Programs
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FAQ
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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
This project is aimed at helping with the nesting and hatching of endangered sea turtles in Zakynthos, Greece.
Since the project will end in October, applications are open until August 31. Due to high demand, spots fill up quickly, so please apply soon!
Protect Zakynthos, the turtle island, with your international friends!
Zakynthos, the backdrop of the KBS drama <<Descendants of the Sun>>, is actually well-known as Turtle Island. The warm climate and fine sand of Zakynthos make it an ideal place for endangered sea turtles to lay their eggs. However, as the number of tourists visiting Zakynthos increases, sea turtles are losing their nesting and protection sites.
Because of this, various NGO organizations are engaged in activities to protect sea turtle eggs and nests in Zakynthos. Many European youth participate in these activities, attracted by the meaningful work of turtle conservation and the opportunity to recharge in nature. While doing so, European youth make friends from other regions and cultures within Europe and learn about environmental issues and teamwork firsthand. No specific background required! If you want to help protect endangered turtles with friends from various European regions, head to Zakynthos now!
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
1. Project Details
Sea turtles nest and hatch approximately from May to October each year. During this period, the center runs a project to support sea turtle breeding. Participants are dispatched for this project and mainly engage in activities related to monitoring and supporting sea turtle nesting and hatching, as well as other various turtle conservation efforts.
* The activities may vary depending on the season (nesting or hatching period) and the duration of participation. Please refer to the project details to determine your participation period and dates.
- Activities usually start around 8 AM, and the end time is flexible depending on the day's schedule.
- Participation is available from 5 weeks, with a minimum of about 3 days off.
Days off may be subject to adjustment based on local conditions, and the overall schedule is relatively relaxed.
* The project is also conducted at various other turtle habitats in Greece (Crete, Peloponnese, etc.). Depending on the schedule and timing of your participation, you may be assigned to other project locations with similar activities, and details will be provided in advance.
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■ English Requirement ★★☆☆☆ - Most activities involve research for turtle conservation, so basic communication in English is sufficient! - Volunteers are mostly from the UK and Europe, providing many opportunities to use everyday English.
■ Physical Requirements ★★★☆☆ - The summer in Zakynthos is very hot. Therefore, you may need to work in the heat, climb hills, or move heavy turtles. To successfully complete the project, physical endurance and a positive attitude are essential! - Working with friends from different countries might lead to misunderstandings at times. However, making an effort to understand other cultures will help you grow. If you also prepare a proactive and positive attitude, it will be perfect! |
2. Project Activities by Season
① Nesting Season Activities (May~August)
- Morning Research Activities:
Monitoring nesting sites where sea turtles laid eggs the previous night. Preparing the beach for turtles to lay their eggs and ensuring safe transport of the eggs.
- Night Research Activities: Observing nesting sea turtles. Tagging turtles to track their future activities. Preventing noise and light pollution on designated nesting beaches to protect turtles laying eggs at night.
- Treating injured turtles or handling deceased turtles.
② Hatching Season Activities (July~September)
- Research Activities: Investigating and observing the growth of hatchling turtles and creating hatching nests. Transporting hatchlings to safe locations. Observing and investigating beach hatching sites. Rechecking nests that were missed during the nesting season and monitoring egg hatching success.
- Treating injured turtles or handling deceased turtles.
③ Information Activities (May~October)
- Informing tourists about the precautions to protect sea turtle nests on designated beaches.
- Preventing disturbances to sea turtles nesting on the beach at night, such as restricting beach access, prohibiting light usage, and reducing noise.
- Operating a turtle conservation information center at the Zakynthos National Marine Museum.
- Guiding tourists through the programs operated by the Zakynthos National Marine Museum.
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Q. Will I see a lot of sea turtles in Zakynthos? The Zakynthos center focuses more on breeding and hatching rather than treating and protecting sea turtles. Therefore, most activities involve research rather than direct interaction with turtles. Additionally, sea turtles come to lay eggs at night during the summer, so the visibility of turtles varies by season and time. Even if you do see a nesting female, she may be sensitive and could be harmed if disturbed. However, through this project, you can contribute in more meaningful ways beyond just seeing or touching sea turtles. You will gain a deeper understanding of endangered species conservation and environmental issues through the center’s and the National Marine Museum’s structured activities. While camping with friends from various countries, you can engage in discussions about animal protection and environmental issues! |
SUPPORT
 Local Orientation |
 Online Orientation |
 Online Consultation |
 Local Institution Completion Certificate |
 KGY Certification |
 Pre-Departure Care |
 KGY Consultation |
 KGY Mission |
 24hr Emergency Care |
 Flight Ticket Booking Assistance |
 Real-Time Consultation Service |
 KGY Note Book |
 Project and Participation Costs |
 KGY Mission Scholarship |
 OT Documents |
 Project Training |
 Campsite Use |
 Turtle Biology Pamphlet |
 Volunteer T-shirt |
Details Included
- Camping area, shared kitchen with basic cooking utensils, shower facilities, and restrooms are provided.
