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: Be part of it with i-to-i!
Our goal is to achieve 400yrs of combined volunteering all over the world by the end of 2008.

So far we have achieved 325yrs which when broken down means we achieved the following:

- Over 5500 children cared for on our community projects around the world
- A minimum of 13,000 children and adults taught English in schools and community centres
- Hundreds of animals protected including Turtles, Pandas, Elephants, Monkeys and more
- At least 80 homes and structures built for families and communities in need
- More than 8000 trees planted which are enough trees to offset the CO2 emissions of over 2,000 cars

Ever wanted to live alongside one of the world's most adored animals?

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.

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

Highlights: What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

"Spending time looking after pandas, and being given the opportunity to get so close to them. Having the opportunity to use my teaching qualifications to provide English lessons to the staff at the project. Learning to speak and write some Chinese. Exploring the incredibly beautiful Chinese countryside!" (Ela Turker)

This is an amazing opportunity to get close to some of the rarest - and best known - animals on the planet. 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 10 giant pandas.

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

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.

When you arrive we provide:
- pick-up from the airport on the designated arrival date,
- welcome orientation,
- accommodation & food,
- well-researched, quality placement,
- support of in-country i-to-i team

You will always have:
- access to our emergency support team 24/7,
- assistance of the global i-to-i staff,
- guidance and advice from experienced i-to-i travelers

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 Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, 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