight, etc. If the dismissed participant is a minor they will NOT be accompanied by an adult from the team and will travel on their own on an unaccompanied minor airline ticket.

Yes, culturally appropriate attire is required varies by destination and will be explained by Team Leaders based on your specific destination.

Youthlinc has a code of conduct that participants are expected to follow. Any behavior that endangers the participant or others, or is contrary to Youthlinc’s values, may result in disciplinary action or dismissal from the program.