2-Week Specials

Journalism in Romania
For those looking to break into the competitive world of journalism, this is for you! You will work on our very own English-language magazine for expatriates in Romania. As a writer you will work on specific assignments with guidance from the editor. You will be interviewing local people, narrating community issues, reviewing events, writing features and taking photographs. As you work alongside the local experts you can put your passion into practice.

Medicine in India
This placement is an eye-opener, an amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to study medicine. It offers you a unique insight into medicine in the developing world. Whether the focus is babies at the busy Gnanadurai Maternity Clinic, Children's health in Siva Paediatrics clinic, General surgery in Arunagiri Hospital, Dental care in Ravi Dental Clinic or Cardio vascular treatment in Mathi Clinic in Sivakasi, you will be able to learn about the many different aspects of medicine.

Photography in Romania
Whilst on this placement, a photojournalist will help you put together your own portfolio, offering guidance with lens operation through to the more advanced 'depth of field' technique. In the mornings you concentrate on theory and technique and in the afternoons you have the chance to put your skills to the test. You can experiment as you explore the medieval town of Brasov and the famous 'Dracula's Castle'.

Medicine in Mongolia
If your passion is medicine then this is a brilliant opportunity to further your knowledge and gain practical experience. The time you spend on this placement will be of huge benefit for when you go to medical school or to help you secure a place at medical school...

Inca Projects in Peru
Do you want to find out more about the amazing history of the Inca civilisation? You will arrive in the Inca's Sacred Valley of Peru to work outdoors, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Andes to help with our archaeological digs and restoration projects...

Conservation in Peru
For a chance to truly get away from it all this summer, join us for two weeks in the Peruvian rainforest, deep in the heart of the Amazon. This project offers a unique chance to experience the rainforest environment and participate in important conservation activities...

Sports in Ghana
Spend a fortnight or three weeks in friendly, wild West Africa. Use your sporting talents to teach new skills and train children at a sports placement in Accra. You'll assist the coaches in their sports and general fitness classes, and you can hold a few classes yourself if you feel up to it. All sports skills are welcome, although football is the most popular...

Spanish and Turtle Conservation in Mexico
Located at the Campamento Tecoman biological station on the Pacific Coast you will spend your time learning Spanish and helping on a variety of conservation projects, including the protection of the rare Olive Ridley turtle. This project offers you an opportunity like no other...

Veterinary in India
If you're thinking of becoming a vet or veterinary nurse then this is the perfect project for you. You will work with domestic and farm animals in town and in the countryside...

Diving and Marine Conservation in Thailand
All volunteers on our conservation project in Thailand will be met by one of our staff in Krabi, just 20km from Ao Nang where the project is based. This trip is perfect for anyone fascinated by marine life. You complete a four day Open Water course to qualify you to dive. In the initial stages, in shallow water, you will learn how to breathe, clear your mask and equalise pressure.

Care & Community in Ghana
You can make a real difference to people's lives by getting involved in our community project, based in the Akuapem Hills, North of Accra. You will live alongside a few of your fellow volunteers, staying with a local host- family, which gives you a real chance to immerse yourself in the local way of life. There is a great community atmosphere in the village where you will be based. There is dancing and drumming and the villagers are delighted when the volunteers take part...

French and Community Work in Senegal
Based in the picturesque town of St Louis in northern Senegal, this placement combines intensive French lessons with the chance to experience a taste of Senegalese culture and contribute to the local community. This is a great project for language students and anyone wanting to view a different culture from the inside.

Care & Community in Moldova
If you have plenty of energy and enthusiasm, you can help to give Moldovan children a summer to remember. Moldova is the poorest country in Europe and many of the children we work with here are orphans or have special needs. While they are housed and looked after, they do not receive much attention or affection - which is where you come in.

Physiotherapy in Nepal
A career in physiotherapy is achieved after many years of intensive training. To help you decide if this may be the career for you, our physiotherapy programme in Nepal will allow you to gain an exceptional insight into the work of a professional physiotherapist in a developing country.

Law in China
For anyone considering a career in law, spending two weeks visiting a variety of law organisations in Shanghai will offer a unique work experience opportunity. Your time will include visits to a law firm, to court and to legal departments of international companies.

Journalism in Romania

2008: July 20th – August 2nd / August 10th – August 23rd

For those looking to break into the competitive world of journalism, this is for you! You will work on our very own English-language magazine for expatriates in Romania. As a writer you will work on specific assignments with guidance from the editor. You will be interviewing local people, narrating community issues, reviewing events, writing features and taking photographs. As you work alongside the local experts you can put your passion into practice.

Before leaving Romania your name will appear in print adjacent to your contributions to the magazine.

