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Responsible Travel and Ecotourism Programs
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"Global tourism and travel has certainly changed in the past decade. Choices regarding security, safety, health, and the environment have greatly impacted our travel choices. On the other hand, we now have amazing new options that seek to help small communities develop sustainably and economically and new choices that allow visitors to better understand the culture and realities of the places they visit. A growing group of consumers want their travel to be less invasive, and emerging fair-trade tourism, anti-poverty tourism, and responsible tourism are changing the face of travel."
—Deborah McLaren, Responsible Travel contributing editor for Transitions Abroad
"Responsible travel and ecotourism are a cornerstone of local, regional, national, and international sustainable development. Travelers play a pivotal role, whether we are independent travelers or part of a larger group tour. As we rethink and re-imagine tourism we are redefining the traditional guest-host relationship as an activity that motivates a new eco-friendly, people-friendly action.
The best place to seek information about ecotourism is on the Web, and we offer key ideas here for starting your search. Travelers seeking appropriate alternatives to conventional tourism will find helpful information in this section as well."
—Ron Mader Ecotourism and Latin American Contributing Editor for Transitions Abroad
Host of Planeta.com
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A Maasai woman with camels. The camels enable the Maasai to survive in their harsh, dry environment by providing draft power, portage, and milk.
Photo Darcy Kiefel / copyright Heifer International
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Contact the program directors to confirm costs, dates, and other details. If you do not see the program you want in the country of your choice, look under Worldwide for programs located in several different regions
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Affordable Spanish Programs: CRLA Costa Rican Language Academy. Costa Rican owned and operated language school offers first-rate Spanish instruction in a warm and friendly environment. Teachers with university degrees. Small groups or private classes. Volunteer opportunities. Included free in the programs are airport transportation, coffee and natural refreshments, Internet, excursions, Latin dance, Costa Rican cooking, and conversation classes to provide students with complete cultural immersion.
Dates: Year round (start anytime).
Cost: $155 per week or $235 per week for program with homestay. All other activities and services included at no additional cost.
Contact: Costa Rican Language Academy, P.O. Box 1966-2050, San José, Costa Rica; fax 011-506-280-2548. In the U.S.: 866-230-6361; crlang@racsa.co.cr, www.spanishandmore.com.
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Conservation Expedition in Costa Rica
As well as contributing to the long term conservation of endangered wildlife and unique habitats, this expedition allows participants the rare pleasure of visiting remote locations and communities that few get to see. Activities include; mammal research, bat and bird studies, turtle surveys, orchid identification, caiman research, recording bird song, GPS mapping and management of the trail system and environmental education programmes.
Dates Offered: All year round
Costs: From US$2,820
Contact: Global Vision International, 252 Newbury Street, Number 4, Boston, MA, 02116, USA. Call Toll free on 888-653-6028.www.gviusa.com, info@gviusa.com.
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Global Exchange, a non-profit human rights organization offers short-term travel opportunities. These delegations are not your typical study abroad experience. Meet with community leaders, government officials and women¹s groups, etc. Learn about the economy, history, politics and culture. Travel to unique destinations: Palestine, Cuba, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Iran, Vietnam, Tanzania and 15 more. Receive academic credit. Customize a tour through a professor or specific department.
Dates: Programs throughout the year
Cost: From $800-$2500 depending on trip 10 days to 2 weeks.
Contact: Global Exchange, Reality Tours 2017 Mission st, #303 San Francisco, CA 94110; 415-255-7296, fax: 415-255-7498; realitytours@globalexchange.org; www.globalexchange.org/tours.
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Marine Conservation Expedition in Mexico
Join a Marine Conservation Expedition from 5 to 20 weeks and learn marine survey techniques, be trained in SCUBA diving up to an advanced level and participate in community education projects. This expedition offers volunteers an amazing array of marine research projects combined with local community interaction and breathtaking scenery in Mexico’s first biosphere reserve.
Dates Offered: All year round
Costs: From US$2680
Contact: Global Vision International, 252 Newbury Street, Number 4, Boston, MA, 02116, USA. Call Toll free on 888-653-6028.www.gviusa.com, info@gviusa.com.
