1. What are Earthwatch expeditions?
2. Is this really for me?
- Do I need any special skills?
- How fit do I need to be?
- Are there any age restrictions?
- Can you accommodate medical conditions?
- Can you provide for special diets?
- Do I need any other languages?
3. Who will be on my team?
- What size are the teams?
- Do people travel alone?
4. What can I expect in the field?
- What do I need to bring?
- Who leads the project?
- Tell me about the research sites
- What will the food be like?
- What tasks (field work) will I be doing?
- What's the accommodation like?
- What about local customs?
- Will I have time to take photographs?
- Will I have any recreational time?
- Can I stay for longer or leave early?
5. What about travelling overseas?
- Where will we meet?
- Who books my travel?
- What about travel insurance?
- What about visas and passports?
- Who arranges vaccinations?
6. How should I choose an expedition?
- Location and Date
- Area of Interest
- Cost
- Field Conditions
7. What does the Expedition Contribution cover?
- How is my contribution used?
- Is my Expedition Contribution tax deductible?
- What other expenses will I have to pay?
- Do you offer discounts?
8. What are the booking and cancellation policies?
9. How can I get more information?
1. What are Earthwatch expeditions?
Earthwatch expeditions are ongoing research projects confronting critical, current issues, run by qualified and respected members of the scientific community. Earthwatch expeditions are not tours, not ecotourism, not adventure travel. Earthwatch expeditions are short-term opportunities to directly assist scientists in their field research. Volunteers not only contribute essential funds to help cover the cost of the research but also, through their inspiration and effort, provide hands-on work without which many of our vital expeditions simply couldn't take place.
Earthwatch provides the opportunity to bring scientists, educators and the general public together to help uncover the facts necessary to make informed conservation decisions. It’s rewarding, inspirational, and invaluable for the protection of species and habitats for generations to come. During the past 25 years, over 40,000 volunteers aged 16 to 85, have joined us and contributed to over 10 million hours of vital field research, making a real impact!
In some cases, you will be working in areas inaccessible to tourists; pristine regions that only researchers have permits to enter. Most expeditions are 10-14 days long, but there are some shorter and longer opportunities available. The researchers you work with come from all over the globe. They apply to Earthwatch for grants that support their work by simultaneously organising volunteers to assist them in the field and funding the research. Research topics aim to address pressing global environmental concerns but specifically focus on four research areas: climate change, sustainable resource management, oceans and sustainable cultures.
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2. Is this really for me?
Earthwatch expeditions are scientific field research expeditions, not guided tours or typical ecotourism trips. Earthwatch makes every effort to describe field conditions accurately in its publications, online and verbally, but fieldwork in remote locations is a delicate business and prone to last-minute changes. Flexibility is a must. The excitement and inspiration you will feel during the expedition will far outweigh the possible unpredictability of various aspects of your experience. In addition, the infrastructure, transport, road conditions, accommodation and emergency and health services in the country in which you work may not be of the standard you would expect to find at home. We accept this as part of what makes an Earthwatch expedition unique.
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Do I need any special skills?
No. The research projects Earthwatch supports are suitable for volunteer participation. That's the beauty of the Earthwatch model. All you need to know will be taught to you by the research staff on the first day (or occasionally two days) of your expedition. The majority of tasks are not difficult and you will quickly master them. In fact, you will undoubtedly discover skills you never knew you had!
Exceptions may be projects requiring SCUBA qualifications or high levels of fitness. No SCUBA training is provided on Earthwatch expeditions - you must already have relevant and current SCUBA certification and experience.
Many projects are suitable for every fitness level but some are far more demanding than others. When searching for expeditions, look out for activity levels ranging from ‘very easy' to ‘strenuous' and sort according to your preference.
To fully enjoy your expedition and contribute to the research, it is very important that you appropriately assess your abilities and your physical fitness level. Please ensure that you are clear about the physical demands of the project BEFORE you make your booking. If you are unsure about the rigor of your chosen project, please read the project conditions and health information sections in the Expedition Briefing carefully and talk to our Expedition Manager before you make your booking. All volunteers are required to have a health exam and have our health form signed by a doctor before going on their expedition.
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Are there any age restrictions?
Standard Earthwatch teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, in which case it may be possible for 16 or 17 year olds to participate. There is no maximum age. Volunteers over the age of 80 have enjoyed our expeditions and have made valuable contributions to the fieldwork. Please be realistic regarding your health and fitness and always call us for advice.
