Description

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

The project is run by Giovanni, who, although native to the island, spent many years in the States and married an American lady. With a PhD in Biology, this farmer really knows what he is talking about and he has set up an excellent structure for a volunteer program and great support.

The Biological Station opened in San Cristobal in 2005. The Foundation has worked towards the development of reforestation, habitat re-composition and agro forestry activities during its 5 years on the island. In virtue of this, one of the objectives of this station is to develop methodological practices for natural system reconstruction that will serve as a model for similar projects in other reserves.

Volunteers have begun reforestation with Hacienda San Cristobal staff, replacing exotic, invasive plants with other species. Furthermore, volunteers collaborate with organizations such as the Instituto Nacional del Nino y la Familia (INFA) in Hippo-therapy to promote environmental conservation among young children from the island, as well as motivate community members to plant local, rather than introduced vegetation. Plans include the construction of a native plant corridor from dry forest portion of the low land reserve to the moist forest above. Reforestation with native plants will be emphasized as a plant production center is developed.

The Bio station is located in the highlands of the island on a 50 hectare site where there is still native vegetation. One of the objectives of this new station will be to develop the new technology to reconstruct native habitat in the highlands of San Cristobal, and to serve as a center for similar projects in the highlands of other populated areas in the Galapagos chain. The remaining native highland forests on the populated islands are quite limited due to farming activities in general, and the introduction of useful, but very invasive species from the mainland. Volunteers work to reserve the native and endemic forests of San Cristobal. They collaborate with institutions such as the Instituto Nacional del Nino y la Familia (INFA) to promote environmental conservation among young children from the island as well as motivate community to plant local, rather than introduced vegetation.

PROJECT LIFE DAY-TO-DAY:

You'll live and work on the station itself. Nature takes over when working in a place such as this, so you'll get up early each morning to start work, and usually have a break in the middle of the day to relax and recuperate, before continuing with the work in the afternoon.

The jobs you will be involved in are numerous and most of the work is on reforestation, research and community based projects. You will be involved in restoration of habitats, as well as assisting with the organic agriculture component of the project. Volunteers usually work for five days each week, with weekends off. Days are long and hard and you should be prepared for hot, physical and yet rewarding work. Evenings are quiet and usually spent lounging in hammocks, chatting, listening to music, writing in your journal or reading.

LOCATION:

The local town of El Progreso is a 30-minute walk or 10 minutes taxi ride from San Cristobal or a speedy ride down the mountain on the bikes that are provided for your use (not so speedy getting home perhaps). You can shop, relax, get on the internet, or party here!

From El Progreso you can catch a bus or taxi (20 minutes) to the port and either take a plane or a small speed boat to neighbouring islands from this port town.

YOUR ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL:

Getting there: You will most likely fly into Quito in Ecuador where you will be met by Travellers staff and have an induction and an overnight stop-off here. Your volunteer work will start on Monday; however, you will fly from Quito to Santa Cruz during the weekend. Your return flight from Quito Galapagos islands is included in your project price! You will be met at the airport by our project director and taken to the accommodation and settled in before your induction.

You will stay at the project house at the Hacienda. There is no phone or internet at the project house (other than for a phone for emergency use), however you can find numerous internet cafés and international phone booths in the nearby town of El Progreso, along with places to eat, drink, shop and socialise.

Food is not provided at the accommodation. However, you will be able to eat much of the locally grown farm fruit & veg produce and you can buy your other food in the local village to cook at yourself at home.

There are usually at least 3 or 4 volunteers from all over the world living at the Hacienda at any one time, and often there are many more! The atmosphere is very calm and communal here, although a shared taxi into the local town is cheap and plenty more fun can be had there.

Highlights

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
- An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the diverse culture in Galapagos Islands
- The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
- New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
- And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

SPANISH LESSONS:

If you have no previous knowledge of Spanish, your project will include 1 week of Intensive Spanish lessons at a fantastic and very well-established Spanish school in Quito. You will arrive into Quito at the start of your project and be met by our Travellers organiser in Quito. If you choose to take Spanish lessons you will fly out to the Galapagos after your intensive Spanish course. Your flights to the Galapagos islands are included in your project cost regardless of if you are taking Spanish classes or not.

All the teachers at the school have taught Spanish for 8 or more years and between them they have developed a great many resources to make the lessons lively and fun. They also periodically organise interesting and enjoyable activities in order to introduce the Ecuadorian and Latin culture to their students - most recently they've been cooking Ecuadorian dishes in classes! It's a great, fun way to learn!

Travel Types

• Birdwatching
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Horseback Riding
• Language Immersion
• Nature Tours
• RainForest Tours
• Volunteering

Qualifications

No qualifications needed, just enthusiasm and energy. You'll need a little Spanish to do this project, but we've got that covered! If you have no knowledge of Spanish at all, you can combine your project with a one week intensive Spanish course in Quito. Everyone is welcome on a Travellers program, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Varies depending on length. Starts from USD 1645.

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. Accommodation is provided.

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who are interested in conservation and want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of travelling! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers program, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

17+

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of various sizes

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995