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Africa
African Impact
Volunteer to Work with Lions in Zimbabwe at Antelope Game Park
Our lion breeding and research project involves volunteers assisting with our lions in a hands-on manner on a daily basis. Walk and work with lions to prepare them for their eventual release into the wild. WWF endorsed and under senior ecologists in this field. Contact: sarah@africanencounter.org, www.africanimpact.com.
Azafady, Studio 7, 1A Beethoven St., London W10 4LG, U.K.; 011-44-208-960-6629; www.madagascar.co.uk. A registered U.K. charity (No. 1079121) and Malagasy Non-Governmental Organization
working in southeast Madagascar to alleviate poverty, improve well-being and protect beautiful unique environments. Azafady offers two volunteer programs: "Pioneer Madagascar" - which allows volunteers to work at a grassroots level, helping
to combat extreme poverty and environmental degradation; and "Lemur Venture" - which is specifically focused on conservation efforts to aid threatened lemur populations.
Blue Ventures is an award winning not-for-profit organisation dedicated to facilitating projects and expeditions that enhance global marine conservation and research. The field research of Blue Ventures projects is carried out by our overseas volunteers, who work closely with our field research scientists and camp staff. We are currently looking for overseas volunteers to work at our site in Andavadoaka, Madagascar in Africa. Contact: enquiries@blueventures.org, www.blueventures.org.
Community Tourism - Trekking in Ethiopia's Highlands
Trekking facilities (accommodation, food, guides etc) are offered to tourists in stunning landscapes and hosted by local communities. The enterprises are run for and by communities in North Wollo, Ethiopia (near Lalibela). This is your chance to get off the beaten trail and see the treal Ethiopia. Contact: chapman@ethionet.et, www.community-tourism-ethiopia.com
Eco Programs: Students Mountains Expeditions and Game Safaris [SMESA] Programme
Travel opportunity for students worldwide to visit and experience the World Heritage Sites in Tanzania. This include climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru; and Game Safaris to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, Serengeti, and Tarangire.
Contact: info@ecoprograms.or.tz, www.ecoprograms.or.tz
Kameleon Adventures
Wildlife Volunteer Projects in South Africa
We offer Volunteer Work Placements on hugely valuable conservation projects in South Africa where your support is vital for the survival of many habitats and animals in Africa. Each project has been handpicked by us for the quality of the educational program, the passion of the teams and their dedication to conservation and wildlife. Contact: info@kameleonadventures.co.uk, www.kameleonadventures.com.
Real Africa Excursions Ltd. Volunteer work visits and vacations, missions trips, school-college or youth exchange visits, cultural and community excursions, to Uganda and Kenya, for groups and individuals. Have you ever wished to go to Africa have fun and also make a difference in the lives of the people you meet? explore Africa while assisting those who are less fortunate?would you like to try something different?, come to Africa with us and make this an unforgettable experience.
Contact: info@real-africa.co.uk, www.real-africa.co.uk.
Tembeza Kenya: Conservation, Teaching and Work Experience in Kenya
Tembeza Kenya is an organisation which specialises in bringing people from all over the world to Kenya, and facilitating voluntary work placements for them in various sectors in desperate need of help. From wildlife conservation to teaching, and from community-based work to medicine, Tembeza Kenya supports an ever-expanding network of organizations across the country that would love for you to come and lend a hand.
Contact: info@tembezakenya.com, www.tembezakenya.com.
Travel-Study Seminars. Learn from Southern Africans of diverse backgrounds about their economic, political, and social realities. Emphasis on the views of those struggling for justice. Call for details or to organize your own custom trip.
Volunteer in Africa with Volunteer Adventures!
Work and live with the amazing wildlife of Africa when you volunteer with Volunteer Adventures. Our projects give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals on the African safari, such as lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, impalas, antelope and many others. As a volunteer, you will be able to observe, rescue, and care for wildlife in Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Volunteering with Volunteer Adventures gives you the unique chance to learn about incredible wildlife, work with professional rangers on the safari, and experience the countries and culture of southern Africa.
Contact: volunteer@volunteeradventures.com, www.volunteeradventures.com
Asia
Bhutan Yak Adventure Travel. Experience the Phenomenon called Bhutan! Let us unfold for you the secrets and mysteries of this Hidden Mystical Kingdom - Bhutan! We offer Cultural Tours, Trekking and may other activities in Bhutan.
