- Read the Online Briefing
Several Times
This way you can make sure that the project
is right for you. For example, if you don’t like
the heat, don’t join a project in the desert
and if you like home comforts, don’t join a
project where the accommodation is de-
scribed as ‘rustic’. If you’re unhappy about
the prospect of sharing a dormitory with
members of the opposite sex, make sure
you know what the sleeping arrangements
are. If the project isn’t right for you, not only
will you have a miserable time, but those
around you will too. - The Weather
Make sure you know what types of weather
you may experience and take appropriate
clothing. For instance, if the project is in a
hot area, shorts may come in handy. And,
don’t assume that suntan oil will be any
good in a desert (believe it or not, we’ve
seen it happen!). Don’t forget sunglasses
and a good hat. - Travel Arrangements
If the journey to your destination includes
a long flight, try to allow some recovery
time before the project starts – jet lag can
seriously impair your enjoyment of the first
couple of days! If you’re travelling alone, why
not try contacting some of the other people
on the team list? You may be able to share
accommodation before or after the project. - Clothing
Take clothing that you don’t mind getting
ruined – not your Sunday best! Most
research will involve getting dirty or wet, and
you won’t enjoy it as much if you’re worried
about spoiling your clothes. - Camera and Film
Don’t forget your camera and take lots of
film. Also, if you’re doing a water-based
project, consider getting a polarising filter to
reduce glare.- Currency
In remote villages, the shops are unlikely to
be able to change US$100 notes, so try to
take a supply of small denomination notes.
Don’t assume that travellers cheques and
credit cards will be accepted! - Your Feet (Part One)
If the project is sea based, there’s a good
chance that your feet will get wet and sandy.
This can leave you with open cuts where
your sandal straps rub your feet. Try to take
a couple of different styles of sandals, so
they don’t all rub in the same place! - Your Feet (Part Two)
If the project involves lots of walking, make
sure your boots are properly worn in and
that you have plenty of plasters! Also, get
a supply of good socks. We recommend
Thousand Mile socks, which have double
layers – the outer layer moves with the
shoe, and the inner layer with the foot, so
the friction is between the two layers. They
guarantee no blisters! - Reading List
If the project briefing includes a reading list,
try to get hold of some of the books. A little
background knowledge will enrich your
enjoyment of the project. - Packing
Try to pack light – there may not be much
room to store or transport your belongings.
(But make sure you’ve read the ‘what to
take’ section of the briefing!) You may have
to live out of your bag, so taking a small bag
for dirty washing isn’t a bad idea.
Elaine Massie & Richard Lawson
Ten Top Tips from Two Volunteers
jacket. If you’re travelling in an extremely cold environment then consider the more
expensive Gore-Tex mountain jackets. Take some polypropylene or merino wool long
johns and then wear your usual travel trousers over the top. Don’t forget mittens or
gloves and a hat.~ Waterproof ponchos Whether you’re going hot or cold, think about one of these. You
can use it to cover you and your pack, as a groundsheet, a sleeping-bag cover, on your
bed as a barrier between you and a mouldy mattress or as a shade awning.
Footwear
~ Boots or shoes You’ve got the choice of three styles: a full-on high-leg boot; a mid-
height boot (a cross between a shoe and a boot); and normal shoes or trainers. Unless
you’re going on an expedition or doing a lot of trekking, you probably don’t need a
high-leg boot. If you want versatility then the mid-height boot is good because it gives
you ankle support without being too heavy. Whatever you choose, non-waterproof is
better than waterproof (unless you’re going somewhere really cold), as your feet will
breathe better. However, at the end of the day, buy what your feet feel most comfortable
in. And remember to break in your footwear before you leave, so that you can deal with
any blisters or rubbing in the comfort of your own home.
~ Watersport sandals These are ideal for day-to-day wear in warm climates, even if
you’re doing a lot of walking. You can also wear them in dodgy showers or in the sea
and leave them on your feet to dry out.
Health & Hygiene
Needless to say, you don’t want to get sick while you’re volunteering overseas. If you
take the right precautions both before you go and while you’re abroad, you’ll probably
experience nothing more serious than ‘Delhi belly’ or ‘Montezuma’s revenge’ (travellers’
diarrhoea). Jacqueline Hill, who volunteered in Bangladesh for a year, advises:
Be careful, not paranoid. I was only ill once – a 24-hour stomach bug in my first couple
of weeks. Follow sensible precautions, especially those recommended by the volunteering
agency and their in-country representatives.
Pre-departure Check-ups
Visit a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you depart. Your sending agency will usually
advise on which vaccinations to get, but they will not be as up-to-date as a travel health
specialist. They should also be able to advise whether you need an HIV test for where
you’re going.
Ensure that all your vaccinations are recorded on a vaccination certificate and take this
away with you – proof of immunisation against certain diseases (yellow fever, for instance)
might be needed at particular borders. Also, check that you’re up-to-date with routine
immunisations like tetanus and diphtheria, polio and any childhood ones like MMR
(measles, mumps, rubella).
It is a good idea to check in with your doctor prior to departure and definitely
with your dentist and optometrist. Tooth trouble, in particular, can be painfully incon-
venient when you’re in the field. At the optometrist, you may want to buy a spare pair
of glasses, as you might end up wearing them more frequently than contact lenses when
you’re overseas.
Some charities and sending agencies will arrange all of this for you. Others might ask you
to fill out a very detailed medical form and then follow up if there are any areas of concern.
Mostly, however, you are responsible for your own health-related check-ups.
03: The Practicalities:Health & Hygiene
Elaine Massey and Richard Lawson have volunteered on 15 projects with Earthwatch: seven
times on Sea Turtles of Baja; twice on Costa Rican Sea Turtles and twice on Behind the Scenes
of the Grey Whale Migrations in Bath. They volunteered once each on Mammals of Wytham
Woods in Oxford; Grey Whale Migrations in Canada; Lions of Tsavo in Kenya and Elephants in
Tsavo. Here are their tips for volunteers: