​In-Country Living
 
What are the Political, Social, and Economic Conditions like in the host country?
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Host country information will be provided in your departure package focused on the country that you will be heading to. We do a good job of getting to know each communities situations and take pride in finding appropriate host clubs.
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What do general everyday things cost?  
(Bread, Hamburger, T-shirts, Socks, etc.)
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Prices change from country to country.  If you are coaching in Eastern Europe the cost of living and basic expenses are much lower than if you are in a Western European country.  Once again, in your departure package, country specific information about your host country will be provided in detail. A beer in the store costs less than .50 cents. At the pub Beers are about 1 Euro.
 
What is public transit like?
(i.e. Bus to get around town)
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Cities have well established public transit networks, larger cities have more elaborate and extensive systems, but you will have no problem becoming familiar with the city in your host country.  You will have local teammates that will be happy to help. This is very reasonably priced way to get around. Also taxis are much less expensive than in North America..
 
What will I do if there's a problem during my stay?
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Each coach will have a mentor who has lived this experience before.  HSF maintains very good contact with our coaches and partner clubs. These mentors are there for the coach to ask questions to at any time. The mentor will be introduced to the coach before he/she leaves for the placement and will remain in touch through the time on the ground. If you have a problem during your stay you will always be able to talk to your in-country contacts, which in most cases will be the head coach of the men’s team with whom you will already have a working relationship.
 
Will I learn any local language or expressions?
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Yes, this is very important in preparing before the coach goes abroad. The local coaches/players help in this regard. Learn the basics before you go, improve your vocabulary the first month. This will really help with your experience.
 
 
Coaching
 
Is my ability good enough to coach in these areas?
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Your existing knowledge, passion and ability in the game will go a long way in many of the host countries. HSF tries to match coaches with the proper league and ability level. As a coach, HSF requires each participant to attain the  a ‘level one’ coaching certificate at minimum. We have had NHL coaches apply with LEVEL 5 certification and we have had young eager coaches apply with level one. We are looking for good people who are excited to live and learn from the experience.
 
Can I find new sticks, Tape, Laces, etc.?
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The teams generally do not have the resources to provide any of these items. From time to time they will help provide tape and laces when needed but we recommend that you pack a little extra to ensure you are covered.
 
What are the arenas like?
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Many countries have made significant investments in the development and growth of their ice hockey programs and have very nice facilities.  Of course, keep in mind that the focus on hockey in these countries is not the same as Canada, so some facilities might not be the newest, but others are nicer than many old rinks in Canada.
 
What is the level of competition?
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The level changes from country to country.  Some leagues are equal to a strong junior level while others can be of lower quality.
 
Do the coaches speak English?
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Many of the local coaches speak English to a varying degree and  most are functionally fluent in English.
 
How much interaction with the head coaches?
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You will have extensive interaction with the host club head coach. In addition, you can develop your ideas for skating and hockey lessons, practice preparation and further program development.
 
Is there an orientation or some form of guidance before I arrive with my host club?
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Yes, you will be provided with a package that lays out all your contact information in the country. You will have a chance to talk with former HSF alumni who have lived the experience along with the founding members of HSF.
 
How do you ensure that the community benefits from a short-term international volunteer?
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You will be teaching kids skating, hockey and leadership skills, something they will keep with them for their entire lives. Your impact on the youth program and the growth of the game of hockey in this county will be significant. Most of all, this time as a volunteer coach will make a significant impression on your own life if you are open enough to take in the cultural aspects of living in such places. Many of our coaches have gone back to the communities where they lived. We encourage this re engagement season after season.​