What inspired you to work for Natucate?
Having an opportunity to impact global conservation through Natucate by supporting many travelers and volunteers to live their dream and be a part of life changing moments is truly what makes NATUCATE a very special company. We are a team that is truly dedicated to sustainability practices and meaningful projects and we constantly provide lifelong partnerships and friendships with our clients.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The most rewarding part is to hear so many people saying how their life has changed and I had the opportunity by assisting in making it possible. This truly is a very rewarding part of my job, to know that you have been with the client every step of the way that leads to an adventure of a lifetime. Also, the fact that we are constantly trying to create global awareness about conservation can be truly life changing.
Having fun playing the game, "Game Count" while riding on horseback at sunset.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
With living in Africa, I feel I can be a great support for all our volunteers and travelers. I can help prepare each individual for their trip and manage expectations correctly. I prepare each traveler with in depth information on what to expect in the different areas. While also educating people about the different cultures in the regions and how to manage and adapt from the European to the African lifestyle.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I think that each volunteer should be open minded and flexible to daily changes in the programs. Especially because nature is always in charge. Lower your expectations and you will truly have an immersive learning experience with an open heart and mind.
Reading up on the different cultures in the country you are traveling to would also prove to be an advantage. Also, it would allow you to understand the culture more clearly.
What makes Natucate special?
Natucate is connected to sustainable and ethical partners. Our partners are carefully sourced and a relationship is formed. We can then advise volunteers with information that is always accurate and truthful.
We support our clients from the very first thought of traveling to a destination to after their adventure. We form very special relationships with our clients and they become a part of the Natucate family.
Why should someone choose Natucate over competitors?
Natucate has personally visited each partner and can provide in depth detail about the programs. Also, Natucate is transparent, which is very important. We also offer wonderful support during your traveling process.
Natucate contacts our volunteers before, during, and after a trip to ensure they have adequate support, which makes all travelers feel like family.
This magical African sunset leaves everyone who sees it awestruck and amazed.
What hopes do you have for the future for Natucate?
I know that Natucate will reach people from across the globe. Together we can inspire people to change the world. With this, my hope is that the younger generation will have the opportunity to experience our different habitats and species that are threatened today as we try to preserve as much as possible.
Are there any developments with Natucate that you would like to share with us?
We continuously strive to reach out to global partners and form new partnerships. This raises awareness of different environmental issues that need our volunteers to assist in active conservation efforts. Natucate will grow with the dedicated staff that have a passion for change and sustainability.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
With options for volunteering in many different countries, we offer a large selection of programs and we assist in finding the best suited program to each individual volunteer and their specific interests. Essentially, we are able to assist any volunteer at any age group that is looking into life changing opportunities.
On a game drive exploring the region's wildlife while learning about conservation.
What is Natucate's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our name “Natucate” intentionally combines the English words ‘nature’ and (to) ‘educate’, because it is our aim to reconcile nature and education. Natucate acknowledges the value of natural habitats and the preservation of our resources. This motivates us to provide more meaningful travel which enables us to deal with our resources in a sustainable manner. This requires a public awareness which is sensitized for the need to preserve natural habitats.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope that each participant will learn that their active contribution to conservation is changing the lives of our communities and the environment. I hope that every volunteer has a life changing experience. Each volunteer should leave feeling that they have achieved something great and something unexpected during their time on a volunteer programme.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Developing your understanding of other cultures, or “cultural awareness,” lets you have more meaningful interactions with those around you. You're building your respect and empathy for other people, and celebrating your differences as well as your similarities. When you travel, you'll also gain a deeper understanding of international issues and develop cultural sensitivities. Traveling will help you learn to see things from new perspectives, build your confidence, and develop a deeper empathy for others.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is when you dive into a culture and leave with a greater understanding of a country. You return inspired, aware and grounded, eager to share and teach others of your life experiences. You become a better global citizen and yearn to make a difference in the world.
Travel should be all about discovering, exploring, and learning. It’s one of the best educations you can have! You’ll learn all about new cultures, learn more about yourself, and you could even learn new skills.