Family teams can cater for younger children accompanied by parents and teen and student teams are designed exclusively for 16 and 17 year olds.
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Can you accommodate medical conditions?
There are expeditions to suit nearly everyone. If you have a disability or a specific medical condition that might have an impact on your participation on an expedition, call us and we will do our best to find something suitable. All Earthwatch participants are required to fill in a health form, which must be signed and dated by your doctor and returned to Earthwatch before you can participate on an expedition. Health forms must show evidence of a doctor's exam within one year of the start date of the expedition.
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Can you provide for special diets?
Many projects can cater to a wide range of dietary needs. When working in more remote areas, your meals will reflect what is available locally and therefore cannot cater to every taste. Read your Expedition Briefing and check with us before you join a team.
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Do I need any other languages?
The primary language spoken on all our projects is English. On some projects, however, language skills can be of great help to the researcher.
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3. Who will be on my team?
Earthwatch volunteers are diverse in experience, age and nationality. Of the 4,000 volunteers who go into the field each year, one-third are repeat volunteers and some have been on more than 50 expeditions! The people on your team will have at least one thing in common: all will share the same spirit of adventure that made them choose the same expedition as you. Many will become friends for life.
Research teams are usually small groups of between four to 15 people. To find out the maximum team size on any project, look under the General Information section of the Expedition Briefing. Or simply give us a call on +61 (0)3 9682 6828.
You will find some couples or participants who are travelling together on adult teams, but the majority of our volunteers travel alone. Earthwatch expeditions are a great way to travel to remote or unfamiliar places. Someone will meet you at the rendezvous site and you will likely connect with other team members for off-expedition exploring.
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4. What can I expect in the field?
Earthwatch expeditions are not tours. You will live, work and eat as scientists do in the field. That means you will work hard for long hours doing things you've possibly never done before. You may get rained on and likely get dirty, that said, you will also be challenged intellectually and learn skills you never knew existed. So if you want pay TV, piña coladas by the pool or a quick drive past the sights, this is not for you. But if you crave real contact with real people in other parts of the world, if you dream about seeing the stars over an empty desert, if you want to save the life of a butterfly in a rain forest or discover a new species of dinosaur, if you want to come home with your head full of ideas and your heart bursting with purpose, then join an expedition. We have a world waiting for your help.
We will send you an Expedition Briefing containing a full list of everything you will need to bring with you. Certain projects may require camping equipment, others specify clothing for particular weather conditions, but most require no more than your favourite pair of tough pants and an old work-shirt.
All our projects are led by researchers known as Principal Investigators (PIs) and their field staff. They are not tour leaders or Earthwatch employees. They have years of experience at leading field research teams and each one has developed his or her own leadership style. They all share an enthusiasm and passion for their subject that you will find infectious and they value your work and your questions.
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Tell me about the research sites
Earthwatch teams work in some of the most interesting places on Earth. Much of our work is in wildlife reserves, important historical sites and national parks. Sites range from Inner Mongolia to the Outer Hebrides, from Ningaloo Reef to the Arctic Circle. The intense, hands-on connection you get with your site will give you an appreciation of the Earth's richness and quiet majesty that no guard-railed vista can match. But it's more than just the physical place. On an Earthwatch expedition you have one-on-one contact with the local people that no tourist will ever have.
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What will the food be like?
On one of the expeditions we offer, lunch is a sumptuous buffet on the deck of a dive boat. On another, you find a comfy log to sit on while you eat sandwiches and fruit that have spent the morning in your backpack. Please see the on-line expedition descriptions. In short, the food varies enormously. No matter what you have for supper, after a full day in the field, the food will taste like heaven.
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What tasks (field work) will I be doing?
The tasks for each project are described in detail in the Expedition Briefing. The range of tasks on Earthwatch expeditions is enormous, from using dental picks to coax free a dinosaur bone to freeing a bird from a mist net. You might be counting fish on a coral reef or recording the mating rituals of monkeys. You might be interviewing poor farmers or other locals. You might be using a gravity meter, a satellite tracking system, or a pair of tweezers and a magnifying glass. You might be brushing the dust off a bowl that was last seen by a Roman soldier in the first century AD. No matter what the task involves, you do not need any special skills other than on expeditions that require SCUBA or snorkelling experience. We will teach you what you need to do when you arrive in the field. On some expeditions you may have existing skills that can be put to good use. In fact, you will undoubtedly find skills you never knew you had. The world (and you) will be better for it.
