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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
This is a volunteer project providing continuous medical treatment and care for injured turtles. We care for the turtles with love and dedication, and it is a project where you can feel fulfilled by seeing the turtles you treated recover and swim freely each day, finding healing for yourself as well.
This project allows you to feel rewarded by witnessing the turtles you treated recover day by day and swim freely, providing a sense of fulfillment and personal healing.
12.6 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 ACTIVITIES
1. This project will be conducted in English.
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English proficiency required ★★★☆☆ Since all activities will be conducted in English, you need to have enough proficiency to communicate smoothly with staff and volunteers. This project will help you gain confidence in using English. Physical endurance required ★★☆☆☆ Most activities will take place outdoors and involve a fair amount of physical work. Please assess your health and fitness before starting the project! |
2. Activities generally start around 8 AM, and the end time varies depending on the day's schedule. Sometimes, the workday may end in the afternoon.
3. Usually, there is one day off per week. The exact schedule will depend on the on-site situation, but in general, the work hours are quite relaxed.
4. You can participate for a minimum of 5 weeks, and for project participation, check-in at the accommodation is the day before the start date, and check-out is the day after the end date.
* The project participation schedule will be adjusted according to the start date and participation period you specify in your application form. There is no designated departure or start date, as volunteers from all over the world continuously participate in this project. You will be working alongside other international volunteers regardless of when you join.
① Sea Turtle Rescue Network Activities
You will engage in volunteer activities to rescue injured sea turtles with your team members.
② Sea Turtle Habitat Maintenance and Restoration
You will work to maintain and restore a clean and safe environment where sea turtles can be treated and recover. This activity will take up a significant portion of your volunteer time.
③ Public Awareness and Outreach Activities
You will provide information to visitors at the rescue center and assist in organizing related exhibitions.
④ Sea Turtle Rehabilitation and Treatment
You will help prepare and manage food, and assist with treatments and bathing of turtles that require medical care based on their condition.
⑤ Data Entry
You will assist in organizing and entering collected data about sea turtle activities and information into the data system.
* This project involves a significant amount of physical activity. For your safety and a smooth experience, please adhere to the safety guidelines and regulations within the center.
SUPPORT
Exclusions
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual travel insurance
- Transportation costs between the organization and accommodation (approximately 15 euros for students and 30 euros for adults, based on a one-month tram pass)
- Other local expenses (meal costs)
* Please make flight and transportation reservations after the project participation is confirmed and you have received the final departure schedule.
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
One of the oldest sea turtle rescue centers in the Mediterranean, established over 30 years ago. The original purpose of the sea turtle rescue center was to rehabilitate injured or sick sea turtles. Each year, the center rescues about 50 turtles from across Greece and provides ongoing care. Many turtles have healed their injuries thanks to continuous check-ups and treatment from volunteers.
Additionally, to reduce the mortality rate of sea turtles related to fishing activities, the European Community Life Nature was organized. Approximately 20,000 people visit the center’s exhibitions each year. It plays a significant role in raising public awareness about the importance of sea turtle conservation.
* Life Nature - A European funding community established in 1992 to contribute to environmental protection and fundraise.
Message from the Local Organization
Join the sea turtle conservation project in Greece! Our organization is involved in monitoring and research, developing and implementing management plans, habitat restoration, outreach activities, and rehabilitation of injured turtles. Over the past 30 years, we have met countless volunteers and received great help. Each year, more than 500 volunteers from around the world work with us at the rescue center and on nesting beaches where turtles lay their eggs. If you want to gain field experience and interact with volunteers from various countries, be sure to participate in this project! We invite you to Greece :)
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
Accommodation options include caravans (shown in the photo above) and fully-equipped apartments (shown in the photo below).
Generally, you will stay in an apartment located about 15 minutes away by tram from the center. Transportation costs are approximately 15 euros for students and 30 euros for adults for a one-month pass.
The fully-equipped apartment can accommodate up to 8 people in 2 bedrooms. Rooms are not separated by gender, and you will interact with volunteers from various nationalities. The apartment includes bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, a dining room, and a large balcony.
Additionally, on designated nights, you will stay in a caravan at the center to monitor turtle activities and be prepared for emergencies. The schedule for staying in the caravan may vary depending on the timing and number of volunteers. Typically, 2 volunteers share a caravan. The caravan is a mobile home used for camping, so you can experience living like you're camping by the beach. The caravan is equipped with a bathroom and shower, and also has a small kitchen where you can cook with friends.
