Have you been dreaming of conservation study abroad? Thinking about all the sea turtles you can save, invasive species you can help eradicate, and rare birds you can monitor? Perfect! It sounds like you have one foot out the door already. But then the reality of logistics come crashing into your thought bubble, and you wonder if it’s all worth the trouble. Trust us: Conservation study abroad is one of the best experiences you can have, from both a personal and professional standpoint!
Welcome to your new classroom!
We’re not just saying that, either. We have PLENTY of great reasons why conservation study abroad is an experience you should pursue ASAP.
Like, how about the fact that you’ll get to spend a huge chunk of your time outdoors instead of in a freezing lecture hall? Or that the world is your oyster, and you have dozens upon dozens of locations to select from? Have you heard about the stellar program options too? Get wise and check out ALL the fantastic reasons to get out there and study wildlife conservation abroad.
What is conservation study abroad?
Conservation study abroad is a unique, valuable, and fulfilling experience to have as a high school or undergrad student, but especially so if your major or future career pertains to nature or any of its wonderful aspects.
During conservation study abroad programs, you can expect to spend a LOT of time outdoors working with plants or animals in the hot sun, choppy seas, lush forests, or any myriad of environmental backdrops. Get ready for mosquito bites, sunburn, or poison ivy, and pack your bags accordingly.
Of course, conservation study abroad doesn’t take place completely outdoors—you’ll spend plenty of time learning in a classroom or doing research in a lab as well. After class, your accommodation will most likely be found on a college campus if you’re studying abroad through your home university, or student housing of some kind if you’re traveling through a third party provider.
No matter how you’ll get out there to study wildlife conservation abroad (or any other inter-discipline), make sure you get all the fine details from your advisor or program coordinator about what your program entails.
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7 reasons to pursue conservation study abroad
1. You get to work outside!
During conservation study abroad, you’ll never get sick of the amazing views. Don’t forget sunscreen and a good hat!
Does it go without saying that when you study wildlife conservation abroad that you’ll get to spend a lot of time outdoors? Probably, but we’ll remind you anyway. A huge component of conservation study abroad programs is field research and observation, which requires you to be, ya know, in the field.
Depending on your conservation focus, that could mean traversing gorgeous old growth forests, managing your seasickness on a coral reef, hitting the trails along picturesque mountains, and so much more. If that doesn’t sound like a dream come true to you, you might be in the wrong line of work!
2. There are a TON of awesome programs
Conservation is a growing field as the climate crisis gains notoriety and as we watch habitats crumble before our eyes around the world. The fact that there is so much work to be done means that there are dozens upon dozens of conservation study abroad programs to choose from across the globe.
That being said, it’s very possible that your home university doesn’t offer conservation as a study abroad focus, but that’s a-okay. Why not check out Round River’s Belize Conservation Program or Patagonia Conservation Program? Or perhaps a Summer in South Africa with CIS Abroad? Maybe IES Abroad in the Galapagos Islands? Get out there and start searching—you won’t believe what kind of experiences are available to you!
3. Possible destinations are practically endless
Every country on Earth has natural habitats and species worth protecting, which means your destination possibilities are basically limitless. Check out Belize for tropical vibes, Mongolia for striking mountain ranges, South Africa for ethical safaris, New Zealand for unspoiled wilderness, and so many more. If you can get there with a student visa, you’ll probably find a conservation study abroad program waiting for you.
The canopies of Belize will be a whole new world.
Feeling overwhelmed by your options? We don’t blame you! Our best suggestion is to narrow down your program and destination based on your goals. For example, if you want to rehabilitate toucans, don’t head to the Alps. But if you want to do something like monitoring human-jaguar conflict and learning how to implement viable solutions, then someplace like Belize would be perfect! Capice? (Don’t have any study abroad goals? Ay yi yi...this will help you out.)
4. It’ll make you more competitive
Let’s be real: Taking your conservation studies abroad makes you hella competitive in the job market. It will add valuable hard skills to your repertoire, and you’ll have practical experience under your belt that many of your peers just won’t match.
Come graduation, you’ll be grateful that you spent a semester cleaning dirt out from under your fingernails and getting an up close look at what goes on behind the scenes of wildlife conservation (in a foreign country to boot!). It’s going to help make you a frontrunner in future job prospects and open many doors to all kinds of cool opportunities!
5. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose
When it comes to study abroad, wildlife conservation will not only enhance your resume—it’ll help you grow on a personal level too. Depending on where you land to study wildlife conservation abroad, you’ll have the opportunity to pick up a new language, interact with local populations, and have rare encounters with elusive animal and plant species.
The cool thing about studying abroad is that it’s a major win on all fronts; you’ll elevate your job potential, but you’ll also learn a thing or two about yourself as well. You might even decide that you want to work abroad in the future or extend your study abroad experience! Anything is possible when you study abroad, so why not go for it?
6. Your studies can make a difference
While on conservation study abroad, you’ll probably get to meet those benefiting from your work quite often.
Make no mistake about it—people willing to commit time to conservation efforts are needed now more than ever. But then again, you probably knew that when you chose this field, right? A major perk of conservation study abroad is that your work can make a real difference in the community where you’re located.
Oftentimes, these will be places that lack funding or resources to carry out conservation work on their own, and thus rely on dedicated students and volunteers to step up to the plate. Your study abroad experience won’t be based around ordering tapas in a Spanish plaza or perusing medieval art in a drafty museum; you’ll be doing physical, hands-on work that can make all the difference. Be proud of that!
7. The networking opportunities are amazing
Post study abroad, wildlife conservation will be the gift that keeps on giving in terms of your career and future endeavors. During your program, you will make many connections through your peers, professors, and guides, and they may just be integral in providing you a vital letter of recommendation or a reference.
Not to mention, you’ll be able to connect with other program alumni and see how they’ve been able to capitalize on their own experience! Far-reaching, all-encompassing benefits and a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Sign us up!
Go get your hands dirty with conservation study abroad!
Mmkay, we’re more than a little bit jealous of the cool things you’re about to see, do, and experience.
Hopefully you’re now feeling like you have the ammo you need to make a well-informed decision, and hopefully that decision is to pursue conservation study abroad! With so many corners of the world to explore, so many environments that need our help, and a whole bevy of personal and professional benefits, conservation study abroad seems like a downright no-brainer, right? Now get out there and find the perfect program for you! →
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This article was written with help from Round River Conservation Studies. Round River has been operating since 1991 with the goal of implementing strategies around the world that help conserve and restore wilderness. They are currently accepting applications for their Belize Conservation Program, which runs this spring from January 27 - April 21, 2020.
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