Contact: yaktravel@druknet.bt, www.golays.com
Eco Explorer Co., Ltd. Eco Explorer Thailand. Eco Explorer offers wildlife, nature and adventure tours all around Thailand. Some of the highlights include nature and adventure trekking, rafting, wild elephant, gibbon, butterfly and bird watching. Our tours take place in small private groups and we visit areas that have not been commercially exploited.
Contact: michiel@ecoexplorerthailand.com, www.ecoexplorerthailand.com
Lao National Tourism Administration
Ecotourism Laos
This site showcases ecotourism program and projects recognized by the Lao National Tourism Administration
Contact: pauleshoo@yahoo.com, www.ecotourismlaos.com
Spirit in Nature Ecotours. Travel with time for reflection. Indian Himalaya, South India, Bali and Lombok, Australia, New Zealand. Explores wildlife, indigenous cultures, and traditions of sacred land. Travel with Dr. John Broomfield, author of the thought-provoking book Other Ways of Knowing: Recharting Our Future with Ageless Wisdom.
Himalayan Light Foundation – Solar Sisters Program. The HLF Solar Sisters Program offers international volunteers an incredible opportunity to travel to some of the most remote and majestic locations in the world and stay with an indigenous community while installing solar energy lighting systems in schools, monasteries, health centers, and community buildings in Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. HLF is a Nepal-based NGO whose mission is to link human rights and environmental protection through the use of and education about sustainable, renewable energy systems in remote and impoverished areas in Southeast Asia.
Cost: Program cost is between US $1200 and fee covers solar installation, travel, accommodations and most food for the duration of the installation. HLF can assist students with research for scholarship subsidies.
Dates: Program dates are flexible and can be arranged according to the itinerary of the participant.
Contact Info: US: Dawn Peebles, dawnp@hlf.org.np, Nepal: Sapana Shakya, sapanas@hlf.org.np, Web: www.hlf.org.np.
Mandore Guest House in India: Homestay and Volunteer Work. We believe that tourism should be about interacting with other cultures, not exploiting them. This could mean more working and travelling with local people on public buses rather than looking at them through the window of a private tour bus. We bring people together from different regions, states, countries, cultural heritage, social and political backgrounds. We do have a priority and positive role in preserving and protecting our cultural and natural resources which also meets the need for ecologically sensitive travel. Contact: contact@mandore.com, www.mandore.com.
Wildgiantpanda.com is dedicated to protect wildlife in Qinling Mountains, especially protecting wild giant panda. Based on protecting entironment wildgiantpanda.com unfolds this ecotour focus with Eco-Tour in Giant Panda Reserves in Qinling Mountains.
Yearoutindia
Volunteer at a Tiger Reserve in South India
Offers selected volunteers with a passion for wildlife conservation a unique opportunity to work at one of South India's leading wildlife conservation, habitat management and research projects. Volunteer placement at the Reserve range from 4 to 12 weeks, giving volunteers the opportunity to become involved in a wide variety of conservation activities. Work hours vary according to the tasks involved and are physically challenging. Minimum 4-6 weeks. Please speak to a volunteer coordinator online or email deborah@yearoutindia.com or visit our website www.yearoutindia.com: www.yearoutindia.com/tiger_intern.htm.
Brazil
Biosfera Brasil Eco-Social Tours
Biosfera Brasil is a tourism company specialized in receiving foreign tourists in the Brazilian best ecological destinations. We believe that tourism is much more than visiting famous monuments and taking beautiful photos. In our opinion, tourism is the best opportunity to learn about the world we live in and how to preserve nature. Biosfera Brasil is managed by Brazilians with a deep international experience and local tourism knowledge. Our programs are developed under the “Eco-Social Tourism” concept, bringing travelers to meet the local communities, contributing with local social and environmental projects.
Contact: biosfera@biosferabrasil.com, www.biosferabrasil.com/index_home.php
Ela Brasil Tours: Volunteer Vacation. Travelers can choose from a couple of volunteer options - The River Otter Program and The Humpback Whale Research. While getting closely involved in the program travelers also get a chance to visit local towns on their free time.
