Embarking on solo travel can be daunting, especially if it’s for the first time or to a country you’ve never visited. Add in the stress of not speaking the language, a different currency, away from your friends, family and your normal support network. If you’re not subtly panicking, then your parents probably are!
Sure, things can go wrong…but a lot can also go positively perfect. Either way, at Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers, we want to make sure that you (and your parents) are fully prepared for everything and 100% comfortable with every step of the process of volunteering abroad with us.
Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers prides themselves in ensuring their volunteer’s safety and wellbeing during every step of the volunteering process, here’s 7 steps how we do this.
1. Trust us, we know
We ensure that each and every one of the Oceans to Earth Volunteer programs is trialled and tested by one of our very own staff members. We experience first-hand what the projects entail including the challenges, objectives, the cultural and societal customs of the countries, the type of accommodation, management, and food provided. Therefore, we can provide our volunteers with exceptional support, first-hand knowledge and accurate advice when it comes to preparation for each individual project. We know the projects inside out, the countries customs and standard procedures so well that any questions you may have (however small and menial) we can answer.
2. BFFs with the project hosts
We work very closely with all of our partners and project hosts to ensure that our volunteers are supervised and trained by professionals. The safety and security of our volunteers is paramount to us, and we want to ensure that each volunteer gains the most from their experiences abroad with some of the best leaders and partners out there.
3. Like that over-protective big brother…
We are with you every step of the way. We continuously provide a robust support structure for volunteers leading up to departure date, throughout the duration of the program and until the volunteer has returned home.We can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mobile phone signal can be intermittent at some project locations (which is all part of the fun!). We can notify parents and guardians on request if they’d like to know that their son or daughter has arrived to their destination. If there isn’t Wi-Fi available at accommodation then most volunteers use the local internet cafés to contact home on a regular basis (…or to check the socials).
4. The more you know, the better
Part of the experience of travelling is the independence and responsibility learnt. It’s the volunteers’ responsibility to ensure their passports are valid, organise travel visas in a timely manner, receive appropriate vaccinations, buy travel insurance, and of course pack their own bags and have enough pairs of underwear. Don’t waste time searching endlessly on the internet, Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers have made it easier for you and have already compiled all the information on the web page with everything you’ll need to know pre-departure includinga travel checklist. There is also a Travel Resources page for Volunteers to ensure they have all the documentation required and essentials packed.
5. Mum and dad can stop fretting now
We provide honest, accurate and relevant information to volunteers and their parents to prepare them for each placement. We also have additional information for parents with a Factsheet available to alleviate the worries for the ones that care the most.
6. Jointly beneficial relationships
We are committed to ensuring our projects are of the highest ethical standard. Before we set up a partnership with hosts and establish projects we ensure that the projects we support are working in the best interest of volunteers as well as the animals, environment and local community. A benefit for all parties’ means smiles all round.
7. You can’t get rid of us that quickly!
Our care and support doesn’t end when the program is finished and you arrive home. We want to know what you thought about the trip so we can continue to strive for excellence in all aspects on the project. We reach out to you via email to find out what you thought about the project, if our safety standards were adequate, were our staff were supportive enough?
With a 100% record in terms of safety, you can’t go wrong volunteering abroad with Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers. However, if you still have reservations about making your reservation to volunteer with Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers, then do not hesitate to contact us here with further queries or questions. When you’re ready apply with us here to begin the adventure of a lifetime.
Written by Megan Cundy, Marine Conservation Advocate for O2E Volunteers