A trip to Dracula's castle and a weekend visiting a UNESCO world heritage site should inspire your writing! Finally no trip to Brasov would be complete without an evening out on the town where Austrian, Hungarian and Romanian cultures meet.

Medicine in India

2008: June 29th – July 12th / July 20th – August 2nd / August 10th – August 23rd

This placement is an eye-opener, an amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to study medicine. It offers you a unique insight into medicine in the developing world. Whether the focus is babies at the busy Gnanadurai Maternity Clinic, Children's health in Siva Paediatrics clinic, General surgery in Arunagiri Hospital, Dental care in Ravi Dental Clinic or Cardio vascular treatment in Mathi Clinic in Sivakasi, you will be able to learn about the many different aspects of medicine. You'll also be taken to visit the Leprosy Clinic in Manamadurai where you will see how this disease gets treated and how surgery and physiotherapy are carried out. As a contrast you will also have the chance to experience 5000 year-old traditional Ayurvedic medical treatments at the Vasudeva Vilasam Hospital in Trivandrum.

The doctors are keen to show you all they can and share their knowledge. On arrival you will be briefed on India's medical system and taught basic physical examination skills. 

There will be a weekend break to Kerala's famous wildlife reserve in Thekkady where you can go boating, trekking and watch the wild animals. You could also take an elephant ride or visit a spice plantation.

Photography in Romania

2008: July 20th – August 2nd / August 10th – August 23rd

Whilst on this placement, a photojournalist will help you put together your own portfolio, offering guidance with lens operation through to the more advanced 'depth of field' technique. In the mornings you concentrate on theory and technique and in the afternoons you have the chance to put your skills to the test. You can experiment as you explore the medieval town of Brasov and the famous 'Dracula's Castle'. Time in the Carpathian Mountains will improve your landscape photography skills - you might even spot and photograph the wild bears and wolves that inhabit this rural location. If you have a special interest you can head to Bucharest, Romania's capital to photograph people and architecture.

With the assistance of Mircea Samoila, our director for Romania and journalist you'll complete an assignment for The Brasov Visitor magazine. You will return home with in-depth knowledge of your camera and a diverse and colourful portfolio and you'll have been published.

Your middle weekend will be spent either in the high mountains or at the popular Black Sea resort of Constanta, where you can enjoy the beach setting and party atmosphere.

Medicine in Mongolia

2008: June 29th – July 12th / July 20th – August 2nd / August 3rd – August 16th

If your passion is medicine then this is a brilliant opportunity to further your knowledge and gain practical experience. The time you spend on this placement will be of huge benefit for when you go to medical school or to help you secure a place at medical school.

You will be working in one of Ulaanbaatar's leading hospitals, under expert supervision. On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, an introductory session will cover basic professional skills as well as Mongolian attitudes and ideas. The focus of the practical work will be at the Central University Hospital of Mongolia, the largest hospital in the country. You'll leave after experiencing medicine in the most remote city on earth and gaining valuable insight into rural community issues.

You make a weekend break to the Khustai Nuruu Steppe Reserve to see the Przewalski Wild Horses. The sights are spectacular! You will get to experience a traditional Mongolian barbecue, a great time to socialise.

Inca Projects in Peru

2008: June 29th – July 12th / July 20th – August 2nd / August 3rd – August 16th

Do you want to find out more about the amazing history of the Inca civilisation? You will arrive in the Inca's Sacred Valley of Peru to work outdoors, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Andes to help with our archaeological digs and restoration projects.

Your trip will begin with an introduction to the grandeur of the Inca Empire. You will then be taken to the small Andean hamlet of Huyro, where you will work with our local archaeological experts. Here we work with the Peruvian historical Institute helping to uncover and reconstruct Inca terraces and buildings in an area only recently discovered as a new Inca settlement.

You will be taken to see many of the archaeological wonders of Peru including the magnificent Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo where the Inca fought their last battle with the Conquistadores. You will be able to visit the ruins and see the markets of traditional Peruvian towns. You could even whitewater raft down the Urubamba River and have a last night out in the Inca capital, Cusco.

Conservation in Peru

2008: July 20th – August 2nd / August 3rd – August 16th

For a chance to truly get away from it all this summer, join us for two weeks in the Peruvian rainforest, deep in the heart of the Amazon. This project offers a unique chance to experience the rainforest environment and participate in important conservation activities.

On arrival at the Taricaya Lodge, our jungle base, you will be given a full orientation and receive an introduction to the project from one of our conservation staff. You will spend the two weeks working on the same schedule as regular and more experienced volunteers. Projects currently include wildlife observations from our viewing platform high in the jungle canopy, night observation walks along the extensive network of trails, plus work on our animal release programme and pilot farm scheme.

