The course description
a typical day on this gap project
At Kaya Responsible Travel, we offer gap year experiences that combine travel and volunteering, helping you see the world and make an impact while doing so.
If you’re interested in environmental conservation, you may spend your time tackling issues such as climate change, habitat degradation, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, and the destruction of national land due to invasive species and human activity. You’ll see forests, rivers and oceansides in a new light!
If you’re interested in working with wildlife - think everything from capybaras to elephants - we have a number of placements for you to choose from. Volunteers are much needed, and can help overworked sanctuary staff, help maintain reserves, assist veterinarians and even bring awareness to issues facing wildlife!
We support a variety of conservation projects, and each project varies in its goals and needs. Therefore, the activities differ, depending on the placement you choose. As a volunteer, you’ll provide an essential extra pair of hands. There will always be plenty to do, whether you choose to work on a reserve, at a rescue center or in a research facility, to name just a few options. Volunteers may work together independently or in groups, depending on the project. You will have the guidance and training you need to complete daily tasks effectively. Just to give you a taste for the range of projects available to you, daily tasks may include socializing gibbons at a sanctuary in Thailand, climbing trees to monitor macaw nesting sites in Ecuador or tracking lions in South Africa, to name just a few! The sky really is the limit! In a general sense, some of the main volunteer activities across the range of our environmental/wildlife conservation projects include:
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Research; fieldwork including species monitoring, tracking, vegetation mapping; permaculture, fair trade agriculture, green energy, reforestation; community outreach; wilderness trail walks and patrols; fence patrols; project proposals and strategy
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION/ANIMAL RESCUE WORK
Wildlife recovery, reintroduction and release; food preparation and delivery; enclosure maintenance; veterinary staff assistance; wildlife conservation workshops and community outreach
VETERINARY CARE*
(With qualifications; depending on the placement)
Veterinary care for captive and wild animals; wildlife identification, immobilisation, transport, release; preventative treatments; small animal care in low-income communities; wound care, follow-ups and community education; surgical observations
EXPANDING YOUR KNOWLEDGE/MAKING AN IMPACT
*Learn about local environments and wildlife from knowledgeable and passionate community-members
*If applicable to your placement, contribute by working with schools, conducting research, and aiding in conservation as needed
*If applicable, learn about anti-poaching and security, or human-wildlife interactions
*Have an adventure and experience the country for all it has to offer, whilst making strides in the field of conservation
Check out our website to find out more about specific gap placements, or talk to a placement advisor. They’ll have all the details!
Who are we looking for?
the requirements for this course
What can we offer you?
why choose us for your gap year
*Placement advising and project-matching
*Detailed pre-departure information and 24/hour support on the ground
*Airport pickups and drop-offs (except on 6-month placements)
*On-site orientation
*Accommodations (some placements may include meals as well)
*Depending on the type of placement and your needs, you may have a supervisor with structured learning goals (this is specific to internship placements and study and service)
DETAILS
We’re here to support you the whole way, from programme start to finish (and beyond!). The accommodations we provide are safe and vetted. Programme lengths and start dates vary, so talk to a placement advisor for details.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have decided to re-open limited locations as "Pod Programs" that meet our strict safety standards. Depending on what you want to do, you can travel with a small group of tested students and volunteers to select locations!