“When arriving in Arusha, Tanzania I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. But the experience exceeded my expectations. I had the opportunity to volunteer at St. Elizabeth hospital for 2 months in several different wards including pediatrics, surgical/post-op and emergency/outpatient. Everyday I had the chance to work
with very knowledgeable doctors and nurses and learned what it was like to be a health care provider in a third world country. I was able to learn and help out in ways that I wouldn’t have been able to do in the United States.
In pediatrics the doctor we worked with always explained to us in detail about each of the patients conditions, how to examine them, and how to treat them. We were given the chance to examine the patients on our own and test our own medical knowledge regarding what we thought may have been occurring. In the surgical ward I was able to observe my very first surgery of a C-section. During the operation the surgeon took the chance to explain to us in detail what they were doing step by step and explain how the team works together throughout the procedure. When working with post-op patients I was able to treat wounds, clean burns, remove stitches, and work one on one with several patients. In the emergency room I assisted in the first evaluation of the patients by taking all of their vital signs, examining their condition, documenting and triaging them appropriately.
The doctors and nurses were very patient with me and even taught me some Swahili in order to help me communicate and interact with the patients more efficiently. Everyone at the hospital was so welcoming and friendly and taught me so much about the healthcare field. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and I would recommend this program to anyone who has thought about traveling to another country to help out. One day I hope to return!”
“I participated in the Marine Research & Whale Shark Conservation Project in Mozambique for 2 weeks and time flew by as we were kept busy throughout. Every day was filled with a variety of activities that allowed us to develop an awareness of the issues that concern our oceans and its inhabitants. I believe that we did make an impact in this field as we walk away from the project being better stewards of the sea.
As my time was so short, I wonder on the difference I made to the project yet I am confident that through the discussions I held with other participants and the project leaders that some of my suggestions will be considered.
I encountered only a few challenges which were mostly related to transportation. I arrived a day late but I wasn’t informed that I had to pay for my own taxi. The second time we went to visit the community school, we had to pay for our transportation. Then, finally I had to coordinate my own transportation at the end of the project. These are little inconveniences but are manageable.
I am proud of the pictures I was able to capture underwater. I strongly suggest that you possess a scuba certification prior to your arrival so you may benefit more from the dives and may get more immersed in the experience. It would have been nice to dive a little bit more.
I would recommend this experience to all those who enjoy the water and seek to get involved in a worthwhile cause.”
“I first learned about medical projects abroad from a friend who went through a different company. After researching many programs I decided Global Nomadic best fit my needs and outlined what I wanted to get out of the experience. My main concern was safety while I was abroad seeing as how this was going to be my first trip to a third-world country and I didn’t have much background on what to expect. Thankfully, one of my project managers, Charles, was incredibly helpful in answering each one of my many questions ranging from what the accommodation would be to what everyday life would be like in Arusha. Overall, my pre-departure planning was extremely thorough so I would be prepared when I finally arrived in Tanzania. In terms of paying for the trip, I had been working and saving money so I was financially able to support myself and pay for the trip without fundraising.
I arrived at Kilimanjaro Airport around 2 pm, just an hour after my friend who was also doing the project with me who was waiting at the airport with open arms. I was so thankful to have done the project with a great friend who would be my support system when I was feeling under the weather about halfway through my placement. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. We would soon become good friends with a few of the women that would come in and help out around the house, along with the security guards and chef! They helped u with our Swahili and gave us tips on local paces to go for a cup of coffee or day trip ideas. In terms of the local area a culture, I had researched the town of Arusha before I arrived so I would have some idea of what the town was like, however honestly that didn’t prepare me the way I would have thought. I understood that I was going to be living in a third world country and things would be drastically different than my hometown in California, but I don’t think there was any way I could have truly prepared myself for what life would be like there. Apart from the culture shock I had, it was nice to know that my fellow volunteers had gone through the same thing. They would give us little tricks and tips from how to stay positive when I was feeling homesick to what Dala Dala (bus) to take to get to the local mall. I made some amazing friendships there that I still talk to today, and I’ve been living back in California for a few weeks!