All volunteers live together at the lodge, in shared rooms or small bungalows. Your weekend trip will either be a camping trip down river or a visit to Puerto Maldonado, where you can relax in more luxurious surroundings and have a fun night out.

For more information about our work at Taricaya Lodge and monthly updates on all the projects in the rainforest check out our Peru Conservation website www.conservation-peru.org

Sports in Ghana

2008: July 20th – August 2nd / August 3rd – August 16th

Spend a fortnight or three weeks in friendly, wild West Africa. Use your sporting talents to teach new skills and train children at a sports placement in Accra. You'll assist the coaches in their sports and general fitness classes, and you can hold a few classes yourself if you feel up to it. All sports skills are welcome, although football is the most popular.

Your coaching skills will be shown off by preparing the children for a local match which you can then help to referee. Interacting with the children on a personal level, you'll develop their skills and confidence whilst having fun playing your chosen sports at the same time.

At the weekend we'll take you to Cape Coast to visit Kakum Rainforest Reserve where you can hike through the jungle and experience the canopy walkway high in the trees. You'll also have the chance to visit Cape Coast's slave fort and stop off at a beach resort. If Accra's football team, Hearts of Oak are playing we'll take you along.

Spanish and Turtle Conservation in Mexico

2008: June 29th – July 12th / July 20th – August 2nd / August 10th – August 23rd

Located at the Campamento Tecoman biological station on the Pacific Coast you will spend your time learning Spanish and helping on a variety of conservation projects, including the protection of the rare Olive Ridley turtle. This project offers you an opportunity like no other.

You will receive up to four hours of Spanish tuition a day. Classes are extremely interactive and you will receive great encouragement every step of the way. Whether you want to master the basics or just to brush up, or improve your Spanish, the teaching will be adjusted to your level.

During many of the evenings you will be working on our turtle project - helping count, collect and bury the precious eggs in a safe enclosure to protect them from predators and poachers. Once the eggs have hatched you will help release the new born turtles into the sea. Volunteers also look after the adult turtles that we have in pools, these turtles have been injured and would not survive in the wild. Finally you will also be involved in our crocodile conservation work and a study of the wildlife in the local lagoon.

Veterinary in India

2008: July 20th – August 2nd / August 3rd – August 16th

If you're thinking of becoming a vet or veterinary nurse then this is the perfect project for you. You will work with domestic and farm animals in town and in the countryside.

Dealing with vaccinations, birthing problems, artificial insemination and surgery, you will gain an abundance of knowledge and experience whilst working on our veterinary placements in South India. On arrival you will be briefed on basic physical examination skills so that you feel confident. First you will normally work at the Thikumaran Clinic, mainly treating livestock. You'll then be able to contrast this working environment with Srinivasan's Clinic in the town of Rajapalyam, dealing mainly with cats and dogs. Next comes the Sethur Government Veterinary Hospital, where you can participate in treatment and care. You also have the chance to accompany a vet on his calls so you can see the livestock problems encountered by rural farmers.

There will be a weekend break to Kerala's famous Kovalam beach resort, or to the pilgrimage temples of Madurai.

Diving and Marine Conservation in Thailand

2008: July 20th – August 2nd / August 3rd – August 16th

All volunteers on our conservation project in Thailand will be met by one of our staff in Krabi, just 20km from Ao Nang where the project is based. This trip is perfect for anyone fascinated by marine life. You complete a four day Open Water course to qualify you to dive. In the initial stages, in shallow water, you will learn how to breathe, clear your mask and equalise pressure. You will also become familiar with the 'buddy' system and underwater sign language. Observing and analysing reef damage and fish populations, you play a part in conserving this precious ecosystem of the coast of South East Thailand.

When you have qualified your efforts are rewarded as you descend to a stunningly clear underwater world of tropical fish, turtles, sea urchins and corals that you never knew existed. After your two or three weeks, you return home with a universally recognised qualification, a wealth of diving experience and the knowledge that you have made a useful contribution to the preservation of a wonderful marine ecosystem - and some great memories of Thailand.

Care & Community in Ghana

2008: June 29th – July 12th / July 20th – August 2nd / August 3rd – August 16th

Our 2-week care & community projects in Ghana are based in Accra and the Akuapem Hills. Volunteers split their time between an orphanage in Accra and a community building project in the Akuapem Hills. Although this project is relatively short, it never-the-less gives you the opportunity to make a significant difference to other people’s lives, as well as your own. You will learn about another culture as you explore and get to know different areas of Ghana. In both locations you will be hosted by a local family, which allows you to become fully immersed in the Ghanaian way of life.