Contact: ela@elabrasil.com; www.elabrasil.com.
Iracambi Atlantic Rainforest Research and Conservation Center
Located in the Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil we are offering people the chance to learn how to use a Geographic Information System (GIS) in a beautiful, but little visited part of Brazil. GIS is increasingly used in a number of different disciplines to collect and manipulate data - this course will provide the opportunity to learn about this in the context of land management planning. Learning the new skill will provide you with a way to learn more about Brazil.
Contact: iracambi@iracambi.com, www.iracambi.com
Volunteer in Brazil with Volunteer Adventures!
Volunteer Adventures gives you the opportunity to live and volunteer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. You will have the chance to volunteer in our teaching English and community outreach efforts in the city or in our rainforest conservation project in the nearby Tijuca Rainforest. As a volunteer with Volunteer Adventures, you will be able to take intensive language classes in our school in Brazil while volunteering with our local partner organization. You will benefit from not only learning the language, but also by applying it in your volunteer placement to make for a more meaningful experience for everyone involved.
Contact: volunteer@volunteeradventures.com, www.volunteeradventures.com
Costa Rica
Costa Rica Conservation Trust (CRCT)
Socially and Environmentally Responsible Travel to Costa Rica Program
If traveling to Costa Rica, make sure to support socially and environmentally responsible businesses. Support locally-owned green lodges and tour companies. Costa Rica Conservation Trust (CRCT) is compiling a list of hotels, lodges and tour companies that are treading lightly on the fragile ecosystems of this land, and that are contributing positively to the auto-sustainable development of Costa Rican local communities.
Contact: info@conservecostarica.org, www.conservecostarica.org
Costa Rica Rainforest. "Reconnecting with Nature" Enrich your life, expand your horizons and, most importantly, don't let the kids have all the fun! CRROBS offers adult adventures with a focus on personal development and reflection. The theme of the adult adventure is "reconnecting with nature," which incorporates the cutting edge field of applied eco-psychology. You will hike through rainforest, raft down rapids, stay with local families, and participate in all other parts of the multi-element course with the schedule and focus tailored towards adults.
Contact: enrollment@crrobs.org, www.crrobs.org
PRETOMA (Programa Restauracion de Tortugas Marinas)
San Jose, Costa Rica. Qualified Interns and Volunteers walk the 4km beach on a nightly basis looking for nesting sea turtles. When found, turtles are measured, tagged, and checked for general health conditions. Nests are then taken, monitored, and protected in a project hatchery. Hatchery duties include monitoring for hatching baby turtles and releasing them into the ocean, as well as post hatching nest excavations to determine success rates.
Proyecto Asis Spanish Institute. Spanish language courses,learn in ecological reserve in rain forest, near volcano Arenal, small groups. Asis Job Volunteer: Ecological work in different areas.
Contact: info@institutoasis.com, www.institutoasis.com.
Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) in Costa Rica. Located on the beautiful Sarapiqui River, the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to link the community with conservation. We are currently looking for a volunteer to run our Environmental Education Program. This includes leading weekly ecology clubs to students at local schools and at the Center, supporting the community in conservation projects, and helping community members build on their ecotourism projects.
Contact: info@learningcentercostarica.org, www.learningcentercostarica.org
Volunteer in Costa Rica with Volunteer Adventures!
Volunteer Adventures gives you the opportunity to live and volunteer on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. You will work in a sea turtle hatchery on the beach, helping collect eggs from nesting mother turtles and releasing hatchlings into the ocean. You will be directly involved in the protection of the wildlife in our two locations, defending animals from illegal poachers and promoting conservation awareness.
Contact: volunteer@volunteeradventures.com, www.volunteeradventures.com
Yarok Green Tours
Ecotour in Costa Rica
Total immersion ecotours in Costa Rica for families, groups and students interested in exploring the nature and wildlife of Costa Rica.
Contact: info@yarokgreentours.com, www.yarokgreentours.com
Ecuador
Cerro Golondrinas Cloudforest Conservation Project. A project in northwestern Ecuador to conserve 25,000 acres of highland forest and introduce new agroforestry techniques. Volunteers help with collecting seeds, planting trees, clearing trails, etc. and work with local farmers problems of deforestation and soil conservation.