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Meals during the project period (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Personal tent
- Individual travel insurance
- Other local expenses
* Please make flight and transportation reservations after receiving the final confirmation of project participation and departure schedule.
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
The organization where the project takes place is a rescue center established in 1983 that has been dedicated to sea turtle conservation for over 30 years. This center works across Greece to protect sea turtles and their habitats through research, rescue/treatment, habitat restoration, campaigns, and education. Additionally, it has organized the European Community *Life Nature to prevent sea turtle deaths caused by fishing activities.
Each year, around 20,000 people visit the center's exhibitions, playing a significant role in raising public awareness about the importance of sea turtle conservation through various campaigns. The center has branches in Zakynthos, the Peloponnese, and Crete, where they protect sea turtle nests during the summer nesting season. In particular, the Zakynthos branch collaborates with the National Marine Museum, which was established to protect sea turtles, to conduct research, field surveys, sea turtle conservation activities, and operate an information center on sea turtle protection.
* Life Nature - A European funding community started in 1992 that contributes to environmental protection and raises funds.
Organization Story
The tragic reality caused by human greed: The reasons for the injuries and deaths of endangered sea turtles are numerous. While natural predators are a factor, most of the harm is due to human activities such as boat propellers, fishing nets, and sea debris mistaken for jellyfish or squid. Sometimes, fishermen deliberately strike turtles with hooks if they interfere with fishing. Turtles arriving at the center with such injuries may lose their front limbs or have their shells torn, exposing their internal organs. The center carefully treats and rehabilitates these injured turtles before releasing them back into the sea. However, recognizing that such activities alone are insufficient to protect turtles, the center now engages in various activities and projects, including education, campaigns, nesting/hatching support, and research. We invite you to lend your support in protecting these endangered sea turtles!
Message from the Local Organization Representative
Participate in the sea turtle conservation project in Greece!
Our organization conducts activities to protect Greek sea turtles and their habitats, including monitoring and research, management plan development and implementation, habitat restoration, promotional activities, and rehabilitation for injured turtles.
We have met and received great help from numerous volunteers over the past 30 years.
Every year, over 500 volunteers from around the world work with us at the rescue center and the nesting/hatching sites on the beaches where turtles lay their eggs.
If you want to gain hands-on experience, interact with volunteers from various countries, and work in the last remaining nesting grounds of the Mediterranean loggerhead turtles, please join this project! We invite you to Greece :)
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
During the project, participants will camp at a campsite operated directly by the center. The campsite provides basic amenities such as a communal kitchen, basic cooking utensils, showers, and toilets. However, basic camping gear such as tents and sleeping bags must be prepared individually.
At the campsite, you will live communally with other volunteers participating in the project, learning teamwork and cultural understanding through shared tasks like organizing and cleaning. Additionally, you will collectively contribute to a weekly food budget (approximately 30 euros) to prepare meals together, allowing you to learn about different countries' food cultures. During your free time, you can explore Zakynthos with newfound friends and experience Greek culture!
* The campsite can be used from 1 day before the project starts until 1 day after the project ends. However, if you join the project towards the end, you will need to check out of the campsite upon the project's completion.
* If you join the project at the beginning, you will assist in setting up the campsite. Similarly, if you join towards the end of the project, you will help with packing up the campsite and preparing it for the next year’s project.
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location: Greece, Zakynthos
Zakynthos, located on the western coast of Greece, is an island where the ivory cliffs meet the sea that looks like blue paint spread out, with white sand soaking up the water. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, such as the Navagio Beach, one of the world's most beautiful beaches, and the mystical emerald-blue Blue Caves. Zakynthos is a favorite spot not only for Greeks but also for many British and Europeans seeking relaxation. It is well-known in Korea as a backdrop for the drama and Hayao Miyazaki’s .