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Apartment: 4-person room / Shared bathroom / Shared kitchen / Living room / Meals not included / WIFI available Caravan: 4-person room / Shared bathroom / Shared kitchen / Meals not included / WIFI not available |
* If participating in areas outside Athens (such as Crete, Zakynthos, or the Peloponnese Peninsula), accommodation will be at a campsite. Volunteers must bring necessary camping equipment (e.g., tents). Depending on the area, you may need to pay separate camping fees locally, or the campsite may be included in the area.
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location: Greece, Athens
Greece, a country rich in history and mythology, is located at the crossroads of southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, encompassing both European and Mediterranean characteristics. Greece boasts many jewel-like islands, such as Santorini, Crete, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia. Santorini, famous for its CF Pocari Sweat advertisement, is considered a must-visit destination before you die.
Athens, the capital, is home to historical sites like the Parthenon on the Acropolis, where you can feel the origins of world civilization. The weather is typically Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers but heavy rainfall in winter. The project location is situated on a tranquil seaside about 13 km from downtown Athens.
This project is also available in areas outside Athens, such as Crete, Zakynthos, and the Peloponnese Peninsula. For participation in other regions, please contact us individually.
■ Travel Information
1. Santorini Island
With its blue-roofed white houses lined up on a hill against the sea and a blue sky, Santorini Island is the place depicted in the famous Pocari Sweat CF with Son Ye-jin riding a white bicycle in a white dress! Santorini, formed by volcanic eruptions similar to Jeju Island, is known for its many cliffs. One interesting aspect of Santorini is that the roof of the lower house can become the terrace of the upper house. We recommend watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea from a terrace or outdoor café in Santorini!
2. Acropolis
The Acropolis in Athens is a fundamental site in Western history, attracting many visitors. The Acropolis, located at the heart of Athens, means 'city on a high hill.' Here, you can marvel at the grandeur of the Parthenon, the most famous and massive temple, which is also the first UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t forget to enjoy the panoramic view of Athens from the Acropolis!
3. Mykonos Island
Mykonos Island offers a different charm of Greece. The white houses and windmills are symbols of this island. While Santorini in Greece has a grand and masculine allure, Mykonos Island exudes a charming and feminine vibe. The famous star of Mykonos Island is the pelican, which always roams in flocks and plays a role in increasing the island's pelican population. During your stay on Mykonos, meet the pelicans living with the locals and immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery of the island!
- Anyone who can communicate in English at a basic level
- Anyone aged 18 and over
- Those who want to see and take care of sea turtles in person
- Those interested in animal rescue activities
- Those who want to care for sick turtles and find healing
- Those who want to stay in Greece and enjoy the Mediterranean sunsets
* Participation is possible even without a deep understanding of volunteer work or a relevant major.
** This project accepts individual applications. Group applications (e.g., with friends) of more than two people within the same period may be restricted.
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ The participation period for this project is at least 5 weeks.
■ Participation Fee
5 weeks - ₩1,360,000
6 weeks - ₩1,470,000
8 weeks - ₩1,690,000
10 weeks - ₩1,820,000
12 weeks - ₩1,930,000
* For this project, peak season spots fill up quickly.
If spots are filled, participants might be assigned to Zakynthos Island or Rethymno Island instead of Athens Island.
(Costs and included/excluded items vary depending on the dispatch location and timing)
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ Learn More)
■ Payment in Installments Information
If you are unable to pay the full amount, you can make an advance payment of ₩500,000 and pay the remaining balance within 2 weeks. Based on the date of the initial payment, the process to confirm your participation will start, and we will check the availability and TO (turnover) for your desired dates and duration. It's crucial to secure a spot quickly if you want to participate on your preferred dates! (No refunds once participation is confirmed)
* However, if the start date is approaching, the schedule for paying the remaining balance may vary depending on the situation.
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- Provided Services: Automatic application for Gap Year Mission and Notes / Full OT materials provided upon confirmation of participation / Additional urgent personnel arrangement / Support for document preparation if needed, etc.
* If you have difficulty calculating dates, refer to the Naver Date Calculator >> Go to Naver Date Calculator
** Note: In case of ultra-urgent applications, there may be no TO depending on local conditions, and the procedure will proceed according to Gap Year’s refund policy. Additionally, issues arising from participant non-cooperation are the participant's responsibility.
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