Contact: Isabel La Catolica 1559y Salazar, Quito, Ecuador; fax (011) 593-2-222-390; www.ecuadorexplorer.com/golondrinas/html/how_to_sup1ondrinas.html.
Cloud Forest Ecuador
Eco Volunteer in South America
In Ecuador, our projects are located in cultural city of Quito and Urcu Puyujunda Cloud Forest Lodge, a beautiful mountain range of the Choco Andean. If you are planning to explore the real cultural and natural beauty of Ecuador, start your adventure by joining volunteer projects, Spanish lessons, village hiking, and sightseeing of some cultural wonders of Ecuador. Urcu Puyujunda offers you unique opportunities to explore the great land of Ecuador while working for children and people in teaching in an orphanage, health care, preserving the forest with its flora and fauna, and other community development projects. Contact: urcupuyujunda@cloudforestecuador.com; www.cloudforestecuador.com and www.volunteer-latinamerica.com.
Ecuador Volunteer
Volunteer Programs in Ecuador
Our non-profit organization offers volunteer work programs in South America, our volunteer opportunity is focused in ecological, social and educational areas creating new hopes.
Contact: info@volunteerworkecuador.com, www.volunteerworkecuador.com
EcuadorVerde (Green Ecuador) network. This innovative cooperative was formed by a group of award-winning ecotourism operators whose lodges & reserves cover the wide range of Ecuadorian ecosystems and cultures: from the Pacific Coast to the Amazonian jungle; from Andean mountainsides and snow-capped volcanoes to diverse bird-filled cloud forests. Each of the lodges and retreats has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to ecologically sound principles and practices, social responsibility, cultural authenticity as well as excellence in accommodations and service.
Contact: info@ecuadorverde.com, www.ecuardorverde.com.
Fundacion Jatan Sacha offers volunteer opportunities in a variety of conservation projects under the supervision of resident researchers, environmental education instructors, and administrators at each of their three reserves. Volunteers live with families or in cabins with other volunteers.
Contact: (Rio Coca 17-34, Casilla 1712867, Quito, Ecuador; Tel./fax 011-593-2-441-592; www.jatunsacha.org)
Galápagos Travel. Workshops in the Galápagos Islands. Specializing in comprehensive, educationally-oriented, professionally-led natural history tours of the Galápagos Islands. Each trip spends 11 days to 2 full weeks in the Galápagos, touring all the significant outer islands, and allowing for a maximum of wildlife observation. Three distinct itineraries available.
Volunteer in Ecuador with Volunteer Adventures!
Volunteer Adventures gives you the opportunity to live and volunteer in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador. As a volunteer, you will be able to help conserve the natural wonders of Amazon. This lush area boasts thousands of unique rainforest plants and hundreds of animal species, including monkeys, llamas, mountain cats, and tropical birds. You will be involved in replanting and preserving this important natural habitat, as well as in efforts to save the endangered Andean Spectacled Bear—the only bear in South America.
Contact: volunteer@volunteeradventures.com, www.volunteeradventures.com
France
Sejours in Flora N Fauna
France Study Abroad Program in Cultural and Natural History
Come to France! SFF offers hiking, walking and biking tours, seminars, internships, and study abroad programs. Learn about the cultural and natural history in France during 1 and 2 week tours, short seminars, intensive two-week courses, quarter sessions, semester sessions or during year-long sessions. Participate in tours and courses in French, French culture and history, Belgium Beers, France Economic Biology/Botany, General Ecology of the French Pyrenees, France Medical and Edible Wild Plants, French Parks and Gardens, Nature Preserves of France, and more. This travel abroad program offers tons to nature and culture lovers.
Contact: sffinfo-a@sejours-ff.com, www.sejours-ff.com
Greece
Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries - Cultural and Culinary Seminars
Discover the secrets of Crete's wild nature, culture and cuisine during botanic hikes in majestic mountains, visits to historic sites, organic farms and villages off the map. Journeys change with the seasons and include organic olive oil production, beekeeping, winemaking, cheesemaking and always eating well. Our all-local network of chefs, sustainable organic farmers, botanists, archaeologists work together to present an invaluable experience for our visiting friends.