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What's the accommodation like?
The accommodation on Earthwatch expedition ranges from hotels to hammocks, from wildlife lodges to student dormitories. There are scientific field stations on mountaintops and tents in the rainforest, country inns and formal hotels. There may be hot showers or a bucket of cold water. There may be private bathrooms or pit toilets. Please see the expedition descriptions for more information. In all cases, we try to provide the most comfortable facilities available at a given research site, while trying to keep participation within the economic reach of the largest number of people.
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What about local customs?
Many of our expeditions are based in remote communities, some way off the tourist track. Earthwatch stresses the need for responsible behaviour and common courtesy when travelling in these areas. It is a good idea to do some background reading about the area you are visiting; refer to a selection of travel guides and the Internet for further information.
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Will I have time to take photographs?
Of course. Earthwatch expeditions enable you to get close to the action, and it's not all hard work! Opportunities for photography or video are many, although at times they will take a back seat to the research work.
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Will I have any recreational time?
Earthwatch is responsible for your safety while you are on an expedition, from when you meet up with your team to when you depart. Most expeditions offer unscheduled blocks of time or days off, which we call recreational time. Our recreational time policy is designed to keep you safe during recreational time, but still allow you the freedom to explore on your own.
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Can I stay longer or leave early?
You cannot stay on the project longer than your team or leave before the team's completion. However, many people choose to travel elsewhere in the country either before or after the expedition. We generally suggest planning extra travel time for after the expedition. Often the researcher or local staff will be able to advise you on where to go and what to see.
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5. What about travelling overseas?
Your researcher or one of the field staff will meet you at a designated in-country rendezvous point. Usually, the rendezvous is at the nearest international or regional airport. In some cases, though, getting to the destination can be a challenge even for intrepid travellers. While some find this part of the expedition fun, it can be daunting for others. Check the rendezvous location in your Expedition Briefing and call our Expedition Coordinator for details. The online version of the Briefing does not have the specific rendezvous information for safety reasons.
You do. While we will be able to offer suggestions, part of preparing yourself for an Earthwatch expedition comes in getting yourself to and from the rendezvous site. You are free to make your travel arrangements with any travel agency you choose. Start making inquiries about your flights when you are considering expedition dates. Be certain to read carefully the rendezvous information in the briefing before making any booking. Please do not book your flights until you receive the most current expedition briefing or ask for advice from Earthwatch. We recommend that you make sure the tickets are refundable or changeable. Though rare, there is the possibility that team dates could change or inclement weather could prevent an expedition from proceeding.
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What about travel insurance?
see Earthwatch Insurance Advice
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What about visas and passports?
You are responsible for arranging your visa. If you have to apply for a visa for your expedition, allow plenty of time and always ask for a tourist visa. For some of the more unusual destinations, applying for tourist visas can be a lengthy process, so it is advisable to start the application early. More information on visas is included in your Expedition Briefing.
Passport requirements vary from country to country. Many require that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after you exit the country. Some require that your passport has at least 2 consecutive pages that lie side by side when your passport lies open. This is to accommodate entry and exit stamps as well as visas when required. You are advised to check with the Embassy of the country you intend to visit.
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Who arranges vaccinations?
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have received all necessary vaccinations. Please check the vaccinations required for the project with your doctor or nurse. Please note that you may require proof of some vaccinations to enter the host country of the project. For more information from the Travel Doctor Traveller's Medical and Vaccination Centre visit http://www.tmvc.com.au/, or phone 1300 658 844 for your nearest clinic (Australia only).
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6. How should I choose an expedition?
You will find details of a selection of expeditions in our free Expedition Guide or comprehensive details of every expedition on our website, which is continuously updated, so be sure to check it regularly. With around 120 expeditions to choose from, many volunteers tell us that picking an expedition is the hardest task. Our website allows you to select expeditions by date, area of interest, geographical region, duration, activity or cost. You can also contact our Expedition Manager on +61 (0)3 9682 6828; we will be happy to help find the expedition that is right for you.
That being said, here are some things to consider to help get you started:
- Location and Date: Expedition dates are dependant on researchers needs, however with expeditions running in more than 50 different countries there are teams departing somewhere throughout the year. To accommodate the time you have available, be aware that teams vary in length from two days to almost three weeks, although the majority run for between 10 - 14 days.
