Description

Volunteer or Intern with a wildlife rescue Center in Uganda! Uganda is classified as an "ultra diverse" country with over 1500 native species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Due to a combination of lack of education, political turmoil in the 1970s and 1980s, deforestation, and poverty, many of the native species of Ugandaface the threat of extinction. The Uganda Wildlife Education Center is working hard to promote the importance of conserving the biodiversity of Uganda among the Ugandan people, especially the younger generations. The UWEC operates an animal rescue center manages captive breeding programs for threatened species such as the Rothschild Giraffe, and facilitates educational programs.

Interns with this program will assist with the care of the animals in the rescue center, record observations of the animals' behavior, and assist with the educational programs. Interns must have a demonstrated interest in wildlife management, zoology, veterinary medicine, or related field. This internship requires a minimum time commitment of eight weeks and has an additional program fee of USD 300 to offset training costs.

Highlights

Uganda is the lush pearl of Africa on the northern shore of Lake Victoria where the Eastern African Savannahs meet the western rainforests. The natural wonders of the country include dramatic waterfalls, incredible wildlife including the last troops of mountain gorillas, and Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world. The people of Uganda are well known for their hospitality and warmth. Uganda ranks among the world's poorest countries and has little in the way of basic infrastructure such as electricity, running water, waste management, and access to education and healthcare.

ELI works with local organizations based in Iganga District, about three hours east of the capital Kampala. Iganga town lies on the Mombasa to Kampala Highway--one of East Africa's major transportation routes. The bustling highway gives the false impression that the town is teeming with traffic, but just a few hundred yards from the highway, cars become a rare sight and quiet village life takes over.

ELI volunteers and interns have the rare opportunity to fully experience Ugandan life through living with host families and working in community based organizations.

Qualifications

Participants must have a demonstrated interest in wildlife management, veterinary medicine, or other related field.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Starting at USD 1,705 for 8 weeks

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers and interns to prepare for their travels.

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Entebbe and given a ride to Iganga where the projects are based

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a one to two day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Uganda, registration with local authorities, using transportation, and the culture of Uganda

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Uganda coordinator has years of experience working with Ugandan NGOs and international volunteers. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Participants stay with a local host family and experience day to day Ugandan family life.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range

21 and over

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application
• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001