Going into my placement, I had a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology and CPR/BLS certification so I knew I wasn’t going to be preforming surgeries or anything advanced. Even though I was not as qualified as other volunteers, I was still able to observe surgeries and small procedures, along with take vitals. Myself and a few other volunteers I became close with would rotate from the surgical ward, to pediatrics, to outpatient where we took vitals like height, weight, temperature,blood pressure, and pulse. Personally, I felt like I was being helpful most in outpatient care because the job of taking vitals was what an experienced nurse was previously doing, so by us taking over,there was an extra nurse available to help patients. I think the biggest challenge I encountered would have to be the language barrier. While living at the house,the women that worked there would teach us the basics of Swahili so we would be able to communicate with he locals, however when it came to working in the hospital, knowing how to say “where is the bus station” didn’t help much. Thankfully one of the outpatient nurses taught us how to say the important medical terms we would need to properly take vitals.
In terms of successes, I would say my I am most proud of going on this placement in the first place. I have always wanted to travel to a third world country and being able to help lend a hand in a hospital and explore an incredible place like Africa was incredible rewarding. Not only was the volunteer aspect very beneficial to myself growing as a person, but being able to meet amazing people and live in their hometown for a couple months was indescribable. We had the chance to go to a Massai village to see their way of life, travel to Zanzibar for a weekend, take a day trip to the Hot Springs, and go on a life changing safari. I think doing a project like this is something everyone should so at some point in their life, whether it is working in a hospital like myself, or playing with children at the orphanages, it will change your life. This experience was immensely humbling and eye opening which is why I hope everyone gets to experience a journey like this. “
“I found out about the Volunteer Graphic Design position through Linkedin as I was browsing to look for other work opportunities. I applied because I know it’s a good opportunity and have been wanting to be involved with an NGO for quite sometime. Fortunately enough, after weeks of interviews and waiting, I got the position and that made me really happy. Pre-departure planning with Professionals doing Good kept me busy for a while because it takes a lot of time to plan and prepare my arrival and stay in Cambodia. I had no idea how much documents, requirements, and planning I needed to do before my arrival. But it was a good learning process, I enjoyed gathering every requirement needed such as the reference letters, police record checks, passport photo and more. It already made me feel more independent and mature knowing that I can go and do these things for myself. As for the funds that I needed for Cambodia, that was the biggest challenge I faced but also I received an incredible amount of support from my own family at that time. I used up some of my earnings and savings for my plane ticket and accommodation. My parents and siblings all chipped in for my travel insurance, accommodation and pocket money for the whole duration of my stay. I felt a little bit shy initially because I did not expect them to help me financially since this was my own choice. But I felt really lucky to have them as my family because of the love and support that they willingly gave me once they found out that I got accepted for the position.
I have a lot of goals and hopes for this project. I hope I am able to give the best of my design skills to create effective marketing materials such as brochures, leaflets and posters to attract more funds for New Hope Cambodia in Siem Reap. I aim to help impart my skill as a designer and somewhat teach the basics to some of the staff of New Hope Cambodia. So when I leave, they will be able to continue the work or at least have some knowledge in designing and using the software. I hope I am able learn a lot about Cambodia’s rich culture, traditions and history. I aim to be able to try their local food specialties and learn to speak a little bit of Khmer. I aim to be able to get the most experience as I can in the few months that I will be here.
