Working Holidays

[Interpreter]

I have just received some information regarding worldwide wildlife. One of the links included with it was about volunteer positions in South Africa, Kenya and India. All of the positions included working with animals. Big cats, elephants, Hypos etc. For someone who is still young and can get the time off work these positions would appear to be a better bet than spending an equivalent amount of money joining an overseas safari holiday.
For example, six weeks learning to be a Game Ranger Guide, including the level one examination for £1899 seems quite a bargain. The level one is the minimum qualification to be a guide. You would have to find your own airfare, but transfers, accommodation and food are all included.
The link for the volunteer positions is:-
Gap Year Projects | Conservation Volunteering | Gap Year Travel Ideas in Africa | Career Breaks

Do people think that these positions offer a lot for younger members? I am sure that similar opportunities exist within our own country for volunteers, but these more exotic animals have an appeal all of their own. I remember my own feelings the first time I went into a compound with a young cheetah and the way she purred like a kitten. The adult cheetahs were just as friendly.

[clicka15]

Hi Interpreter,

I've been thinking about doing something similar, but in this country, with BTCV (BTCV - BTCV Home).

I thought it would be a cheap, fun and energetic way of exploring some unknown parts of the UK, while learning some new skills at the same time.

Has anyone done any work with BTCV?

Steve.

[ron1863]

Am I missing something or is it a sign of the times that you now pay to be trained for a job. When I was young it was called an apprenticeship and you got paid, not much but you did get a pay while you learned the job.

[StuartDH]

At nearly £2,000 plus air travel for just 6 weeks and to only get on the first rung it seems expensive to me. I'm sure I've come across these in the past at a lot less. Depends on class sizes, but if there's even just ten on the course they're making nearly £20,000 in 6 weeks I doubt local wages or expenses are much, so that seems like a lot of potential profit.

Not really sure, but it doesn't look like a voluntary/placement, but rather just paying for a course in the same way as paying to go on a diving holiday to learn scuba. I'd much rather go on one that's run by charity and longer term to get some real experience rather than just a certificate.

[Blackbrook Eye]

Sounds a bit iffy to me, I doubt if anyone could qualify as a guide at a British Safari Park in six weeks let alone places like South Africa and Kenya. Dont think I'd want to trust them with my family, but I could be wrong, I usually am.

[eeyore]

earthwatch were the first to do this , but now there are loads - fronteir are another good one - however they arent cheap, some are a rip off and at the end of the day are basically more like a holiday than a true placement - aproach them in the right spirit and you'll be fine but if you really want overseas experience you are probably better with VSO

in this country by all means dip your toe in the water with btcv natural breaks but again in the long run you would be better off with a propper volunteer position with btcv, wildlife trust, national trust, national trails, rspb or what have you.

disclaimer: the above is all only my opinion and i'm happy for other people to disagree with me

[clicka15]

Originally Posted by eeyore

in this country by all means dip your toe in the water with btcv natural breaks but again in the long run you would be better off with a propper volunteer position with btcv, wildlife trust, national trust, national trails, rspb or what have you.

Hi Eeyore,

I should think the best thing about BTCV is that it gives you the chance to visit some 'exotic' places around the UK that you wouldn't normally get the chance to see by volunteering closer to home on a more regular basis. I should think there'd be a bit of local knowledge on offer as well wherever you went.

I'll probably give it a go in the future to see what it's like.

I also quite fancy doing one of those Oxfam challenges like walking the Inca Trail or the Ethiopian Highlands. I'll probably need everyone on WAB to sponsor me first though!

Best Wishes,

Steve.