Location:

Guayaquil, Ecuador

Program Type:

Volunteer Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Work Types:

Animals, Social Services

Duration:

1-3 months

Program Overview

Program Description:

This is a unique veterinary medicine program in the Galapagos Islands, designed to provide an enriching experience to anyone interested in a career working with animals. You will be afforded a unique opportunity to work hands-on with a wide variety of animals, whilst learning about general veterinary medicine. The organisation in which you will work has been working since April 2010. Since then, they have been invited by the government to successfully do pilot programs on every populated island of Galapagos. They have also been invited by the Galapagos National Park (GNP) to treat more wildlife on behalf of the GNP, on Isabela Island (the largest island of Galapagos) and San Cristobal Island (the capital city of Galapagos). They have thus been treating sea lions, giant tortoises, and native lizards and birds of Galapagos. We also get involved in Environmental Education initiatives with the local residents and Ecuadorean Navy. If you have a passion for working with animals, either in the field of veterinary medicine or in a more general animal care-oriented role, then this voluntary project is a perfect way for you to gain knowledge and put your skills into practice in a developing world.

* Minimum age 18 * Minimum 2 weeks commitment - 40+hours a week. * Conversational Spanish * Full travel & medical insurance * Necessary vaccinations * Necessary flights & visas

You will assist the veterinary staff directly in many aspects of their daily activities. This includes surgery, as well as preparation of the animals for surgery and monitoring in post-op. You will also be responsible for cleaning animal cages, as well as assisting in patient intake, making sure that all client records are in order with comprehensive information. You will learn hands-on in the field, with farm animals, as well as in the clinic surgery room with domestic animals. We have been treating more wildlife for the National Park, but due to the strict regulations surrounding which vets can handle wildlife, It is possible that you will get to assist in treating endemic species such as Giant Turtles and Iguanas, however it cannot be guaranteed.

Cost:

Fee: $250 USD Project Fee for up to 3 months + £249 GBP Placement Fee What's Included: Project Fee includes all accommodation, airport pickup, 24 hour support, orientation and project activities. You will be exempt from the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee, saving you $100. We charge a flat, one-off Placement Fee of £249 GBP per person per project. This covers our costs for promoting the project and providing our services. We offer full pre-departure support (for all necessary flight