Indigenous Exchange Anthropological Project - Serious, Affordable Internships

  Venezuela

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

Description: The area in Southern Venezuela where this project is based is home to an ethnic minority tribe of about 6,000 people. The community is one of many small, rural villages. It has a population of less than 400 people and is located amidst breathtaking surroundings close to a Tepuy (flat-top mountain - 1650m). The area enjoys a healthy climate and environment and has a primary school, a health care station, a basic shop, and a Seventh Day Adventist church.

This special assignment gives volunteers close insight into their life, something which they find very rewarding. The community is a good site for those interested in contemporary indigenous issues and who want to watch and participate as locals decide on the future directions of their communities. Volunteers with a genuine interest in anthropology, indigenous rights, and cultural immersion will enjoy this placement. Integrate yourself into this strong community next to the flat-top mountains, enjoy the different pace of life and the fantastic views.

Amenities are basic. There is electricity for only 3(ish) hours a day when a generator is run. Clothes are washed in the river. A radio in the village can call in to the City Hall in town any time if necessary. The value of the actual volunteer work you do will be surpassed by the value of the cross-cultural experience, both for yourself and for the locals, who are increasingly interested in pursuing the option of opening up their community to some small scale appropriate tourism. Your presence in the community will not only teach you about the situations that they face, but also will teach the people about outsiders and what opening their community up for small scale tourism might mean.

You can spend the duration of your volunteer placement in the village. You can also spend some time there and some time volunteering with one or more of our other projects, which all involve living in the local town. The activities in the village are not fixed. We encourage anyone with an idea for a sustainable project to propose it to us in advance so we can discuss it with the community leaders. Volunteers are also encouraged to be very flexible and to simply help locals with as many daily tasks as they can.

Highlights: You can get involved in the following (according to your interests and abilities);
- Conservation activities (e.g. research and protection of wildlife, caring for seedlings, working with the members of the indigenous communities in the areas of the protection of river basins, water sources, and relative wildlife)
- Gardening using indigenous techniques.
- Sustainable community development projects such as ecotourism and organic agriculture
- Reforestation of areas affected by burning or mining activities
- Recreational and creative activities with small kids and school children
- Teaching English to tour guides and school children
- Building and maintenance work on communal infrastructure
- Initiating an environmental education program and exchanging knowledge of the rainforest and savannah habitat

Qualifications: You do not need special skills nor do you have to speak fluent Spanish, but you need to be flexible and willing to get involved in a wide range of activities. Many in these villages speak Spanish and some speak English as well. Special interest/skills in the areas of sports, music, art, construction, or English teaching are most helpful.

* Min age 18 - Max age 60
* Minimum 3 weeks commitment
* Reasonable physical fitness
* Motivation to work with indigenous peoples
* Basic - Intermediate Spanish (Lessons available)
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights and visas

Cost in US$: 1443

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical intern/volunteer is someone who is looking for a serious opportunity to further their career aspirations. They are not simply looking for a holiday for a unique opportunity to prove themselves and gain the experience needed to get a foot in the door to the industry they crave.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Venezuela Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2+

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Global Nomadic Ltd's Mission Statement: Global Nomadic hosts a variety of projects and internships around the world, specially chosen for their ability to enhance career prospects in unique and diverse areas. We seek to specialise in serious placements, catering for those looking to get a foot in the door to the career they aspire to. Unlike other companies we add ZERO commission to the price of the project, asking for a placement fee instead. We offer full pre departure support, ongoing email assistance, and a range of discounts with our partners. We put you directly in touch with the project provider, offering a complete and ethical service.

Year Founded: 2009