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12.2 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
What makes this project special
Grow
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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Help injured and wounded birds fly freely in the blue sky once again!
This project is a volunteer activity that helps animals return to the wild at a wildlife sanctuary located in a beautiful lake park in Vancouver. The sanctuary rescues over 6,000 animals annually and often encounters birds in need of help, including hummingbirds, sparrows, warblers, and herons.
In rapidly developing cities, birds face more risks and are losing their habitats. High-rise buildings, transparent glass windows, indiscriminate development, and environmental pollution threaten the lives of wildlife.
The Vancouver Wildlife Sanctuary is working to find ways for humans and nature to coexist. By rescuing animals in need, assisting with their recovery and rehabilitation, and returning them to the wild, the sanctuary helps restore nature.
Become a member of the sanctuary and help birds together! Contribute to creating a better world by supporting the sanctuary's efforts.
Gain unique experience and build a special resume at the Vancouver Wildlife Sanctuary. Participants will learn how to care for animals and their behaviors through basic activities like preparing food and cleaning enclosures. They will also have the opportunity to experience the entire process of rescuing, transporting, and returning animals to the wild. There are also opportunities to assist with educational programs to raise awareness about coexistence between humans and nature and to help with various administrative tasks required for the sanctuary’s operation.
In a busy season, the sanctuary operates actively, rescuing dozens of animals daily. The diverse activities at the sanctuary will add valuable experience and greatly aid in your growth as a professional.
Vancouver is considered one of the most livable cities in Canada and North America. As a city with a diverse population, it's easy to experience a global community and multicultural environment, and enjoy both a vibrant city and beautiful natural surroundings.
Enjoy daily life in Vancouver with friends you meet at the wildlife sanctuary. Since they share the same passion for conservation and come from all over the world, it’s easy to bond over common interests and enthusiasm. After a day's activities, explore the beautiful city of Vancouver with friends and create unforgettable memories!
Canada is a popular choice for many people pursuing language studies and higher education. Canadian English is authentic North American English, making it easier to adapt to accurate language use, and the inclusive social atmosphere provides support even if your English skills are slightly lacking. This helps reduce fear of the language and build confidence, while also giving you the chance to make numerous international friends and become familiar with global communication. By participating in this project and using English daily, you'll see rapid improvement in your skills.
SUPPORT
Support Details
■ Project Activities
■ Care Services
■ Certificates and Recommendations
* Certificates and recommendations from the local organization will be issued upon request after the project ends. Note that the format and issuance of certificates may vary depending on the local organization's procedures.
* Certificates and recommendations are issued after successful completion of the project and submission of feedback.
Excluded Items
* Please make flight and transportation reservations after receiving final confirmation of project participation and departure schedule.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
This project is a volunteer activity at a wildlife sanctuary in Vancouver, Canada, aimed at assisting with the recovery, rehabilitation, and return of wildlife to their natural habitats. Participants engage in various activities needed at the sanctuary and work alongside like-minded volunteers to significantly aid in the restoration of wildlife ecosystems.
Main Activities
This project focuses on activities for the animals, rather than interacting directly with them. The goal is to return as many animals to the wild as possible, so the focus is on maintaining their wildness rather than engaging with them.
| Activity Details | Manage, maintain, and clean enclosures |
| Prepare food / Feed animals / Wash dishes | |
| Support various activities as needed on-site (gardening, office work, education, etc.) |
* The above details are examples to aid understanding and may vary depending on the timing and local schedule.
Activity Schedule
Generally, activities occur 3–4 days a week, with 8 hours each day. The schedule varies each week and includes shifts in early mornings and late evenings. Volunteers work together to support various activities needed at the sanctuary, making it accessible and manageable for everyone.
A minimum of three days off per week is provided, and activities are adjusted based on local conditions and participation timing.
| Summer (May–September) | The sanctuary operates from 7 AM to 8 PM, with volunteers working in morning/afternoon/evening shifts. |
| Winter (October–April) | The sanctuary operates from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with volunteers working in morning/afternoon shifts. |
Additional Information
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English Proficiency ★☆☆☆☆
Physical Fitness ★★☆☆☆
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* Detailed reviews from participants can be found on Gap Year Story (Click).
* More participant reviews are available at the bottom of the project page under "Participant Reviews."
