Opinons on Earthwatch and Enkosini?

Question

I'm considering volunteering for Earthwatch or Enkosini Eco Experience. i'm looking for people who've volunteered with one or both of these programs who can give me some honest feedback. I'd also like to know if volunteering with Earthwatch or Enkosini or other similar program help boost your career. Suggestions of other programs are also welcome.

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

I can heartily endorse Earthwatch.  I volunteered for fun, but it turned out to have a wonderful (unexpected) benefit for my career.

In Spring of 1993, I went to Costa Rica on an excursion to observe white-face (capuchin) monkeys in a refuge.  The project combined research on diet preferences, habitat suitability, and behavior with elements of conservation, habitat protection, and ecotourism.  It was a two week expedition, and I had a wonderful time.  I can't say enough good things about how well Earthwatch organizes good research expeditions and recruits good scientists and leaders.  They've been doing it for a long time and they really have it down right.

About six months later, my company needed somebody to lead a 3-week project in The Gambia that was related to ecotourism.  Because of my recent (volunteer) experience in Costa Rica, they thought of me and I got to go to Africa.  It was, without question, the greatest work assignment ever in  my career.

I have never heard of Enkosini, but Earthwatch *definitely* deserves your consideration.  Feel free to email me if you want more details.