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  Kenya

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: ongoing

Description: Participants in the area of wildlife management have the opportunity to become involved in a wide range of projects including taking censuses, monitoring radio collared animals, field research, and community outreach. Many ongoing projects are aimed at managing and reducing human/wildlife conflict through educational outreach, conservation incentives, policy development, and developing infrastructure. Participants can focus either on research and policy development or fieldwork.

Highlights: Kenya is an incredible country to experience. The country boasts some of the most incredible natural wonders in the world as well as a warm culture with a rich heritage. Participants stay with host families and are welcomed into the community and work with local organizations. Many of the programs are based in and around the city of Nakuru, a perfect base for a stay in Kenya. It is the fourth largest city in Kenya, located two and a half hours by bus northwest of Nairobi. The highlights of this rich farming area include the Menengai Crater, an extinct volcano from which you get stunning views of the famous Lake Nakuru as well as archeological sites of settlements that go back as much as 3000 years. But the greatest attraction here is Lake Nakuru National Park, second most visited park in Kenya and renowned for its astounding shallow soda lake, euphorbia and acacia forests, rocky cliffs and the huge variety of wild animals: lions, warthogs, buffaloes, gazelles, leopards, baboons, rhinos, hippos and dozens of species of birds. Working directly with the Kenya Wildlife Service in a national park each day is an unforgettable opportunity. The city of Nakuru is home to lively bars, restaurants, and cafes volunteers and interns can explore in their spare time.

Qualifications / Skills Needed: This program is open to participants with a demonstrated interest in wildlife and range management. Participants should have professional experience or have completed university level course work related to wildlife management.

Intern Types: Animal Sciences, Biology(General), Botany, Chemistry, Ecology, Education, Environmental Management, Environmental Sci (Atmosph.), Environmental Studies, Forestry, National Park Employment, Public Admin, Public Pol, Govt, State Park Employment, Sustainable Development, Urban & Regional Planning and Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Languages: English and Swahili

Cost in US$: starting at $885 for 2 weeks

Cost Includes: Excursions, Food, Housing, In-country orientation/Training, In-country staff support and Written materials pre-departure

Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers to prepare for their travels. Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Nairobi and provided with transportation to their host family. In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Kenya, a historical overview and introduction to culture, survival Swahili lessons, a morning safari in Lake Nakuru National Park, and visits to sites in Nairobi such as the US embassy which was bombed in 1998 and the elephant orphanage. In-country Staff Support: ELI's Kenya coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Kenya. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency. Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Kenyan life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: animal welfare, biological research, consciousness-raising, conservation, eco-tourism, education, environment, natural resources, population issues, public policy, recreation, reforestation, sanitation, solar & hydro projects, strategic planning, tree planting, volunteering, water and wildlife surveying

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangement: Home-stays

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001