Q: Could you give us a short background on Eco Africa Experience:
A: Eco Africa Experience has been operating for just over 2 years. Eco Africa Experience was set up after several private game reserves in South Africa saw the need to out source to international volunteers to help with their conservation initiatives. With the need and demand ever growing Eco Africa Experience is now a global company working under the name Worldwide Experience.
Worldwide Experience strives to conserve what man is fast destroying – our very own environment. We offer gap year placements across the globe, all of our placements have similar conservation objectives and aims to ours. We support their initiatives through the recruitment of volunteers from around the world to work on diverse conservation, activity and community projects..
Q: What are some volunteer opportunities you offer? Do you have any volunteer opportunities you are particularly proud of?
A: Worldwide Experience mainly offers conservation programs in South Africa. All our gap year placement programmes have been formulated with the assistance of the worldwide Experience team, to give volunteers the best possible experience in the country and placement you choose. Conservation projects on the selected reserves in South Africa are run by specialists in their field and who are specifically trained to impart their skills and experience.
One of most exciting placements at the moment is our Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, it is currently the only reserve in world to have free roaming white lions. They are also partaking in a number of game releases over the coming months making Sanbona a real life changing experience for our volunteers.
Q: What kind of daily life should prospective volunteers expect?
A: As part of volunteers funding, worldwide experience organizes all their travel arrangements and accommodation. From the word go Worldwide Experience is there to make each and every volunteer have the most amazing and well organized placement. All volunteers travel in groups of between 6 and 12 and all are met at London Heathrow for the introductions and last minute prep talk before the big off. Then upon arrival all volunteers are met and transferred from the airport to their chosen placement; where all their needs are catered for, from 3 meals a day to laundry service 3 times a week (Certain placements). Accommodation is normally on a twin-shared basis with en-suite shower rooms. The only thing not included is drinks and insurance.
The working week is generally between Monday and Friday and evenings and weekends are for volunteers own expense. Weekends to Cape Town are not uncommon and bungee jumping, shark cage diving and many more activities can be arranged for the more adventurous.
Q: What is the most important piece of advice you can offer future volunteers?
A: Many volunteers see the task of raising funds for their placements a very daunting prospect. My advice to any one considering one of our experiences is to set their mind to it and work hard toward their fundraising because in the long run it will pay off.
Q: What is the biggest challenge while volunteering abroad?
A: Our volunteers face many challenges whilst volunteering with us abroad. One of the beigest challenges for many young travelers is getting accustomed to their a new way of life. For many people it is the first time away from home and to get over that first mile stone is a huge challenge for many people.
Q: On the flip side, what is the biggest reward?
A: Conservation is such an important aspect for the future development of our world. To look back in years to come at the way the world once was and to think we could have prevented the abomination of the worlds wildlife would be the hugest sin. Our placements give volunteers the chance to help and put back their own personal effort to the worlds conservation. Knowing that you helped with the reintroduction of lions back into their natural environment or assisting with the eradication of alien plant forms, each and every volunteer will feel they have contributed regardless of how large or small the contribution.
Q: Why should they pay to volunteer with Eco Africa Experience? How is the money used?
A: Eco Africa Experience requests a significant financial contribution towards all requested placements. All funds generated contribute to the smooth running of the program, a certain portion is contributed to the Born Free Foundation and the Wilderness Trust and the funds also contribute to the on going projects related to our conservation efforts.
Q: Do you have any advice on funding a volunteer experience abroad? (Fundraising, Budgeting, Scholarships etc…)
A: In the past we have had many volunteers raise funds towards their Eco Africa Experience. Because a large portion of the funds you generate goes back into conservation it allows to you capitalize on this opportunity. Fundraising projects past students have carried out include sponsored runs and swims, letters to companies and charities as well as general work. Potential volunteers are always feel free to discuss the opportunities with our experienced team any time. There is a lot of money to be earned out there!
Q: How does volunteering abroad fit into the bigger picture of aid and development?
A: Traveling over seas has become a very popular thing to do over recent years with many people taking time outside of their usual 2 week holiday and actually spending some quality time experiencing different lands and cultures. With this growth of the traveling has now come the conservation and community placement, offering young and travelers the chance to experience different cultures but actually help make a difference and put something back. Our placements are constantly ongoing so the conservation and community work that takes place has an effect over a long period of time.
Q: Why should someone volunteer with Eco Africa Experience?
A: Many organizations tend to step in to assist with a project and then simply disappear. This is not the case with Worldwide Experience. We realize that conservation needs man’s on going support, which can only be achieved through the generation of this contribution and via the support of the self-funding volunteer. Volunterring with Worldwide Experience helps to conserve our world but also gives people the chance to have an amazing and once in life time experience.
Q: How can someone get in contact with Eco Africa Experience and learn more about your volunteer abroad opportunities?
A: Worldwide Experience
Guardian House
Borough Road
Godalming
Surrey
GU7 2AE
+44 (0) 1483 860 560
www.worldwideexperience.com
info@worldwideexperience.com
