Tortoise
Land Tortoise
lion
Lion Cub
turin
Turin City Square
elephant
Baby Elephant
riobamba
Fruit and Vegetable Market in Riobamba
gallipoli
CVA Gallipoli Team 2006
crew
Aussie Crew

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?
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 book?

 

What is the World Conservation Program?

With Conservation Volunteers World Conservation Program you will experience between two and five weeks overseas with a local conservation organisation. You will be volunteering on priority practical conservation projects in an environment quite unlike anything in Australia.

Where can I go with the World Conservation Program?

Destinations include USA, Europe, Central America, South America & Africa.
Click here to read about currently available destinations.

Who can take part in the World Conservation Program?

You need to be a Conservation Volunteers member (new members welcome), aged between 18 and 70, and hold or able to obtain a current passport. Membership can be 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 welcome to participate on World Conservation Programs.

When do World Conservation Programs operate?

Overseas host agencies operate programs at different times so you might experience an Arizona summer at the Grand Canyon or spring in Italy.

How long does each Program last?

Your length of stay depends on where you go and for some locations there are different options. World Conservation Programs generally last between two and five weeks.

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 World Conservation Program the beginning or end of that dream overseas trip - it's flexible and up to you. Of course if you've only got a few weeks to travel 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
  • Dry stone walling
  • Historic restoration
  • Indigenous activities
  • Sea Turtle montoring
  • Primate montoring

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.

Do I need to have practical conservation skills?

You do not need specific skills but if you have volunteered on Conservation Volunteers projects in Australia, 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. To find out about Conservation Volunteers projects across Australia 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 each project with you. Be prepared to share accommodation with other volunteers.

How much does it cost?

World Conservation Program prices are based on the real cost of running the program, and include a program management and developement fee. Conservation Volunteers is a not-for-profit organisation and aims to keep costs as low as we can for all participants.


World Conservation Program can be an extremely cost effective way to experience overseas destinations and volunteer at locations at which the general public may be excluded e.g. alongside National Forest Service Rangers in USA National Parks.

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! You will need the following items listed below.

  • Back Pack
  • Long Trousers
  • Wet Weather Clothing
  • Strong Work Boots*
  • Long Sleeved Shirts
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Wide Brimmed Sun Hat
  • Sleeping Mat
  • Work Gloves
  • Mosquito Net
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent (High Protection Factor)
    *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
  • Visits to places that are away from the tourist track
  • The opportunity to meet and share experiences
  • Broader conservation perspective
  • 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 be refunded if the application is unsuccessful.

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?

Volunteeers 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 at www.ica.com.au/publications/traveltips.asp

Will I need a visa?

Some programs in USA require a J1 visa. This will be organised by Conservation Volunteers Australia although you will need to pay for the J1 visa. CVA provides this service at no charge but we can only arrange J1 visas for volunteers located in Australia. The cost of J1 visas for Australian volunteers already traveling may be more expensive outside of Australia.

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

You can download the Charter for Safe Travel- Top Ten Tips here.

International volunteers should check with their own Government travel advisory service before traveling.

It's easy to get involved simply: