Voluntourism: Impactful Travel In Central America, West Africa

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This episode focuses on voluntourism around the world, and the impact we can collectively make as we travel.
Dr. Vanessa Bezy, Founder & Director of the Wildlife Conservation Association, is a National Geographic Explorer, marine biologist and sea turtle expert who lives in Costa Rica. She shares the remarkable efforts of the Prevented Ocean Plastic program that is reducing the creation of new plastic.
Taylor Jones, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Director for Bikes for the World, travels the world overseeing his projects, and talks of the importance of bicycles, mainly in third-world countries.
Their personal experiences lead to inspiring memories, including the thrill of witnessing a sea turtle nesting event for the first time. And Lea reflects back on her journey on a volunteer/travel program on a ship.
We also highlight key organizations where you can travel while you make a significant difference. Here are the details:
If you want to work in exotic locations, then check out GO Echoes Marine and Turtle Conservation Program in the Maldives and their Wildlife Animal Sanctuary in Australia. Another amazing program is African Impacts Wildlife Conservation Program at Kruger National Park, where you'll be able to support Africa's iconic big five species. Through volunteer and work organizations such as International TEFL Academy (ITA) you can get paid to live abroad as a professional English teacher in a country like Spain, Thailand, or Costa Rica. The organization offers TEFL training to get you certified to teach English abroad, then provides job placement services.
Earn your certificate by enrolling in a Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification program, which prepares you for ESL job placements around the world.
Maximo Nivel offers impactful and educational placements in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteer abroad opportunities include construction, conservation, teaching English, working with kids, and working with indigenous communities.
Check out Maximo Nivel’s Spanish Immersion programs. Lastly, if you are interested in studying abroad in Costa Rica, Peru, or Guatemala, you’ll definitely want to look into Maximo Nivel’s University Abroad programs, which are excellent alternative to traditional programs due to their affordability.
You’ll find a ton of medical volunteer opportunities and healthcare internships. Some great volunteer projects include Volunteering Solutions’ wide-range of affordable medical programs (starting at $200), including a healthcare volunteer project in Tanzania, nursing program in Sri Lanka, and a medical volunteer program in Peru!
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Vanessa Bezy is Founder & Director of the Wildlife Conservation Association, Vanessa is a National Geographic Explorer, marine biologist and Sea Turtle expert who lives in Costa Rica.
Taylor Jones, is Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Director for Bikes for the World,_____
Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com.