Zakynthos is also known as the island of sea turtles, as the endangered loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs on Laganas Beach in southern Zakynthos every summer. The fine sand and quiet surroundings make it an ideal location for sea turtles to lay their eggs. To protect this crucial nesting site, the Greek government has implemented restrictions on street lighting, beach umbrellas, and boat mooring, and several NGOs have established centers on Zakynthos to engage in various activities to protect the turtles.
■ Travel Information
1. Kefalonia Island
Kefalonia Island is the largest island in the Ionian Islands and is very close to Zakynthos. It features the 'Melissani Cave,' a location tied to the myth of fairies who enchanted men with their beauty. With the Ionian sunshine bathing the island, you can enjoy the tranquility and beautiful natural scenery similar to Zakynthos. Various travel packages are available from Zakynthos to Kefalonia, allowing you to explore the Greek island culture.
2. Navagio Beach
Navagio is also known as 'Shipwreck Bay' or 'Smuggler's Cove' due to the shipwreck located on the beach. The wreck, abandoned in 1980, was carrying smuggled goods when it was chased by the Greek Navy and ended up stranded on the Zakynthos shore. This beach is located in a non-residential area, and you must book a tour to visit it. Once inside, you can see sea turtles swimming in the emerald waters.
3. Volimes Village
If you visit Zakynthos, Volimes Village is a must-see! Located in the northwest of Zakynthos, this small village has a population of 600. Upon entering the village, you'll find a natural exhibition hall displaying ceramic decorations. The charm of Volimes lies in its quaint houses and shops selling souvenirs. You can buy ceramics featuring local specialties like olives and pomegranates and explore the alleys of this small village.
Eligibility
- Healthy adults aged 18 and over
- Those who want to protect endangered sea turtles
- Those who want to help with nesting and care for baby sea turtles during their nesting season
- Those interested in animal rescue volunteer work
- Those interested in environmental and ecosystem conservation activities
- Those who want to protect sea turtle eggs during nesting season
- Those who want to relax on the Greek resort island of Zakynthos
- Those with an open mind
* No specific major is required for participation.
** This project accepts individual applications. Group applications (e.g., with friends) of two or more people during the same period may be restricted.
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ Participation is available from May to October each year.
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 5 weeks.
■ Participation Fee
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May 8 ~ June 15 |
June 16 ~ August 20 |
August 21 ~ October 15 |
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5 weeks |
1,100,000 |
1,200,000 |
1,100,000 |
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6 weeks |
1,150,000 |
1,250,000 |
1,150,000 |
* Participation is available for up to 12 weeks. If you wish to participate for more than 6 weeks, please inquire separately. (koreagapyear@gmail.com)
* June 16 ~ August 20 is the peak season for the project institution. If participating during this period, the peak season rates will apply.
* Please apply early to secure your spot as there may be no available slots for popular projects.
* Participation period and peak/non-peak season status can be selected in the Period Selection Options. (If not selected, it will be considered as non-peak season participation.)
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ Learn More)
■ Installment Payment Information
If you are unable to pay the full amount, you can pay an initial deposit of 500,000 won and pay the remaining balance within 2 weeks. Based on the deposit date, we will proceed with the process to confirm your participation and availability. It's important to secure your spot quickly if you want to participate on your desired dates and duration! (No refunds once confirmed)
* However, if the start date is approaching, the schedule for the remaining payment may change depending on the situation.
■ Early Bird Discount and Emergency Application Information
For all Gap Year projects, it is recommended to apply at least 3 months before the project start date to complete the necessary procedures and preparation. Applications should be made no later than 2 months before the start date as a principle. However, if you need to join the project urgently, we offer an emergency application service for an additional fee to expedite the process as much as possible.
* While we strive to expedite the process, communication with local agencies and time for confirmation may still be required. Emergency applicants must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operation team as all procedures will be conducted in the same manner as regular participants.
** Those who apply more than 180 days before the start date will receive an Early Bird Discount.
*** The emergency application service can be selected from the options above. For inquiries about the emergency application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
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- Services Provided: Automatic application for Gap Year mission and notes / Full provision of orientation materials upon confirmation / Additional emergency staffing / Support for document preparation if needed, etc.
* For those who have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >> Naver Date Calculator
**Note: In the case of ultra-emergency applications, there may be no available slots depending on local circumstances, and the process will proceed according to Gap Year refund regulations. Additionally, issues arising from the participant's non-cooperation are the responsibility of the participant.
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