The next day after my arrival, I was given the orientation tour by New Hope Cambodia. Vichtyea and Bang showed me and my dad around the entire school. I met the students, teachers, staff, the assistant teacher volunteers and the CEO, Ron Carter. I felt good seeing them all, knowing that they will be the people that I will interact with everyday. These people have the same passion as me, helping those in need and working for an organization that has a noble cause. And for me, that was more than enough to get me more excited about volunteering. My first day or even the first week was already busy, filled with important designs tasks. I am currently still doing 3 brochure projects for the school. Each leaflet is focused on each department of the school such as the Sponsorship department, volunteer department and community development. I admit it gets a bit overwhelming because it is such an important task and I am handling the design layout all by myself. But I love every second of it. I have been given the creative freedom to design these brochures and I only hope to give the best of my ability for the betterment of the organization.
I have met a lot of new people and everyone is very welcoming and nice. The teachers invited me to have lunch with them on my first week and that felt good. To be included. Despite them just meeting me, they have welcomed me just like how they welcome a friend. They shared their time and food with me which I really appreciate and will always cherish. During the weekends, I will try my best to try new experiences such as discovering a new cafe or restaurant. Or go on a tour which I have done last week. I went to the Angkor Wat temple sunrise tour and it was amazing. The best sunrise that I have seen in my life. I was lucky to have met new friends during the tour since it was a shared tour with other tourists. We spent half the day just touring in the temples, absorbing the local area and culture. It was absolutely beautiful. I can’t wait for the upcoming weeks and the many more days that I will get to experience here.”
“The project is a truly remarkable place. Not only do the researchers and volunteers collect data and information about life on
the island in an exceptional manner, they also try to spread awareness to the local communities on the bay islands. I volunteered as much as I could with every research survey and activity that took place. The most challenging part about the trip was choosing what to help volunteer with when 2 or more research activities were taking place. For instance, it was tough choosing between “turtle patrol” or “anole night patrol” when they took place at the same time. However, there were lull times where research was not taking place (i.e. during/after rain storms, Sundays). Although, it did not rain very often when I was on the island (July 31-August 28). Also, there was lightning over the mainland just about every night. They say nothing is venomous on the island, but there are mildly venomous creatures, such as the Mexican Parrot Snake and Blunt-headed Tree Snake.
I managed to become a better person from this trip. I learned a lot about myself, the environment and tropical habitats on a caribbean island. I am proud to say that I gained experience on various scientific instruments such as infrared thermometers, gps navigation for anole surveys through dense hard-wood forests, and laser range finders. I learned how to capture and handle certain lizards, snakes, bats (de-netting and taking measurements), and baby turtles. Furthermore, you get to work with other agencies such as the Bay Islands Conservation Agency (BICA) for turtle research. Along the span of the trip I gained a new appreciation and fascination for bats. This was possible by working with great people.
I did not come to the research facility with a research project, however after the first week there I started to conduct my own research project survey on Great-tailed
Grackle. The people at were truly magnificent, as they helped me with my project when I had questions, comments, or concerns.
I love how the research facility is right next to Pumpkin Hill (the highest elevation on the island, and is also a dormant volcano). The research facility is isolated, in the “sticks”, and surrounded by wildlife! If you go into town, its about a 45 minute walk and there is wi-fi and coffee shops and bars. There is not very much cell reception on the island. So if you enjoy being isolated for periods of time, then this place might be for you! The people of Utila are quite amazing. If you’re their friend they value you way more than money. Meaning, friendship is more valuable than money. The values of Utila are simple, yet inspirational.
The project more than exceeded my expectations. I loved how people came from different parts the world. Being part of the project, I gained an experience not every tourist got to experience. I was welcomed by the locals in a welcoming way. I feel like they have a mission to do good and locals notice.
This was truly an amazing experience and I will not forget the things I learned, the experiences I was part of, and the people I met. I would 100% recommend this project to a friend. This island is unique and the people are amazing. Tom and Daisy are very inspiring as they make me want to be the best scientist I can possibly be. Last but not least, many thanks to Flavia for being so incredibly awesome, welcoming, and someone to talk to about anything.”
“My experience on this project helped me learn how to better communicate with people and sparked an interest to work with communities in a healthcare capacity. Although I’m still unsure of how, it made me want to continue to travel and work in the healthcare field.
