assisting scientific researchers, while Frontier volunteers have real, physical interaction with the animals. Because of its location in Ecuador, Frontier requires that volunteers speak a high-basic to intermediate level of Spanish. In that sense, this program could be beneficial to anyone learning Spanish as a second language. Volunteers share a bunk bed, restrooms, and a living area in a cabin. Main meals are provided, but volunteers must pay for any meals or travel outside of the volunteer site.
Personal Overseas Development (POD) focuses on three areas: documenting the ecosystem, studying local wildlife and endangered species, and supporting local communities by conserving the rainforest. While studying the local wildlife, volunteers have the opportunity to interact with other volunteers on a team performing specific research. The typical schedule for wildlife volunteers depends on what species they will be studying. Before volunteers are given specific duties, however, they are given training on the current projects and learn about the jungle ecology. When they aren’t working, volunteers share rooms at the Manu Biosphere Reserve, a certified Rainforest Alliance research center and one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Volunteers can relax in hammocks at the Manu center, go on leisurely nature walks, and play football with the staff. Main meals are provided at the center. Any additional food or travel outside of the site is up to the individual volunteer.
DURATION 2 to 12 weeks
COST
$2035 to $5945
70 ▶ spring 2016
HOW TO APPLY
To volunteer for one of POD’s Amazon wildlife programs, fill out an online application. There you will indicate where and how long you would like to volunteer. Applications can be submitted for one month to two years in advance, but plan far ahead because only 6–12 volunteers are selected per session. ▶▶
www.podvolunteer.org
Frontier–Ecuador, Animal Care
Frontier’s Amazon program is based in Ecuador’s Amazon Wildlife Rescue Centre. The center is family-owned and run by volunteers who give tours to visitors of the center and surrounding park. At the center, volunteers also have the daily opportunity to care of individual animals. These animals are rescued in the wild and from illegal pet trade. Rescued animals are constantly being brought to the center, sometimes including nonnative species that cannot be released back into the wild. Because of this, there will always be a demand for volunteer work. Volunteers should be aware that this program requires a lot of work to maintain the center and the population of rescued animals. With its hands-on experience, Frontier’s program differs from POD’s: POD volunteers observe animals in the wild,
DURATION 2 to 4 weeks
COST
$1,345 to $2,545; you can volunteer for additional weeks at $445 per week.
HOW TO APPLY
Frontier volunteer sessions are flexible. Apply for any month of the year, up to ten years in advance online. ▶▶
www.frontierbeta.co.uk
Kaya–Bolivia, Veterinary Internship
Animal lovers who are especially interested in animal conservation and who want to learn how to care for different species long-term will gain practical experience from a zoo veterinary internship in La Paz, Bolivia. For this internship at Kaya, students and professionals work together to care for the animals in the zoo. Volunteers will learn how to sustain indigenous Amazon species. This project is beneficial for prospective vets who want real experience for their resume; however, Kaya’s volunteer program in Bolivia also includes lab test assisting, observing wildlife, and habitat development. Aside from the work, volunteers have plenty of opportunities to visit Bolivia’s attractions, from the largest salt flat in the world to the local
Photo by Steve Wilison
Personal Overseas Development–Peru, Animal Research