After completing a Masters in Environmental Law and Policy, I worked in various industries around the world and gained a variety of skills and experiences. The opportunity arose for me to do Voluntary conservation after years of saving money and finding the time and so I chose the Costa Rica Expedition. The experience was amazing, however I felt that I needed to see more and be more involved in the projects. Therefore, I took the opportunity to apply for the Internship.

After doing a degree in environmental science, and then spending the year after graduating in a business management role, I was desperate to get back to science. The expedition in Kenya offered a diverse range of activities, with the potential to learn a lot in terms of marine and terrestrial research as a volunteer, and then to gain a more in depth understanding and contribute much more to the research from a staff role. And I think the idea of being in a position of responsibility over volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, is an exceptional learning opportunity, with the chance to build your confidence and gain skills that will be transferable and useful for whatever you choose to do in the future.

Laura Chanona is 26 and has a Bachelors degree in Marine Biology from the Autonomous University “Facultad de Ciencias del Mar” located in Southern Baja California, Mexico. Participating with GVI was the perfect way for Laura to increase her knowledge of the Caribbean Sea and its reef ecosystem and to experience a unique opportunity to interact with people from other countries and cultures.

I really liked the fact the internship has a mix of locations within Ecuador and different experiences, not only with regards to the research programme, but also the living aspect. Throughout the internship I get to live as part of a communal camp and have the opportunity to live and work alongside other like minded people, but I also get to experience living with a local family when I take the Spanish school and am able to learn first-hand about what Ecuadorian culture and life is all about.