During this experience I learned a lot about the importance of needs assessment and first studying a place and the people before trying to get involved. This will definitely help me in future healthcare endeavors and projects because being more educated before diving into a project will only help eliminate obstacles and problems before they happen. I saw many times in my internship how things didn’t work out or were challenging because no one planned or thought of the potential problems before they happened. Also, living with a Kichwa family gave me more insight into what a certain culture believes or finds important.
I think the facilitates an experience that will change someone’s perspective on life and will teach them something about them self and about other people. Being part of the program helps integrate a foreigner into the way of life here and facilitates learning and personal growth.
I am grateful for the opportunity I was given to see a part of the world much different than what I have seen before and to have spent 4 months challenging myself and growing as a result of my efforts and the efforts of others. I’m grateful to have seen the Amazon- the plants, the animals, the views, and the people because it is a very special place and every time I travel to mother part of Ecuador, I feel happy to return to the Amazon.”
“Being at this project was definitely one of the best experiences I could have. The project is making an impact in the island of Utila and by extent Honduras, since it makes a great effort in researching and conserving the fauna that exists in the area. I am very thankful towards the staff as they were always kind and comprehensive, and were also good friends and mentors while I stayed with them. I got to learn many new things about insects, arachnids, iguanas, bats, anoles, snakes, and hermit crabs through the fieldwork that the organization makes daily in their aim of understanding the wildlife that exists in Utila.
Spray-painted anole.
I had three big challenges in the project. The first challenge was being on a vegetarian diet, I had never been a vegetarian and was a little afraid I could not keep up with it, however to my surprise being on a vegetarian diet is quite pleasant, the meals cooked at the facility are so delicious that I had no problems with keeping up with the diet. The second one was the fact that I did not know many of the techniques that the staff employed in order to study the animals. However thanks to the staff’s mentoring and for letting me handle certain animals, with their supervision, I eventually and easily overcame this challenge. The third challenge was the development of my own research. I was so inspired by the studies made that I wanted to make one too, so I asked the staff if I could do a research and they accepted my request, thus my hermit crab research was born. I had no idea on how to start my research so all the staff helped and guided me on how to do the research. With their help I designed and constructed research tools, gathered information from the study site, designed maps, collected and measured hermit crabs. I am really thankful towards the staff for lending me their lab equipment and their time in order to make a great research and also for me helping overcome the challenge that the research was for me.
I believe the hermit crab research we made together is a good a contribution to further the understanding of the fauna that lives in the beaches of Utila. I am proud
Hermit crabs in Utila.
to know that there is an organization like this one in my country helping in the conservation of wildlife and that encourages students from different places to join in their efforts of protecting the natural environment. I also feel very satisfied with myself as I could apply my knowledge on a real scenario in order to develop the hermit crab research.
I highly recommend people to volunteer in this project as they will be surprised on how much someone can learn in a short amount of time with the amazing staff of the project. Also because you will get to know Utila and get to participate in activities like snorkeling and celebrations that take place in the island such as Earth Day and weekend parties.”
“I am from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Ever since I was young, I loved marine life. In the summer one could find me in the Kennemerduinen (dunes), or in the coastal place Zandvoort, swimming in the Northsea. It still feels like my natural habitat.
1981 – 1983: Cetacea; hmm, quite interesting…
There used to be a Dolfirama in Zandvoort back then, were I first became interested in bottlenose dolphins. During the shows, I learnt the given information by heart.
At the same time the activists marine organisation Greenpeace gained much publicity, and became very popular among youth, for saving seal pups from slaughtering in Canada.
Thanks to them I learnt more about cetaceans specificly and marine wildlife in general.
Common dolphins. Published in “Dierenleven in de zeeën” by Albert C. Jensen. About marine wildlife, my favorite.