In Accra you will spend a week working at one of the city’s many orphanages, renovating and decorating the building in the mornings, and playing with and caring for the children in the afternoons. By putting in a new floor or painting a mural on a neglected wall, you will be making a valuable and lasting contribution to the orphanage. You can also leave a lasting impression on individual children by giving them the attention, love and care which is lacking in their daily lives.

In the Akuapem Hills you will become part of a small community. Your time on the community housing project will be spent building a new classroom for the village school and building housing for poor families. The work consists of making mud clay bricks, landscaping and painting, as well caring for the many varieties of plants and animals at our community garden project.

At the weekend we'll take you to Cape Coast to visit Kakum Rainforest Reserve where you can hike through the jungle and experience the canopy walkway high in the trees. You will also have the opportunity to visit Cape Coast's slave fort and stop off at one of Ghana's palm fringed beaches for some well deserved rest and relaxation.

French and Community Work in Senegal

2008: July 20th – August 2nd / August 10th – August 23rd

Based in the picturesque town of St Louis in northern Senegal, this placement combines intensive French lessons with the chance to experience a taste of Senegalese culture and contribute to the local community. This is a great project for language students and anyone wanting to view a different culture from the inside.

You will receive four hours of French tuition a day. Classes are interactive and you will be given encouragement every step of the way. You can put your new knowledge into practise on a daily basis as you get to know St Louis and mix with local people. Whether you want to master the basics or improve on the French you already know, the teaching will be adjusted to your level.

During your placement you will be involved in renovating and decorating classrooms in a local kindergarten, creating a clean and colourful environment for children to return to after their school holidays. You also have the chance to work with some of the street-children who live in and around St Louis. You will be able to prepare nourishing meals for them and even organise a football tournament.

Your weekend trip takes you over the border into the Mauritanian desert, where you have plenty of opportunity to relax and socialise at a tented camp in a completely unspoilt area of blue sea and pristine sand dunes.

Care & Community in Moldova

2008: July 20th – August 2nd / August 3rd – August 16th

If you have plenty of energy and enthusiasm, you can help to give Moldovan children a summer to remember. Moldova is the poorest country in Europe and many of the children we work with here are orphans or have special needs. While they are housed and looked after, they do not receive much attention or affection - which is where you come in.

You’ll be based in or around Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, either working at a summer camp on the outskirts of the city, or at the huge children’s hospital, or in one of our partner orphanages. Wherever you’re working you’ll be with a member of our staff and a group of fellow young volunteers, helping to organise games and activities for groups of young children, and teach them a little English through fun, informal lessons. Volunteers are welcome to use their own ideas and interests, whether your strong point is in sports, music or arts and crafts. While you work, you will also be learning about life in a rarely-visited country with a fascinating history.

At the weekend, we will organise a barbecue party on the beach-like banks of the River Bîc, or perhaps a trip up into the surrounding countryside to see the rock-hewn churches and the monks that inhabit them. This is a great chance to socialise with other volunteers and Moldovans, as well as to try a few of the local delicacies.

Physiotherapy in Nepal

2008: July 20th – August 2nd / August 3rd – August 16th

A career in physiotherapy is achieved after many years of intensive training. To help you decide if this may be the career for you, our physiotherapy programme in Nepal will allow you to gain an exceptional insight into the work of a professional physiotherapist in a developing country.

You will shadow and assist a qualified member of the physiotherapy team in a hospital or rehabilitation centre in Kathmandu. You may be helping with the treatment of injured children, burns victims or the elderly. Your supervisor will explain the different techniques used and any specific types of treatment required by the patients; they will also provide an overview of how physiotherapy is used to treat different problems and conditions in Nepal.

You will live with another volunteer in a local host family close to your place of work and throughout the two weeks social activities with the other volunteers will be organised for some evenings. At the weekend a tour of the central markets and temples of Kathmandu will be arranged and for some stunning views, you can choose to explore the hills surrounding Kathmandu by mountain bike.

Law in China

2008: June 29th – July 12th / July 20th – August 2nd / August 3rd – August 16th

For anyone considering a career in law, spending two weeks visiting a variety of law organisations in Shanghai will offer a unique work experience opportunity. Your time will include visits to a law firm, to court and to legal departments of international companies.

On arrival you will receive a briefing on the legal system in China from your supervisor, who will speak excellent English and will be happy to answer your questions. During the two week placement you will receive a broad overview of law in China, spanning the entire legal spectrum of commercial and corporate law. You will have the chance to spend time with experienced lawyers and visit foreign chambers of commerce, media organisations and a local law university.

Volunteers on this placement live in furnished apartments with other volunteers in the Pudong area of Shanghai, East of the river. At the weekend a city tour and a visit to Hangzhou and its beautiful West Lake will be organised.