FAQ
> GENERAL QUESTIONS >
Q: May I take my partner/friend/relative?
A: Yes if s/he meets application and admission criteria and either applies on his\her own or answers the questions within your application.
Q: May I take my pet?
A: Please indicate in the application and we’ll try our best! Pet doesn't need another application)
Q: May I come for the shorter/longer period?
A: No, Smena has an arranged program so everybody needs to join and leave the station at the same time (however, we can sometimes work around one or two days).
Q: Can you meet me in the airport?
A: No, but you can arrive by taxi or public transportation.
Q: Why do you guys spend time doing all that?
A: We believe that there are many things in the world that you can’t measure by money. And the best things happen to you when you do good things. More details about the idea here
Q: I am in! What should I do?
A: Choose Station you want to join and send an application. We will review that and appoint 20 min Skype call to get to know you personally. If it works out then catch a plane and we are waiting for you at Smena!
Q: How long do I have to wait for the response?
A: We get a lot of applications and sometimes two weeks are needed for the reviewing. But generally we respond within a week.
Q: If I am not chosen does it mean I have no chances to get it?
A: No, you still have chance for the case if the place at the Station is vacated then we can contact you to join us.
Q: Why is selection process so important?
A: We bring together only the people who relate to each other on a deeper level. We are looking for similar values and different backgrounds. We appreciate the spirit of camaraderie, adventure, freedom, efficiency, mutual respect and are expecting the same from our participants. We gather people who value Team, who can live and work together and are impatient about adventures! Those who fit in with our project are the ones who are really passionate about their job.
Q: What are the selection criteria?
A: You have to be at least 18 years old.
You have to have a project or remote work (or willing to develop them during Smena)
You have to have finances to support yourself (food, transportation etc)
You have to be ready to actively engage in the project life
It’s hard to tell all the criteria because all the people are interesting in their own way but we aim at the team that would be most cooperative and will share the spirit of each particular Station.
Q: What makes Smena different from other co-livings?
A: One of our goals is to build a not-for-profit community without borders based on friendship and mutual support. To make it happen we will discuss and brainstorm projects presented by Smena-people. Skillshares and workshops and various sessions on time management, efficiency, creativity, remote work, freediving will be provided as well as we will arrange volunteer visits all over the world, trips to the untapped places on our planet, beach parties, cinemas under open sky, friendly surf at the best secret spots and still more to come! We also apply the Ten Principles of Burning Man to our everyday life.
Q: How much does participation cost?
A: Each Smena works differently. Malta Smena is a volunteer project that is why participation is free. Other Smenas work either based on "Radical Transparency" system when all the expenses are made available and you share them with other participants or "Pay It Forward" system when the participants make donations in favour of the coming projects accordingly to what they got from Smena during their stay.
Q: What should I take with myself?
A: We provide linens but not towels. Don’t forget to take all what you need for your working, travel insurance and sunscreen c - it’s beautifully hot at our locations in South-East Asia. All you need you can can get here at the shops in a walking distance to our place but if you have special needs (contact lenses, medicine etc) it would be better to take it with yourself.
Q: I can’t go but I want to support the project.
A: Super! We are glad for any help you can provide. If you you want to make a donation you can send your donation to paypal.me/smenastation. If you want to provide skill support then drop us an email.
Q: I am travelling the first time. May I join you?
A: Sure! If you are a remote worker or have a project we are glad to meet you - so rush to send your application! We had some guys who never travelled before and now they are on their round the world trip.
Q: Why can’t I just reserve my room, why should I stay at Smena?
A: With Smena you take one decision and get answers to all your questions. Lodging, working space and, foremost, Team! We are sure you know that right people around guarantee our success and limitless experience and knowledge, support and inspiration mean everything that’s needed for travelling!
МАЛЬТА
Q: What is you project goal?
A: The goal is to apply your remote professional skills in collaboration with other Smena-people for improvement the quality of life in Ghana and creating new jobs.
Q: Do I need to know English?
A: At the moment we are planning Russian speaking group for our first station (from August 8). Then we plan to set up international teams with English as a working language.
Q: Do I need visa to visit Malta?
A: Malta is in Schengen zone so you have to have a valid visa for the your visit period. Unfortunately we don’t provide any visa support but it’s made within 3-5 days. The answers for most of your questions you can easily get at Wikipedia.
Q: Do you have fast Internet?
A: Yes, but in order to prevent network overload we request not to download big files and not to use torrents (especially because it's also illegal). You better download youre favorite show beforehand so that we can watch it together. =)
Q: Will I stay alone?
A: You will share the room with one or two same-gender participants. If you are a couple you will get a separate room.
Q: What facilities are available?
A: Several bathrooms with hot water, fully furnished kitchen with all you need, spacious working zones, outdoor pool and a million worth nature view.
Q: Is it necessary to submit a project?
A: No, but the good idea will show your motivation and possibly will change lives of thousands of Ghanaians. Isn’t it worth to give a try?
Q: Should I present a lecture or workshop as it was previously?
A: Yes, knowledge sharing is an inherent distinctive feature of Smena. You will get valuable knowledge from others and will be able to practise your public speaking skills.
Q: If my project is accepted does it mean I am being taken to Smena?
A: No, you need meet other selection criteria as well.
Q: Will we manage the project we submitted?
A: Not necessarily. But if you are a good manager, it’s quite possible.
Sri Lanka
Q: Ok, and is it secure in Sri Lanka? Is there malaria? Escherichia coli? Snakes? ISIS? Tamil Tigers?!
A: We have never met all those things while living there. You can read about it on the Wikipedia, if you need more details.
Q: Great! What can I do there?
A: Well, in addition to intense Smena, where you will spend a lot of time, live and work (on your projects - it is co-working, don't forget) there is a paradise for traveler called Sri-Lanka.
Q: What are the facilities at the disposal of members Smena?
A: A safe Villa, kitchen with refrigerator, stove and other amenities, parking, bathroom, spacious shared working space with fast Internet, plus shops and cafes, sea and surf station with equipment and friendly rates a short walk from the house.
Q: How to find you in Sri Lanka?
A: We recommend public transport. It always helps to understand the culture and feel its flavor. The exact location will be sent by a private message.
USA
Q: Can I join you for several Sessions?
А: Yes, we'll gladly take you if there will be enough free spots which are first come first serve.
Q: Do I need a special type of visa?
A: No, you can be a tourist to join Smena.
Q: Will you help with visa application?
A: Unfortunately we can't help with it, but it's not that hard and all the information is very accessible online.