I continued to read and learn more about cetaceans. By that time I had a dream of doing research on wildlife dolphins, but this seemed to me to be reserved to Jacques-Yves Cousteau only. I didn’t have a clue that a study such as marine biologist actually exists. If I might have known back then, I would have been determined to educate to this profession!
35 years later: announcement of the project.
Author (on the right) and trainee Tamy (HK) . Warning sign: “Dont cuddle the seals, they’re wild!” (But: ‘Oooh, so cute!’) September 2017
When visiting Greece on holidays for the first time in 2016, I learned to know about Global Nomadic and the project by a pop-up message on LinkedIn. I was unemployed by that time, and the project gave me a new perspective in life. Thus I applied for this traineeship in the last week of September 2017.
I would describe Global Nomadic as a travel agency, specialized on trainee ships and volunteering at non-profit projects world wide.
About the research organisation..
The executive research institute MOm is a non-profit, non-governmental environmental organisation. The project was named after a highly endandgered species; the monk seal (Lat. Monachus monachus), which has its habitat in the eastern Mediterranean. Only a few hundred of these animals still remain worldwide.
Since 1988 They try to preserve the monk seal populations in the Aegean sea, by environmental research, information and education, and raising orfan monk seal pups for the purpose of saving as much inidividuals as possible to maintain a healthy population. It was founded by about 32 people, of which 2 of them are still active today.
Founder Eleny, still going strong: ‘All people are important.’ August 2021
The organisation cooperated with other organisations, like, for example, the Erasmus university in Rotterdam and the seal station in Pieterburen in the Netherlands. Though the monk seal project is main core, the project runs other marine projects as well. One of them is the dolphin research project.
The head quarters is located in Athens, but the site location is at Patitiri, a harbour place on Alonissos island. The island is situated in a marine reservation in the Aegean sea; the NMPANS (National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades). This is the research area of the project. There is a small house uphill for the lodging of trainees, and an info center downtown.
Study DirectorKimon, Marine Biologist MSc.: ‘I cannot be objective about Alonissos.’ August 2021
Research on dolphin populations in the marine reservation.
Since 2013 they has started a research project on dolphin populations, named NADP (Northern Aegean Dolphins Project). The purpose of this project is inventarisation and monitoring of dolphins inhabiting the area of the NMPANS. Target species are the (short- beaked) common dolphin Delphinus delphis, the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus, the striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba and the Risso’s dolphin Grampus griseus. The last 3 species mentioned are vulnarable, while the common dolphin is even endangered.
The NADP project is supported by the Thalassa foundation. This foundation provides support to organisations and volunteers active in the Greek marine conservation.
The common dolphin in Greece; history and culture.
So it’s funny though. A specie which is named “common” dolphin, one should expect it to be common, but it actually is endangered. How can that be possible?
Dolphins, especially the common dolphin, are a substantial part of the early Greece history and culture. They are frequently depicted in ancient buildings, like the famous dolphins fresco in the palace of Knossos (approx 1600 B.C.).
Fresco of common dolphins at Knossos palace. Published in “Les dauphines et la liberté” by Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
Up until the 18th century the common dolphin was most seen in the Mediterranian sea, while the bottlenose dolphin was quite rare. Because of human influences this has changed dramatically. During the industrialisation the populations of both species diminished because of environmental pollution. The number of common dolphins decreased even more than the number of bottlenose dolphins. The common dolphin is probably more sensitive to pollution than the bottlenose dolphin. A recent main problem is (industrial) overfishing. In contrast to the bottlenose dolphin, which is quite adaptive by finding new food resources, the common dolphin is a culture fobic specie. These environmental changes led to a smaller population of common dolphins, in relation to the population of bottlenose dolphins existing today.
The presence and viability of vulnerable and endangered species is an indication of a healthy living environment (like “a canary in a coalmine”). Preservation of marine life in general (and the common dolphin in special) is of great importance to the natural values in this area, as well as to the cultural heritage of Greece.