- Area of Interest: The expedition descriptions give essential information about the research goals. Earthwatch supported research covers areas such as archaeology or climate change, animal species from African wildlife to whales and much more in between. You will find detailed information in each expedition's briefing online.
- Cost: The cost, referred to as the contribution, may vary with team dates and length. If you have any questions please check with our Expedition Manager.
- Field Conditions: Accommodation, food and level of fitness required vary considerably from expedition to expedition, but there is something for every taste, from camping to hotels, from bush walking to observation from a vehicle or boat. Please ensure that you are clear about the physical demands of the project BEFORE you make your booking, as some projects are far more strenuous than others. For specific details check the Project Conditions section of the expedition briefing or call our Expedition Manager on +61 (0)3 9682 6828.
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7. What does the Expedition Contribution cover?
Expedition costs range from AU$300 to AU$5,000 per person excluding travel to and from the rendezvous. The price of each project, which we call your contribution, covers all the costs associated with planning and managing our research projects, as well as preparing volunteers for their field experience with professional support, including a comprehensive pre-project briefing. Your contribution covers your food, accommodation, on-site travel, 24-hour emergency medical and evacuation insurance
, carbon offsets, expert on-site training and field orientation, and components of the field research cost such as field permits and equipment. Support for these additional items ensures that your contribution will live on long after you have returned from the field. Contributions vary for each expedition and occasionally for individual teams so please check prior to making your booking or call our Expedition Manager if you have any questions.
The contributions shown are the lowest available for your region and are subject to change. Each Earthwatch office has its own budget and funding structure, so expedition contributions may vary slightly depending on the region in which you live.
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How is my contribution used?
Your financial contribution* covers all the costs associated with planning and running our research expeditions. By balancing costs across our program, we are able to assist some research that would not be self-supporting. Your support in terms of time and money is critical; without it, the research simply would not happen. Your contribution allows us to continue our vital work to help save ecosystems around the world. Depending on the size and needs of your team, the following is an indication of where your money goes:
Research Grant (50%) Covers
- all meals & accommodation for volunteers & research staff
- principal investigator and research staff transport to the field
- all transport for volunteers and research staff in the field
- volunteers' research training
- research equipment; computers, microscopes, cameras etc
- support for scientific capacity building (PhD students' stipends)
- support for community programs and research permits
- comprehensive regional threat assessments
Field Management (34%) Covers
- comprehensive briefing materials
- regional threat assessments
- advance planning, reconnaissance and field safety assessments
- logistical support
- 24/7 crisis response and emergency medical evacuation capability
Administrative Support (16%) Covers
- expedition recruitment
- communications (website, marketing materials, events)
- pre expedition planning
- offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions from volunteer travel to the host country
- post expedition follow-up
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Is my Expedition Contribution tax deductible?
Unfortunately Earthwatch Expedition Contributions are not tax deductible.
However, Earthwatch Australia is a prescribed Deductible Gift Recipient and a registered Scientific Research Institute. Donations to Earthwatch Australia in support of scientific research are tax-deductible under Section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
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What other expenses will I have to pay?
The main additional costs will be your transport expenses to and from the rendezvous site. This means that airfares are not covered by your contribution. Additional costs may include passports, visas, airport taxes, and the costs of any side trips made before or after the expedition or on recreational days. Some expeditions have additional in-country travel costs to reach the research site. Ask our Expedition Manager for details.
Yes. Past team members are eligible for the following discounts:
*Past team member discounts do not apply to one day or weekend expeditions and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Past team member discounts only apply to those who fully funded their previous expedition.
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8. What are the booking and cancellation policies?
see Earthwatch Australia Expedition Booking Conditions and Cancellation Policy
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9. How can I get more information?
Online: You can find information on projects, Expedition Briefings, personal accounts from volunteers, education information, the latest scientific discoveries and much, much more on our website.
Expedition Briefing: For most expeditions, the expedition briefing can be found online on the expedition page as a PDF document. Each Expedition Briefing includes a history of the expedition, its research mission, background of the researcher(s) and staff, expedition goals, field logistics, reference maps, in-country information and a bibliography of materials.
Give us a call: Our Expedition Manager is ready to help answer any questions on +61 (0)3 9682 6828.
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