Conservation Internship and Work Experience Placement in Kenya, Africa

  Kenya

Rural

Term: Throughout the year 
Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Visit the GVI website for upcoming start dates.

Description: If you are considering a career in conservation this is a great way to get started. This 20 week internship begins with a 10 week expedition to develop your understanding of coastal habitat conservation and wide-ranging tropical habitat survey techniques. You will learn how to live and work with a research team in a remote environment and get the experience necessary to complete your internship during the second half of the program. In the second phase you can complete a BTEC qualification in Tropical Habitat Survey Techniques, PADI scuba diving courses, Emergency First Response first aid courses and additional training such as Swahili language classes. You will support GVI staff and assist with the running of the expedition. At the end of the 20 week placement qualifying interns will be offered paid or unpaid work with GVI or with one of our local partners.

Training includes:
- GVI boat handling
- Optional PADI dive courses
- First Aid
- CPR & Instructor training
- Cetacean identification and survey skills
- Turtle identification and survey skills
- Primate identification and survey skills
- Biodiversity assessment skills
- BTEC in Tropical Habitat Survey Techniques
- GVI Introduction to TEFL
- Environmental education
- Health, safety and environment awareness
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership skills

Highlights: Located about two and half hours from Mombasa, within the Shimoni archipelago, close to the border with Tanzania, the base is situated on Wasini Island, adjacent to the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area, protecting Kenya's finest coral reefs. Accommodation is in shared dormitories with bunk beds, sleeping up to 8, in a locally built house with a separate communal 'banda' (traditional thatched hut) for cooking and dinning. Electricity is limited, from solar panels with generator back up, and is reserved for expedition needs. During the coastal forest research you will be at our satellite base in Shimoni, in shared tents, where electricity is available.

Qualifications: Applicants for this expedition and traineeship do not need specific qualifications. However, the boat driving courses will only be available to those that hold RYA powerboat handling level 2 or equivalent certification, which must be undertaken prior to arrival in Kenya. GVI's comprehensive training programme will provide expedition members with all the skills necessary for expedition and traineeship life, such as marine survey techniques. All applicants will have to complete a swimming test on arrival at the expedition base (consisting of an unaided 200m surface swim followed by a 10 min float). Everyone must be able to work as part of a team and have a strong interest in wildlife and conservation. Participants must also be enthusiastic, adventurous, have a good sense of humor and be respectful of the host country's environment and cultures.

Cost in US$: USD 7,000 for 20 weeks

Credit Available: yes

Salary / Pay: Voluntary Internships/Traineeship

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: 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