Captain Kostas, lifetime sailor and native Alonissian: ‘The air here was more clean 50 years ago.’ August 2021
On-board!
The fieldwork is done at day time. The captain sails the boat among the Sporades islands, within the borders of the reservation. A board member is standing by for hands-on assistance and photography. The trainees take positions on the boat, to have a total overview over sea. Each one of them is watching a piece of horizon, to spot dorsal fins. The study director stands at the center, watching as well, using binoculars. During the trip he is instructing the trainees.
Fieldwork: The author is instructed by the Study Director about raw data entry. June 2018
When dolphins are spotted, the observation starts: which kind of species, counting numbers, if possible recognition of males, females and juveniles, kind of behaviour by sounds and movements. This information is noted on forms, as well as time and location of observation. Pictures and film material are made, for the purpose of identification of individuals.
Observation: “It’s a dolphin!”
According to the weather, we had 3 days to sail sea. At the last day, we didn’t expect to spot any dolphins anymore, and directed at the harbour. Then, all of a sudden, a common dolphin jumped in front of my face out of the water. All of us got enthousiastic, went to see them, and took pictures. We counted 3 of them. Two of them swam together, while the third one swam among them. They were very eager to join us, jumped up from the water every now and then, and played in the waves of the boat. When they swam on their back, we tried to determ the sexe. They got along for 25 mins.
Observations: Mixed pods
In 2017 we observed bottlenose dolphins together with common dolphins, cooperating during fouraging. This was not ever seen before! It’s quite unique, because the species are hunting differently. The bottlenosed are fouraging on the surface, and are adaptable when circumstances change, while the commons on the other hand hunt on deeper grounds and are more conservative. The cooperation remained throughout the years, and still exists today.
Observation: “It’s a whale!”
Cuviers beaked whales in the NMPANS. August 2021
Poseidon made our week! In August 2021, we had the lucky chance to see a pod of 4 Cuviers beaked whales! It’s a rare species. One of them was a juvenile and another one an elder, as one could see by all the scrathes on it’s head, as a result of the hunting on squids. Cuviers beaked whales have only got 2 teeth in the lower jaw, which grow towards eachother, forming a sort of plate. It was confusing to me, because in Dutch we refere to them as the “dolfijn van Cuvier”, the Cuviers’ dolphin, so not a whale. The Cuviers beaked whale is not a real dolphin, because it doesn’t belong to the family of the Delphinidae, but to the Ziphiidae. The Mediterranean subpopulation is vulnerable.
Plastic fisher Theodora; experienced diver. August 2021
Plastic fishers
On a regular base MOm cooperates with the plastic fishers. People, most volunteers, dive into see in search for plastic pollution, and clean it up. The pollution is damaging sealife. Especially old fishing nets harm wildlife animals such as juvenile monk seals, which get trapped in it.
Back to the base
In the evening the trainees have background information about the project by presentations, held by the study director. All information is registered in a database.
The Study Director compares dorsal fins at the field base. September 2017
Pictures are selected and, if necessary, edited for the purpose of individual identification.A dolphins’ “fingerprint” is the dorsal fin, because of the marks on it; scratches and notches, which are unique for each individual. Relevant pictures are compared and matched to archive material. Annually returning individuals are tracked by this method.
F.L.T.R.: Marine biology student/trainee Alesha (UK), student/volunteer Sofia (GR) and author at the MOm info centre. June 2019
Break…
During the traineeship there are many moments to relax as well. Enjoy Patitiri, do sightseeing at Alonissos or one of the other islands, go to the beach, or vistit the underwater museum in the old village to take a virtual dive to an existing 2500-years-old shipwreck. Share information with the project crew and socialize with fellow trainees, who come from all over the world, among them many (marine-) biology students, who share the same interest. It was awesome!
The study director told me that after 20 years of data collecting, conclusions can be made. Since I think this a very valuable research project, I aim to return each year to follow the devellopments. Infact, I went back again!”
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more
