Description

Project Brief

If you are interested in animal conservation this is an exceptional gap year project. Covering an area of 6 acres which stretches right down to the beach, this Crocodile Centre houses over 2,500 crocodiles as well as a number of snakes and amphibians. Running several educational and awareness programs, this organisation works with many schools in the local area, and there is also a very well stocked library for anyone interested in reading up on crocs and snakes.

About the Centre

This is a great place not only to volunteer on your gap year, but also to live, as the people here are so easy-going. World-renowned for its research in the field of herpetology, this "crocodile bank" is laid out almost like a zoo and is open to visitors. Volunteers share the charming accommodation (a shack with a mezzanine) in the centre itself. Food is provided, but volunteers are welcome to use the kitchen. Anyone who can make pizza is especially welcome!

Your Role

As a gap year volunteer you will be involved in almost every aspect of work here. You can expect to do a fair bit of hands-on maintenance work, such as cleaning out the crocodiles' enclosures. There are regular opportunities for assisting with research projects, helping out with data collection/recording etc. You can also help with the environmental education programme working with schoolchildren from the local area, and also running summer camps. Volunteers can act as guides for visitors - crocodiles become more active after dark, so you can help take visitors on the night safari. As well as all of this, general help with day-to-day operations is always welcome.

Highlights

What you can do

Volunteers can find themselves doing everything at the centre from maintenance and cleaning croc enclosures to collecting data, acting as guides or working with visiting schoolchildren. School and college groups receive special talks and demonstrations, among the highlights of which is the chance to cuddle a baby crocodile or one of the trust's amiable pythons. So you too can get up close and personal with a croc! Crocodiles become more active after dark, which means you'll also be helping take visitors on a night safari. Volunteers intending to study conservation, zoology or other related disciplines can greatly benefit from this programme, but it's open to all.

While you're learning about and helping care for the animals you'll also be developing your leadership and communication skills as a guide - and you'll make some great human friends too!

What you Gain

This is a unique opportunity for anyone interested in crocodiles and reptiles. Gap year volunteers who intend to study conservation, zoology or other relayed disciplines can also greatly benefit from participating in this programme. It's also a great location for exploring Tamil Nadu - you can easily get into Chennai if you fancy a night out, or down to Mahallipuram for a relaxing weekend on the beach.

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Native Culture Studies
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Nature Tours
• Overland Tours
• Safari
• Student Tours
• Tours
• Vacation Packages
• Volunteering

Qualifications

- You need to be over 18 by the date of departure
- You need to have completed your A Levels
- You need a keen interest and enthusiasm in conservation
- You do not require any previous experience or language certification, English will be the primary language of communication

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please see our website for details

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Included:
- Welcome Pack
- Pre-departure briefing
- Airport Pick & Drop at Project Location
- Accommodation
- All Meals

Not Included:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Spending money
- Local transport & travel

Credit Available

yes

Salary/Pay

Voluntary Placements

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

What it means to be a GapGuru Volunteer: The answer depends on what you are prepared to put into it. No matter how old you are, Gapping equates to Growing. Becoming a GapGuru Volunteer means you'll be able to look back and say, 'Wow! I'm really glad I did that!' When you volunteer, you truly give. From the first day, you'll see how much the people truly need your help. And every day you're there, you'll be able to get a sense of making a difference. You'll expand your mind and widen your experience. You'll increase all kinds of skills and discover new abilities you never knew you had. A Gap that is structured and planned for maximum benefits will impress your future employers as well as your future instructors and lecturers. GapGuru Volunteers help, teach and lead in areas as diverse as wildlife conservation, music, mobile schools, and medical care.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-3

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview Required
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

GapGuru's Mission Statement

GapGuru is a gap year specialist offering a wide range of exciting volunteer projects, travel programs and gap year internships across Asia, Africa, South America & Europe. We are committed to providing unique programs and unrivaled customer service that helps you to make the most of your gap year abroad.