Info

Volunteer abroad UBELONG: Safe and extremely affordable volunteering in Asia, South America & Africa.

UBELONG is based in the US and led by volunteers & professors raising the bar in international volunteering.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Volunteers work six to eight hours a day. They are involved in a range of conservation activities, including participating in animal and plant inventories to classify native, endemic and invasive species; removing foreign plants by hand and with machetes; and supporting nurseries through tasks like seed collection and classification. To support the agriculture initiatives of the reserve, volunteers work with local community groups that harvest organic fruits and vegetables like gherkins and tomatoes. Finally, volunteers actively partake in reserve preservation tasks like basic construction and trail maintenance.

COST INCLUDES
Among other services, the cost includes:
Preparation Briefing
The briefing offers you a wealth of information and helpful tips to prepare you for your trip.

UBELONG Mentor
UBELONG pairs you with a UBELONG Mentor, a highly experienced member of their team who works closely with you throughout your UBELONG experience.

Safety Meeting
Prior to your departure, you have a meeting with your UBELONG Mentor. You go over staying safe during your placement, as well as tips for getting the most out of your experience. The meetings generally occur over the phone or Skype, but if you are in the same location as your UBELONG Mentor they can occur in person.

Airport pickup

Orientation
The UBELONG local team leader gives you an orientation to go over everything from getting around to the work that you will be doing.

Housing
You live with other volunteers in a safe, comfortable and welcoming home in your community.

Food
You receive breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.

24/7 in-country support
Throughout your placement, UBELONG works with its local team leaders to provide you with any assistance that you may need.

Fundraising and networking
UBELONG holds fundraising and networking events throughout the year to support development initiatives. Join UBELONG online, in Washington, DC or wherever in the world we are holding an event.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
Airfare, travel medical insurance and miscellaneous spending like souvenirs, taxis, etc.

Duration

2 weeks to 6 months

Start Dates

The project starts every Wednesday and runs year-round.

Costs / Benefits

Program fees from US$590 (2 wks) to US$4,320 (6 mos)

Requirements

-The health and physical capability to live and do manual work in a tropical environment with few amenities.
-The flexibility to participate in many different activities depending on the season and ever-changing needs of the reserve.
-Education and/or professional experience in an environment or agriculture-related field is not required.