For Parents
When your child explores the world through Earthwatch, they become a full participant in real-world research in locations as diverse as Australia, Brazil or Costa Rica.
These are unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for young people to discover what it means to be a working scientist engaged in projects that help protect, conserve, and make sense of the natural world.
Where do Earthwatch Student Expeditions go? Here are just a few examples of travel opportunities available to high school groups:
- Step aboard a riverboat on the Peruvian Amazon to help conserve pink river dolphins, giant river otters, monkeys, turtles, and macaws.
- Hike across South Africa to study hyaenas and other scavengers to document the threats they face, and help find ways to protect them.
- Explore the clear waters off the coast of Belize to help establish protected areas for sharks along the magnificent Mesoamerican Reef.
Every Earthwatch Expedition includes hands-on field research and a chance to get to know the people, culture, and natural wonders of a new part of the world. Discover how involvement in the real work of science can expand your child’s perceptions of their place in the world.
If your teen’s school is not offering an Earthwatch Student Expedition, ask their teacher to consider leading one. Alternatively, we have Teen Teams your child can join.
Why travel with Earthwatch?
When students travel with Earthwatch, they benefit from more than 40 years of experience in creating inspiring experiences for volunteer participants in real-world field research. Your child will work with top international scientists on projects related to biology, volcanology, climate change, environmental science, or archaeology. Your son or daughter will have the opportunity to become full participants in the scientific process – perhaps being among the first in the world to see a newly discovered species or explore an ancient archeological site.
It’s important for parents to know that Earthwatch Expedition staff make safety and welfare a priority, along with education and fieldwork. Our safety measures include:
- Thorough risk assessments carried out prior to the start of the project
- Safe drinking water available at all research facilities
- Accommodations suitable to the project and research location
- Field staff trained in emergency procedures
- Detailed emergency response plans for each and every project
- Around-the-clock emergency assistance from Field Management staff
- A trained incident management team
Is my child ready for an Earthwatch Expedition?
Earthwatch Expeditions are built around important research projects that are located far from typical tourist spots. That’s why Earthwatch Expeditions are best suited to students who are adventurous, flexible, open-minded, enjoy hard work and have a thirst for learning and can adapt to food and living arrangements that are different to their own. If this describes your child, it’s time to learn more!
Expeditions travel to every part of the world, and include a huge range of activities and opportunities. Each expedition is different, and each offers a unique opportunity to get involved with exploration and discovery. Browse our list of Earthwatch Student Expeditions to learn more about where we go and what we do, or talk with your child’s teacher about the expedition he or she is planning to lead.
If your teen is ready for an Earthwatch Expedition, you can be sure Earthwatch will make his or her experience safe, extraordinary, and memorable!
Do you have further questions?
Get me started or call 1-800-776-0188 for immediate assistance.
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