Contact: nikkirose@cookingincrete.com, www.cookingincrete.com
Latin America
Birding tours in Guatemala, Cayaya Birding. Cayaya Birding supports with its tours various conservation programs in rural communities in Guatemala.
CINDURMA Eco Lodge Nicaragua
CINDURMA is a non-profit charity registered in Managua which offers an eco lodge and tours. Your donation will be used for local charities and projects. Nicaragua is a country rich in culture but a poor financially.
Contact: cindurmaecolodge@yahoo.com, www.cindurma.org
Inka Porter Project: Training & Drop-in Centre Volunteers. The Inka Porter Project (IPP) is an NGO based in Cusco, Peru, working with porters and muleteers since 2002. The Inka Porter Project is developing a training and drop-in centre for porters and muleteers in Ollantaytambo, two hours from Cuzco. We wish to recruit volunteers for a minimum of one year in the following roles: Training Centre Director, two Centre Managers, a Training Manager and Training Coordinator. Contact: porters@peruweb.org, www.peruweb.org/porters.
Peace Villages Foundation
Conservation
Our conservation projects put you to work in stunning locations with local people who carry out environmental conservation. Just bring enthusiasm, self-reliance, patience and an open mind - Nurture plant seedlings, maintain the grounds and fruit and vegetable gardens, guide visitors, assist in setting up a tree nursery, a bamboo plantation and a bird sanctuary; teach or assist in programs for environmental education, help with ecological restoration and reforestation, assist building an educational trail for schoolchildren in a nearby rain forest or setting up an organic vegetable garden for our therapy and training centre for special need children. Tasks vary from tree planting to dry stone walling, footpath and step-building construction to creating wildlife habitats and occasional trash collecting projects at tourist sites. (No previous experience required).
Contact: peacevillages@yahoo.es, www.peacevillages.org
Piedra Blanca Community Ecotourism Project
A community ecotourism project providing alternative sources of income whilst sustaining the local rainforest. Volunteers are needed to teach English to local guides, service providers and school children. Other volunteering opportunities are also available.
Contact: ecopiedrablanca@hotmail.com, www.piedrablanca.org
The Rainforest Education & Resource Centre (CREES)
Fauna Forever is a training, team building and environmental monitoring initiatives located in important biologically and culturally diverse habitats. There are currently two programs based in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, a conservation area in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. The programs are an adventurous yet professional way to experience and learn first-hand about humid tropical ecosystems and indigenous Amazon cultures whilst contributing to valuable on-going research.
Contact: info@crees-manu.org, www.crees-manu.org.
Volunteer in Guatemala with Volunteer Adventures!
Volunteer Adventures gives you the opportunity to live and volunteer in Guatemala. As a volunteer, you will be able to take care of rescued animals in the Petén rainforest, or help hatch and release endangered sea turtles on the black sand beaches of Hawaii, Guatemala. Both projects allow you to participate in the protection of these animals and restoration to their natural habitats.
Contact: volunteer@volunteeradventures.com, www.volunteeradventures.com
Volunteer Latin America
Volunteer Latin America is a small and independent organisation committed to helping protect Latin America’s flora and fauna, its biodiversity, and to offering the most cost effective way to become an environmental volunteer in Mexico, Central and South America.
Contact: info@volunteerlatinamerica.com, www.volunteerlatinamerica.com.
Witness for Peace Delegations
WFP delegations combine international travel and education with the struggle for peace, economic justice, and alternative development. Delegates witness firsthand the effects of global economic trends on the people of Latin America and meet with local partners and community members in Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, or Nicaragua to explore cross-border advocacy.
Mexico
Mar de Jade Ocean-front Center, Chacala, Nayarit. Celebrating our 20th year as a center for responsible tourism, we are located in the fishing village of Chacala on its beautiful beach north of Puerto Vallarta. For 15-years, our volunteer/study program has been offering opportunities to guests to learn Spanish and put it to use in rural community volunteer projects, including a medical clinic, an after school program for children, a community kitchen and garden project, ESL classes, and house construction. Guests gain insight into local culture through volunteering. Surrounded by lush jungle with the warm, clear Pacific at our door, they enjoy swimming, surfing, hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking, whale-watching, and other excursions. Our calendar of retreats include yoga, meditation among others as well as our teen summer camp.
