What inspired you to work for Iracambi?
I am able to combine my academic/professional experiences with my passion for the environment. I hold two bachelor’s degrees in tourism and biology and a master’s degree in environmental conservancy.
At Iracambi, I've been able to combine and apply my varied expertise to the planning and organization of volunteer experiences and projects at the Atlantic Rainforest Conservancy.
Describe a typical day at work.
I begin my day by preparing/checking the daily schedule. Then I reach out to the team and the volunteers involved in the daily activities and check to make sure they are ready to get started! I will then check the website and respond/answer any requests or questions.
Other typical tasks include scheduling and conducting online meetings with potential candidates, reviewing the progress and results of the volunteer projects, and prepping for future projects. I also frequently interact with volunteers during free time activities like bonfires, special dinners, and movie nights.
Iracambi program participants on site!
Why do you do what you do?
It's very satisfying to work with volunteers to further environmental conservancy, especially when combined with intercultural experiences. I feel that I can really make a difference in the volunteer experience by providing quality information to our volunteers and helping them reach their personal goals.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love teaching the volunteers about the rainforest and agroecology practices. I also enjoy exposing them to traditional Brazilian customs. But my favorite part of my job has to be simply working with the volunteers and empowering them to make a difference.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I use it all the time! My academic and professional background is applied and improved upon daily due to the day to day planning of the volunteer activities and projects.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is planning and organizing the daily activities. There are a fair amount of unpredictable elements like heavy rains, broken machinery, lack of material, etc. We need to adapt to different situations frequently. Usually, this means developing alternative plans.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I'm currently updating our program information on different volunteer platforms we are registered with and developing safety protocols for when we return to in-person volunteering. Due to the pandemic, we have been working with online volunteers (a totally new experience for us). I am also looking to improve our programs by studying volunteer management.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
To be open to all opportunities that present themselves to you. Simple interactions with people can change the way you think and reveal a wonderful experience! Life is made of moments!
What makes Iracambi special?
Iracambi has 21 years of history and more than 2000 alumni spread all over the world. We are a worldwide community! But what's really magical about our organization is that we are able to offer in one single place an amazing experience that involves nature conservancy practices, an unforgettable opportunity to live and work in the forest, and a highly enjoyable environment made up of beautiful preserved trails, waterfalls, and mountains.
Volunteers get to share in local cultural practices with local and international friends. Also, we provide very thorough information and support on our website, and have a database available for those who are interested in conducting research.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
We offer a complete experience. Our volunteers also get the tourist experience and are able to develop their own projects.
Iracambi participants get hands on experience!
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
We have a professional website where potential participants can get all the information about the NGO. We also have a very nice database available and are active on our social media accounts.
What is Iracambi's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to show there is more benefit to preserving the forest than destroying it. We plan to improve our community based environmental conservancy projects in order to make this more clear.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope they have an amazing experience and learn a lot about forest conservation practices and the culture of this specific region in Brazil. Also, we hope that they continue community based environmental conservancy wherever they are living.
How do you help support participants?
I provide introductory information, conduct the application process, provide an orientation upon arrival, frequently check in to make sure all of their needs are being met, and generally help them with whatever I can.
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I would participate in the Forest for Water Program. There is a lot of work being done throughout the year and there are different tasks involved such as collecting and identifying seeds, preparing and caring for seedlings, and planting them.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
People ask what a typical day looks like. I respond that each day will likely be different! The rainforest is not a cookie cutter experience. The activities list is endless! You will make friends for life! You will get to work in the nursery, maintain the forest trails, visit local farms at tree planting times, and even work with school kids and help teach them English.
Other activities include forest monitoring, construction projects, graphic design, photography, video making, or helping with marketing and fundraising. In your free time, you can explore the forest, swim in the rivers, climb mountains, hike trails and interact with the local community!
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
I think it is very important to experience a country beyond its popular tourist destinations. You can do it by experiencing a local practice, helping an organization, or by interacting with local people.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
It means you get involved in actions that change your life and the lives of others. It's an opportunity to do something for someone else that will also benefit you.
What qualities in program & host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)
Mutual honesty is essential to Iracambi’s mission. We need to trust one another in order to support the local community and provide them with a healthy forest to improve their quality of life.
