Volunteer With Turtles In Vanuatu

  Vanuatu

Moso Island

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Various start dates through out the year. Contact us for more information.

Description: Save the Turtles in Vanuatu. For centuries the turtle has been a key figure and symbol of Pacific island cultures and traditions. But, despite the traditional controls on turtle use in many Pacific countries, Hawksbill turtle populations have been severely depleted and as a result have been listed as a critically endangered species by the IUCN.

As a volunteer with this project, you will have the opportunity to work side by side with community members as they begin the first year of a long-term nesting surveys in Vanuatu. In addition to helping with the nesting survey you will also get the chance to try your hand at many other activities that occur in the village (e.g. reef surveys, teaching at the village school, collecting and cooking local food, paddling a dugout canoe, etc.). And in your spare time you might get a chance to snorkel on tropical reefs, learn to dive, or just sit and 'storian' with your new friends in the village.

Highlights: Live and work in a beautiful area, directly helping to conserve one of the world's most endangered species. Make new friends, interact with the local indigenous community, learn a new language, experience a new culture, see a part of the world that few people will ever visit, have the experience of a life time.

Qualifications: No previous skills or qualifications are required as all training is given. No previous experience or foreign language skills are required, but learning a small bit of Bislama (local language) will make you a big hit with the local community.   

Volunteers must be able to work as part of a team and have a strong interest in wildlife and conservation. Participants must be fit (long distances to walk over loose sand in hot and humid conditions), patient, flexible, eager to learn, prepared to rough it (humidity, no internet, etc.), and prepared to live with mosquitoes. Days will be tiring but the experience will be worth it. Participants must be enthusiastic, adventurous and respectful of their host country's culture and environment.

Cost in US$: 2,320 (4 weeks)

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: GVI Volunteers come from all backgrounds, nationalities and walks of life. The common denominator is a want to help, and an adventurous spirit!

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Vanuatu Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-3

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: 2008 marks a decade of commitment from GVI to all volunteers and partners. Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded: 1998