Bushed During Your Gap Year?
You’re on your gap year break. You find yourself watching from behind a bush. The African sun’s on your back as you look through the binoculars trying to spot that rare bird. Perhaps a couple of days later you find yourself looking at a migration trail and trying to estimate the number of animals in the herd that made it. Perhaps you’re swimming alongside shoals of fish trying to spot evidence of tiger sharks.
On the other hand, perhaps you’re helping to wash down that elephant that’s just finished its working day in India. At the end of the day, you’re sitting in the local village sharing a meal with local people and experiencing something of their lifestyle and culture. Sound like you?
Gap year wildlife conservation holidays
If it does, you may wish to consider a wildlife conservation holiday. You can find these operating in rural areas of South Africa, India and other countries. The above types of activities are just a sample and you may find yourself working in close contact with many different species and in many different locations. Why? We live in a world where the natural environment and our wildlife, are under almost universal threat. This is not a problem that applies to a single country or even a single content – it’s now global. That’s why more and more people are trying to give something back to the planet by spending at least some time working in conservation-related activities. If you’re thinking of a gap year (or a sabbatical) then this is something different that you may want to think about.
Wildlife holidays and conservation holidays
If the idea does appeal, it’s worth keeping in mind that there may be a big difference between a wildlife holiday and working in conservation while you’re having a break. In the former, you may be staying in top-class hotels, spending a lot of time on the beach and being taken around a wildlife park to photograph the animals. It’s perhaps better considered as a form of tourism.
That may be great – if it’s what you want. However, be warned, a gap year conservation holiday is a different thing altogether. You’ll be rolling up your sleeves and working in animal-related activities. You’ll be compiling information that may be critical in local conservation efforts and keeping animals safe and healthy in their natural environments. It’s fun, very rewarding – and it can also be hard work! However, the feeling of satisfaction you’ll get while participating may be something that will stay with you forever.
Gap year alternatives
Of course, you could do something else if you’re planning time off your studies or work. Maybe there’s a lot of work needs doing on your home. It’s not always easy to think about other things if your roof needs fixing or several rooms are begging to be re-decorated. Perhaps your family and friends are pressing you to spend a bit more time with them. Then there is the call of the beach and the thought of lying around doing nothing. All very attractive propositions but there’s a question to ask yourself. In years to come, are any of these things likely to remain an indelible, priceless and unique memory?
Your wildlife conservation activities
There is a wide range of gap year conservation holidays to choose from in several countries and you’ll be able to find one that suits your interests. They’re run under strict supervision and you’ll receive the appropriate tuition to enable you to complete the work. So, essentially, it’s simply a question of whether or not making a difference appeals to you or not.
If it does, then a gap year wildlife conservation holiday just might be something that could change your life.
Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year and other holidays for adults.
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