Quick Facts
Program code
CL-WN105
Category
Volunteer Work, Nature Protection
Country
Chile
Location
Easter Island
Program start
flexible start and end dates, year round
Minimum duration
2 weeks (maximum permitted stay on Easter Island is 30 days)
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
Our volunteer project is located near the main town of the island, Hanga Roa, and is overseen by the National Forestry Agency, which is part of the Chilean Ministry of the Environment.
Primary missions and responsibilities include the protection and control of Easter Island's natural resources through a variety of programs. The most important are forest fire prevention and control, erosion control, natural resource monitoring, the conservation of native flora and environmental education - among others.
In addition, the project is currently setting up a climate protection program to prepare the local population for the consequences of climate change.
The aim of the project is, among other things, the reforestation of the island and the reintroduction of endemic plants. These have been greatly reduced by decades of deforestation, destruction and extreme weather conditions. A laboratory and plantations serve to breed the plants and later replant them in affected areas as well as to fathom the difficulties of germination and reproduction of the native plants and to ensure their continued existence.
Easter Island is a unique place and our project is unique. With a volunteer service in this project you will have the chance to learn interesting things about the history and nature of Easter Island and to immerse yourself in its unique culture. At the same time, you are helping to restore or preserve the island's fragile ecosystem.
Tasks
The tasks in our volunteer project on Easter Island are diverse and address both volunteers who like to work with people, as well as those who prefer to research and conserve nature.
You can inform us of your interests and your experience so that you can be assigned, as far as possible, in the appropriate area. There are workspaces where you work more in the office and others where you mainly have to do outdoors.
Volunteers can also contribute their skills and experience in translation, design, photography, video, communication, planning, etc.
The working hours are discussed with the Volunteer Coordinator. The project is flexible in terms of working hours. Usually, the volunteers work about 6-8 hours a day from Monday to Friday. However, half-day programs are also possible. It is important that the agreed working hours are then adhered to.
Responsibilities include:
- Collaboration in the climate protection program
- Collaboration in projects with the island community
- Collaboration in the administrative office or in the field of research and data processing
- Collection and logging of plant seeds
- Control of seed settlement on the plantation
- Conservation of native seeds and plants
- Reforestation work
- Monitoring and logging of forest and plant populations
- Assistance in environmental education
- Supervision of visitors to the National Park
- Organisation and implementation of events for students and tourists on the subject of environmental and climate protection
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in a single room in a local guest house in Hanga Roa. The rooms are located in typical cottages surrounded by a beautiful garden. The cottages have a private or shared bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen where you can store your groceries and prepare your meals.
Access and the use of the washing machine is included.
Change of bed sheets and room cleaning included twice a week.
Internet WiFi is available.
Location
Easter Island is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and is the most distant place in the world from another inhabited place. The island is of volcanic origin and therefore not only culturally but also geologically very interesting. For example, there is no river on the island, all fresh water there comes from rainfall!
In Spanish, the triangular shaped island with an extinct volcano in each corner is called "Isla de Pascua", but the locals call it "Rapa Nui". The almost 160 km² island can be reached within five flight hours, either from Santiago de Chile or from Tahiti. The island has around 6000 inhabitants and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Every year, many tourists come to the island belonging to Chile. This is mainly due to the mysterious and exciting cultural history around the Moai - the famous huge stone statues that are scattered all over the island.
It still has not been finally clarified, how the Moais were actually built and what their exact meaning is.
The locals not only call their island, but also thrmselves Rapa Nui and are very proud of their culture. They cultivate their customs, art, language and the music that irresistibly captivates every visitor!
Every year in February there is a big festival on the island to celebrate the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers. Your colleagues in the project will be happy to tell you more about their culture and customs and give you tips on how and where on the island you can doscover them best.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level, so that you can communicate with the staff in you volunteer project, understand work instructions and get actively involved.
For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Chile, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Chile directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Chile!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel health insurance here!)
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office in Santiago de Chile you will be supported by an on-site volunteer coordinator.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project on the Easter Island includes:
- Single room in Guest House
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 865 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 300
(maximum permitted stay on Easter Island is 30 days)
Additionally, you can book:
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Volunteer Guide
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