Panda Bear Conservation near Xi'an

  China

• Xi'an: 
Xi'an

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Multiple dates year round

Description: This is a unique chance to get up-close and personal to the precious Giant Panda in the remote Chinese wilderness. Life is rarely black and white - unless you're a Giant Panda on the brink of extinction. With an already low world population in decline there are certainly no grey areas in this conservation project, so do your bit and "panda" to their every need! Based in majestic surroundings at the foot of the Qingling mountains, you'll also have the chance to work with other fascinating species indigenous to China such as the Golden Monkey, Crested Ibis and the sheep-like Takin.

*What does the conservation project do?
At this project you will be working in a Chinese conservation centre that aims to preserve some of the world's most endangered species. These include: Giant Pandas, Golden Monkeys, the Crested Ibis, the Takin; which is a large sheep-like creature that lives only in China and Bhutan, as well as the Sika, which is similar in appearance to a deer. The Golden Monkeys and the crested Ibis are both indigenous to China.

*Why does the project need volunteers?
The world's total population of wild Giant Pandas stands at about 1,000, which are mainly distributed in Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces of China. In Shaanxi, there are about 270 giant pandas living in Panda Reservations. At the centre where you will be working they are currently looking after and monitoring fifteen giant pandas.

You can also help the staff with their English, which is important so that they can attract more tourists and generate an increase in revenue at the centre, this can then pay for research and looking after the pandas. The project staff also want to improve and practice their English, so that they can attend international conferences about animal conservation.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights:
* Spending time with Giant Panda's - wow!
* Experiencing China - a huge and mind blowing country
* Learning some Chinese. Not as difficult as you may think(!) and richly rewarding

Qualifications: You must be at least 21 years old and have an interest in animal conservation. Related animal conservation experience is helpful, but not required. You will have to submit a resume as part of the application process.

Cost in US$: USD 1865.00 for 2 weeks, USD 440.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Shared room in hotel until January 2009, after this time shared accommodation on site
* Food: All meals
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation and Online TEFL course
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

When you go on an i-to-i volunteer program we want you to have the best possible time abroad, so we include these important services.

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country,
- fundraising advice and support,
- visa instruction,
- vaccination recommendations,
- advice on health, safety & culture shock,
- English teacher training course (TEFL),
- contact details to pass along to your family.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 21 - 80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to China Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994