Contact: In Mexico, Tel./fax 011-52-322-222-1171; Tel. 011-52-322-222-3524. U.S. mailing address: PMB 078-344, 705 Martens Ct., Laredo, TX 78041-6010; info@mardejade.com, www.mardejade.com.
Pacific Region
Kalani Oceanside Retreat. Kalani is an educational nonprofit center that celebrates Hawaii, nature, culture, and wellness. Located on 19 costal acres on the southwest coast of Hawaii Island. You can enjoy daily yoga classes, hula classes, and volleyball, as well as our pool, sauna, and hot tubs. Our volunteer programs offer the opportunity to experience life in a community, enjoy a variety of activities, and learn to grow while serving our guests. With over 40 volunteers and staff, as well as up to 100 guests at a time, much help is need to maintain and operate our facility. Volunteer Scholars commit a one-month period and assist 20 hours per week in an assigned department. Resident Volunteers commit to a 3-month period and assist 30 hours per week in an assigned department.
Mike's Diver's Fiji Ltd. Eco-Corps
Fiji Coral Reef Conservation Expeditions
Eco-Corps expeditions are a truly unique conservation and cultural experience based in the beautiful Fiji Islands. Come explore the incredible diversity of life on Fiji’s colorful coral reefs and lush tropical forests, while experiencing true island culture and hospitality. You’ll learn about coral reef ecology and marine conservation issues, as well as Fijian natural history, culture, and language while living and working with a coastal Fijian village; the training you receive will enable you to participate in on-site collaborative research, education, and conservation projects.
Contact: info@dive.fiji.com, www.dive-fiji.com/internships.html
SpainSunseed Desert Technology aims to develop, demonstrate and communicate accessible, low-tech methods of living sustainably in a semi-arid environment. They are based in the province of Almeria in the eastern part of Andalucia, Southern Spain.
Every year up to three hundred international volunteers come to work at Sunseed Desert Technology staying for between a week and several months. Volunteers can work in all of our departments which include: Appropriate Technology, Organic Gardening, Dryland Management and Construction and Maintenance. All volunteers and staff also share the communal cooking and cleaning duties. Volunteers pay a weekly donation towards food and accommodation, this money almost entirely funds the work of the project.
Sunseed Desert Technology, Apdo 9, 04270 Sorbas, Almeria, Spain, sunseedspain@arrakis.es, tel. + 34 950 525 770, www.sunseed.org.uk
Worldwide
Earthwatch Institute, 3 Clocktower Pl., Suite 100, P.O. Box 75, Maynard, MA 01754; 800-776-0188 or 978-461-0081, fax 978-461-2332; info@earthwatch.org, www.earthwatch.org. Since 1971, this international nonprofit organization has placed more than 65,000 volunteers with field researchers engaged in a dazzling menu of scientific and social science research around the world. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, it presently supports about 140 projects in 50 countries. Forty percent of participants are older adults, and a great many volunteers are repeat clients with 20+ projects off their checklist (review by Alison Gardner).
US Servas: Homestays for Peace, www.usservas.org.
Servas is an international network of hosts and travelers building peace by providing opportunities for individual visits between people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. During a typical homestay- usually 2 nights-, travelers participate in the daily lives of their host: discussing social concerns, running errands, cooking a meal, visiting a school or lending a hand in a workplace. Servas encompasses more than 14,000 homes and institutions in more than 130 countries.
Contact: Julie Schumacher Cohen, Program Director, U.S. Servas, 11 John St., Rm. 505, New York, NY 10038-4009; 212-267-0252, fax 212-267-0292.; info@usServas.org, www.usServas.org.
Youth International. An experiential education program focusing on international travel and intercultural exchange, adventure, community service, and homestays. Teams of 14, aged 18-25, travel together for 1 semester of 3 1/2 months to Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, and India) or Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia) or South America (Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, including the Galapagos islands). Assist refugees, hike the Himalayas or the Andes, live with and help an African tribe, scuba dive in the Galapagos, and much more.
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