How
do I book a placement? If you have decided that you would like to take
the next step and book a Worldwide Experience, it couldn’t be easier. Simply
complete the online
application form on this websiteand we will get back to you as soon
as possible.
What kind of support do I get in the UK? The Worldwide
Team UK are with you every step of the way. From providing detailed information
on your selected placement, right through to offering help and advice on sponsorships
and fundraising. We also supply contact details of all your fellow volunteers
so you can get in touch before your Worldwide Experience begins. What
kind of support do I get in the selected country All of our placements
have been carefully selected to meet our exacting criteria. In your country of
choice we have dedicated coordinators for each placement, who are there to guide
you through everything and to help with any issues that may occur. There is also
a 24 hour contact number for friends and family calling from the UK.
Will
we need a visa when entering South Africa? If you have a British passport
(or almost any EU passport) you will not have to pay for an entry visa to South
Africa (except French passport holders). You are entitled to 3 months in South
Africa, however should you wish to stay longer your visa can be extended and your
placement coordinator will assist in taking you to the Department of Home Affairs.
The Department will charge you a minimal fee for this extension.
What
are the dangers of malaria and other diseases? Certain parts of South Africa
fall within malaria areas. We are fortunate that all our conservation placements
fall in malaria free areas. Apart from malaria there are no other diseases one
need worry about. Yellow fever is certainly not a problem in South Africa. Tap
water can be drunk in South Africa; however it is advisable to consult with the
coordinator at your selected reserve before doing so. For further information
relating to health issues please visit: http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/
Can
I raise funds towards my placement? In the past we have had several students
raise funds towards their Worldwide 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. The best of these ideas can be viewed on the website under “Rates”.
Feel free to discuss the opportunities with our consultants any time. There is
a lot of money to be earned out there!
What does my voluntary work contribution
go towards? Worldwide 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. 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. To discuss any aspect of voluntary work contributions
and/or our policies on the projects we support please do not hesitate to contact
one of our directors.
What will we eat in South Africa? All of
our placements provide three basic but wholesome meals per day. Meals will include
westernized dishes such as beef, chicken, pasta and lamb with vegetables as well
as regular BBQ’s or braai’s as they are commonly known in our country.
Breakfasts will include cereals, egg, bacon and sausages etc. Those of you curious
enough may even have the chance to tuck into impala kebabs or even ostrich biltong
and steaks. Vegetarians are catered for and our chefs will be advised according
to your dietary requirements.
How will we travel in South Africa? We
have a representative at each destination who will meet you from your flight and
transfer you to your placement. For all our African placements, we are able
to organise your international flights from the UK. It is also possible to extend
your stay to accommodate any independent travel plans you may have. You will be
collected from the airport in a microbus (7 seater) and transferred to your assigned
conservation placement. There you will be transported around in either open pick-ups
(open trucks/bakkies) or in open 4x4 Land Rovers. Certain placements offer horse
riding as a mode of transport when patrolling and monitoring the bush/veld.
Where
will we sleep? At each of our placements you are provided with safe, although
sometimes basic, accommodation – all of which are purpose-built for our volunteers.
At the majority of our placements, cleaning and laundry service is provided, to
help make your experience a more comfortable one. Please contact us for further
information on specific accommodation details for individual placements. Camping
under a starlit sky is one of the main attractions of travelling to South Africa.
This is something you will experience on the odd occasion. However accommodation
is in houses either based on the reserve or in nearby villages. All accommodation
is head up by the student coordinator and a game ranger.
What languages
will we need to speak? There are 11 official languages spoken in Southern
Africa. However, English is preferred as a common language because it is seen
as neutral and prevents the favouring of any one particular dialect. It is advisable
to have a basic understanding of the English language should you come from a foreign
speaking country.
What is safety and security like in South Africa? In
the past South Africa has had a history of violence and political instability.
Today crime still exists, but only in certain parts of the country, parts we completely
avoid. Levels of crime in our country are however no higher than many other countries
around the world. As for political stability, today South Africa experiences and
practices a very healthy democracy. If you are alert to potential problems you
are already half way to avoiding them. Your safety and security is of paramount
importance to our team.
Can we stay longer? There is so much
to do in this vast country, and one should aim to spend more time in this wonderful
part of the world. Should you wish to extend your placement you are also welcome
to do so. Alternatively we can assist with placing you in an alternative reserve
linked to our organization. Many students tend to make their own plans once in
the country and upon completion at the reserve of their choice, travel on exploring
the rest of the country. One means of getting around is via the famous and very
safe Baz Bus. All student coordinators will advise you of this.
Shamwari
Game Reserve As a conservation volunteer you will assist in the ongoing
conservation projects which take place at the reserve including: •
Game monitoring • Game counts • Predator
ID • Elephant ID • Rhino ID •
Tracking using telemetry • Anti-poaching patrols ...
and so much more! Read
more about Shamwari
Hoedspruit
Endangered Species Centre This versatile project will enable you to
get involved in various aspects of conservation at the Endangered Species Sanctuary
and the Big Five Game Reserve including: • Working with cheetah •
Working with wild dog • Feeding of animals •
Working with the vet • Darting & capturing animals
• Visiting local rural schools • Monitoring
of antelope • Elephant back safari ...
and so much more! Read
more about Hoedspruit
Moholoholo
Rehab Centre Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre is nestled in a picturesque
setting at the base of the Drakensberg escarpment in the Limpopo Province Lowveld
of South Africa. It has become a haven for the rehabilitation and care of abandoned,
injured and poisoned wildlife - as well as being a specialist breeding centre. Read
more about Moholoholo
Become
a Game Ranger Your six week Level One training will cover the following
elements: • Field guiding as a profession •
Creating a nature experience • Geology and astronomy •
Arthropods and amphibians • Reptiles and fish •
Birds and mammals • Animal behaviour •
Hospitality - incl. wine tasting • Weapon handling ...
and so much more! Read
about Ranger Training
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WORLDWIDE
EXPERIENCE Ashley Adams Travel (UK) Ltd, Guardian House, Borough Road,
Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2AE Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560, Fax: +44 (0) 1483 860391 Web:
www.worldwideexperience.com
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