What inspired you to work for Natucate?
Since I first left home and started traveling solo at 17, I saw volunteering as the optimal way to see the world while contributing to a greater cause and experiencing real cultural immersion. I am a huge advocate for volunteering, and thrilled to be working for an organization that offers unique and impactful volunteer opportunities for all ages, interests and adventure levels. I can stand by my work knowing that I am helping people find the perfect volunteer opportunity for them, while supporting our partner organizations around the world who are making incredible strides towards nature and species conservation.
Working with Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOFing) in Colombia.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is the personal interaction working with volunteers and partners every day. Unlike many other agencies, we get to know our volunteers closely to understand their interests and preferences to be able to guide and support them as much as they need.
With every volunteer, I get to join them on their journey from the initial excitement of selecting a project, to their planning and preparation and then sending them off and checking in during the trip to hear how everything is going. We offer a very personable and individual attention to all volunteers, and I find that personally very rewarding when I see how satisfied they are with their volunteer experience and with the support they receive from Natucate.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My experience of having lived in four countries, each for several years, has certainly humbled me and allowed me to understand the nerves and hesitation that some volunteers, who maybe have never left their country or continent before, may be feeling. I have had many new beginnings where I have been completely pushed out of my comfort zone, and those have been the most rewarding experiences. I commend volunteers who take that first step to reach out to us and explore the opportunities that lay in front of them, even if the idea of traveling to a new corner of the world may seem daunting.
I can use my own experience to help guide them toward the best suited project for them, and make sure that they feel absolutely supported and encouraged when they are stepping out of their comfort zone. I know that taking that first step can be scary, but once you open up the door to a world of exploration, you'll never look back!
On top of the world at Machu Picchu in Peru.
What are some current projects you are working on?
We are currently developing a new project offer for volunteers in Brazil, working with reforestation of the Atlantic forest. We are very excited to be opening our first project in Brazil, where volunteers can work side by side with a team of international researchers and specialists contributing to a vital cause.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Be open to whatever experiences are ahead. Some things you can plan to a tee, but sometimes you have to learn to go with the flow and be flexible. Sometimes when things don't go as planned or are different than you imagined, they turn out to be the most wonderful adventures.
Welcome and soak up every aspect of a trip: the food, language, culture, nature, sounds, smells, interactions with locals and other travelers. Let all of these places and experiences hold a permanent place in your mind, they are memories that you will hold for a lifetime.
Why should someone choose Natucate over competitors?
When you choose Natucate, you will get personal attention from one of our travel experts who know the projects inwards and outwards and are eager to help match you with the most suitable volunteer opportunity. We are always available to assist with any questions, planning, and support before, during, and after the project. We are passionate about conservation, travel and volunteering, and make certain to only offer conservation projects that we can 100% stand behind, while simultaneously offering the highest caliber of customer support.
What is Natucate's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
At Natucate we wish to combine people's desire for exploration, adventure and sense of purpose with our project partners' goal of wildlife research and conservation in a mutually beneficial way. We link eager and passionate volunteers with organizations working on defending and regenerating critical natural resources and species populations around the globe.
We are able to do this by taking a travel opportunity and turning it into a life-changing experience of learning, mindfulness and active participation in conservation work. Given the multiple environmental crises that our world faces, it is the responsibility of organizations like Natucate to change the travel narrative, and offer more sustainable, educational, and engaging opportunities for volunteers who are eager to help and learn!
Exploring the stunning temples of Sukhothai in Thailand by bike!
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
We hope that for first time volunteers, the spark of interest in conservation work which may have led them to us, is turned into a flame. We hope that they develop a passion for protecting their environment which goes far beyond their trip abroad and becomes a part of their lifestyle. We hope that their passion for conscious travel is contagious and becomes the norm, replacing other harmful and exploitative types of travel.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Travel offers the opportunity for volunteers to expand their minds, their worldview, their sense of compassion and understanding, all while inviting more questions and stoking an ever-growing curiosity to know what else is out there. It is so easy to get caught up in the little details that run our lives while forgetting about this vast expansion of natural beauty, fascinating cultures and endless opportunities to explore which await every one of us.
This is why we do our best to offer a variety of travel opportunities for all budgets, time-frames, interests and adventure levels. Travel, volunteering and learning about how to protect our natural world should never be exclusive, we aim to make our offers accessible to everyone.
Exploring a local market while traveling in Pondicherry, India.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is all about attitude and intention. Whether you are traveling to Namibia to support a desert elephant conservation project, or flying for a week to Istanbul for a city vacation, it is up to the individual to be conscious about sustainable travel, harm reduction and to make the very most of their time abroad through immersion and giving back in whatever way possible.
To me, the most meaningful travel experiences have been when I felt a real connection to the land and people where I was. That meant for me staying away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan centers, reconnecting with nature, interacting with locals, engaging in the customs and traditions of that place, and always being open to learn.
The times when I have really pushed myself to abandon my sense of comfort and routine and immerse myself completely in a new environment by getting involved, whether by helping out on a farm, or working in a local school, have been by far the most meaningful and rewarding.
