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World Conservation FAQ's
What is the World Conservation Program?
Where can I go with the World Conservation Program?
Who can take part in the World Conservation Program?
When do World Conservation Programs operate?
How long does each Program last?
Can I link the World Conservation Program to other travel plans?
What will participating in a World Conservation Program involve?
Is there a Team Leader?
Do I need to have any practical conservation skills?
Where will I be staying?
How much does it cost?
What should I pack?
What are the benefits of the World Conservation Program for me?
What happens if I cancel?
Do I need Insurance?
Will I need a VISA?
What about travel advice?
How do I get involved?
What is the World Conservation Program?
With the Conservation Volunteers World Conservation Program you will experience between one and four weeks overseas carrying out conservation and/or heritage restoration activities alongside a local conservation organisation. You will be volunteering on valuable practical conservation projects in an environment quite unlike anything in Australia.
Where can I go with the World Conservation Program?
Destinations include USA, Costa Rica, Japan, Taiwan, England, Turkey & South Africa.
Click here to read about currently available destinations.
Who can take part in the World Conservation Program?
You need to be aged between 18 and 70, and hold or able to obtain a current passport. Membership to Conservation Volunteers is included in the program price. Conservation Volunteers normally sends teams of up to 10 participants accompanied by a Team Liaison Officer to each destination. International volunteers are also welcome to participate on World Conservation Programs.
Our teams comprise a variety of people from every walk of life! It’s a great way to meet people from around Australia and the World and make new friends. Some programs, such as our California trips, are specifically for youth aged between 18-25 years. Check the program description to see if you are eligible.
When do World Conservation Programs operate?
Overseas host agencies operate programs at different times, depending on the work involved and the seasons - so you might experience a hot African summer or the beautiful cherry blossoms of Japan’s spring time.
How long does each Program last?
Your length of stay depends on where you go. Our World Conservation Programs generally last between one and four weeks. Check our calendar for the list of dates!
Can I link World Conservation Program to other travel plans?
Yes! Your World Conservation Program could fit into your existing travel plans or you could make a World Conservation Program the beginning or end of that dream overseas trip - it's up to you. Of course if you've only got a few weeks to travel, the World Conservation Program is a unique experience giving you the opportunity to go off the beaten track, meet some great locals and not only learn about a new environment but make a positive difference as well.
What will participating in a World Conservation Program involve?
You will participate in priority conservation projects working with a local conservation organisation. Specific activities depend on the type of project, environmental and seasonal conditions. The range of activities could include:
- Tree planting
- Walking track construction and maintenance
- Wildlife habitat protection
- Forest restoration
- Historic building restoration
- Indigenous activities
- Sea Turtle monitoring
- Wildlife monitoring
- African wildlife care
Conservation projects with host agencies are generally conducted Monday to Friday but some programs have extended days and hours. Evenings and days off will be yours to share with host participants and you will have opportunities to explore the environment and local attractions. All World Conservation Programs give you access to a range exciting local recreational activities.
Yes, every team is accompanied by a knowledgeable and experienced Conservation Volunteers Team Liaison Officer (Team Leader) who is there to ensure you are trained and comfortable with all the activities, are safe according to CVA Occupational Health and Safety policies and are having a great time!
Do I need to have practical conservation skills?
You do not need specific skills; we will train you in everything you need to do! Our Team Liaison Officers (Team Leaders) are there to make sure that you understand and are fully trained in all the activities – and that you are having a great time! If you have volunteered on Conservation Volunteers projects in Australia or New Zealand, this will give you a good idea of what to expect. If you haven't volunteered before, we recommend you try a local project first. Single day projects with Conservation Volunteers will give you a taste of what you might also do overseas. To find out about a Conservation Volunteers project near you see Conservation Connect.
Where will I be staying?
Accommodation varies depending on where you go. With some host agencies you may be camping, billeted or in shared accommodation. At some locations, you may be staying alongside local conservation corps members who work on the project with you. Be prepared to share accommodation with other volunteers.
How much does it cost?
Conservation Volunteers is a not-for-profit organisation and aims to keep costs as low as we can for all participants. World Conservation Program prices are based on the real cost of running the program, and include a program management fee and contribution to the local conservation organisation that partners with us.
A World Conservation Program can be an extremely cost effective way to experience overseas destinations and volunteer at locations that the general public may never see e.g. alongside National Forest Service Rangers in remote parts of USA National Parks, working with turtle researchers in Costa Rica or living with and assisting hidden hill-tribe villages in Japan.
Once you have commenced your World Conservation Program with the host agency, meals, accommodation and project-related travel is covered.
What is not included in the cost?
- International airfare
- Passport charges
- Departure, airport and airline taxes
- Visa costs
- The cost of recreation activities, unless stated
- Laundry, postage, personal clothing
- Medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature.
What should I pack?
Travel lightly - the more you pack the more you have to carry! A backpack is better than a suitcase if possible. You will need the following items listed below.
- Day Pack (to take each day to the project site)
- Long Trousers
- Wet Weather Clothing
- Strong Work Boots*
- Long Sleeved Shirts
- Sleeping Bag
- Wide Brimmed Sun Hat
- Sunscreen (High Protection Factor)
- Insect repellent
*Conservation Volunteers Australia strongly recommends safety work boots with protective toe caps.
Don't forget to pack!
- A sense of adventure
- A desire to learn more about the environment
- A willingness to get involved
What are the benefits of World Conservation Program for me?
- Overseas travel and experience
- Visit places that are away from the tourist track
- The opportunity to meet and share experiences
- Broader conservation perspective
- Membership to Australia's largest conservation volunteering organisation
- Overseas work experience
- New skills
- AND... a great time!
What happens if I cancel?
Conservation Volunteers requires a non-refundable deposit of $250 with each booking. The deposit will only be refunded if the application is unsuccessful or if the trip is cancelled by Conservation Volunteers.
Full payment is due no later than 6 weeks (42 days) before your start date.
If it becomes necessary to cancel your booking, please notify us immediately. Your cancellation is effective from the date we receive your notification, and is subject to cancellation fees as follows:
If cancellation takes place more than 6 weeks (42 days) prior to your start date, your $250 non refundable deposit will be forfeited.
If cancellation takes place within 42 days & 30 days of the start date 50% of the total cost of your World Conservation Program will be forfeited.
If cancellation takes place less than 30 days before your start date, 100% of the total cost of your World Conservation Program will be forfeited.
Do I need travel insurance?
Volunteers are required to obtain adequate travel and medical insurance for all activities during each World Conservation Program.
For background reading on travel insurance, check the Insurance Council of Australia website.
Many countries do not require a visa, as you are visiting for less than 90 days; however it is advisable to check when you book for the most up-to-date information.
What about travel advice?
Conservation Volunteers is a registered participant in the Charter for Safe Travel and recommends all Australian volunteers check Government travel advice at www.smartraveller.gov.au
Check out the Top Ten Travel Tips hereInternational volunteers should check with their own Government travel advisory service before traveling.
How do I get involved?
If you would like more information on specific projects or would like to book, follow the links below:
- Read about our destinations.
- Complete an online Application Form.
- Register your interest below and we will send you regular updates.
- Become a member today and support conservation projects across Australia
- Email us at info@conservationvolunteers.com.au or Freecall 1800 032 501