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
Established in 1979, this organization was created to assist with wildlife rehabilitation and to find ways to coexist with animals in urban environments. Wildlife living in rapidly developing cities like Vancouver face numerous challenges such as environmental pollution and habitat destruction, making their need for help significant. The organization rescues approximately 6,000 animals annually and is dedicated to returning them to the wild. Additionally, they strive to educate the local community through various campaigns and activities on how to coexist with wildlife.
The organization is located in a beautiful lake park about an hour away by public transportation from downtown Vancouver. During your activities, you can fully enjoy the natural environment and encounter not only the animals living around the lake but also the many birds visiting the lake.
Message from the Local Contact
We are delighted to have you with us. Experience the opportunity to work with passionate volunteers from around the world. You will be involved in various activities for wildlife, gaining new experiences and knowledge across the spectrum of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Please join us in making a difference for wildlife in the beautiful city of Vancouver!
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
Accommodation is not included in this project. Participants can find accommodation according to their preferences and budget. If assistance is needed in finding accommodation, Korea Gap Year can help arrange homestays.
By applying for a homestay, you will stay with a local family in Vancouver, allowing you to experience Canadian lifestyle up close.
(Contact Email: koreagapyear@gmail.com, KakaoTalk: @갭이어)
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
ㅣLocation : Canada, Vancouver
Vancouver, located on the west coast of Canada, is the third largest city after Toronto and Montreal. Explore the vibrant commercial areas and well-preserved natural environments of this city, where you can experience diverse arts, culture, and history. Vancouver, one of the most livable cities in the world, promises you a delightful stay every day.
ㅣ Recommended Travel Destinations
01 Granville Island
Once an old industrial area with factories and warehouses, Granville Island has been transformed into a tourist destination featuring contemporary art, shopping, and various street performances. It's a beloved spot for both tourists and locals, with the Granville Island Public Market being a must-visit attraction. Enjoy the beautiful streets and catch a stunning sunset while exploring Granville Island.
02 Capilano Suspension Bridge
Located about 30 minutes by public transportation from downtown Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge spans the Capilano River with a length of 137 meters and a height of 70 meters. Built in 1889, this suspension bridge is a popular tourist destination, offering breathtaking views of Vancouver's natural surroundings from the world's longest swinging bridge.
03 Stanley Park
Stanley Park is the most beautiful urban park in downtown Vancouver, and one of the largest urban parks in North America, even larger than New York's Central Park. To explore the entire park, you can rent a bicycle at the park entrance, or take a horse-drawn carriage or miniature train tour. Enjoy a leisurely rest surrounded by the blue Pacific Ocean in this magnificent park.
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 4 weeks.
- 4 weeks: 530,000 KRW
(*You can participate for more than 4 weeks; please contact us for more details.)
■ Eligibility and Requirements
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ More details)
■ Payment Plan
If you are unable to pay the full amount, you can make an advance payment of 500,000 KRW and pay the remaining balance within 2 weeks. Based on the date of the advance payment, the process for confirming your participation in the project will proceed, and availability and TO will be checked. It is important to secure your spot quickly for the desired date and duration! (Refunds are not possible once confirmed.)
*Note that if the start date is approaching, the schedule for paying the remaining balance may vary based on the situation.
■ Early Bird Discounts and Emergency Application
We recommend applying for all Gap Year projects at least 3 months before the project start date due to standard procedures and preparation time. The principle is to apply no later than 2 months before the start date. However, if you have urgent reasons or need to join the project quickly, you can use the emergency application service by paying an additional fee, and we will assist with expedited procedures.
* Although we will assist with expedited procedures as much as possible, there will be a basic amount of time required for communication with the local organization and confirmation of participation, and all procedures will be carried out in the same manner as for regular applicants. Therefore, those using the emergency application service should actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operations team.
** If you apply more than 180 days before the start date, you will receive an early bird discount.
*** Emergency application services are available in the options above. For inquiries regarding emergency applications, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
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- Provided Services: Automatic application for Gap Year Mission and notes / Full provision of orientation materials upon confirmation of participation / Additional urgent staffing / Support for document preparation if needed, etc. * For those having difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver date calculator >> Naver Date Calculator |
**Note: For extremely urgent applications, there may be no available spots due to local circumstances, and procedures will proceed according to Gap Year refund policies. Also, any issues arising from the participant’s non-cooperation will be the participant's responsibility.
