Eco USA

Volunteers don’t need any conservation experience. The only requirements are a sense of adventure, a desire to make a difference and a willingness to remain flexible and positive throughout the programme.

Projects will be outdoors in all types of weather. Hiking is often involved, temperatures and terrain can be challenging. While it’s not necessary to be superhuman, volunteers should be generally fit, comfortable with living outdoors and flexible enough to enjoy the challenges presented when working in the elements.

If you are in any doubt about your ability to take part in this programme, consult your doctor for advice.

The programme administration becomes more efficient the more projects that you participate on. This allows us to make a small discount to those people participating on more than one project.

Projects typically last for 12 days (including the day or arrival and departure), there are also two days off.

The project site depends on the needs of the project partners, availability of places and seasonal variations. For this reason projects are allocated on application; BUNAC will confirm your project location prior to your departure.

Yes. We are happy to consider applications from friends and will place you together. It is worth noting that accommodation is based on single sex shared tents.

Yes, all volunteer projects are outdoors and the weather can be unpredictable at any time of the year. Project descriptions are always subject to change.

BUNAC’s preferred travel agent is STA Travel and they will be able to help you book your flights to and from America.

Give them a call on the BUNAC dedicated phone number 0871 468 0666 or get in touch at bunac@statravel.co.uk

If you’d prefer to make alternative plans then you’re more than welcome to as long as you arrive on the Island to coincide with your booked programme start date.

Volunteers travel on the US Visa Waiver programme. Subject to meeting the terms and conditions of entry, participants will be granted a total, non-extendable stay of 90 days on arrival in to America. Check that you qualify using the US Embassy Visa Wizard.

If you want to stay in America for longer than 90 days you will need to apply for a specific US Tourist Visa prior to travel. This will require attendance at the US Embassy and a fee. It will therefore add time and expense to the processing of your application. If this applies to you, please contact BUNAC and we’ll be able to offer some guidance.

Yes. We actively encourage you to take advantage of the travel opportunities that this programme will provide. We’ll be happy to offer some ideas – whether it’s an organised tour, hop-on hop-off backpacker bus, road trip or simply a Greyhound bus pass, you’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to see some wonderful sites. The West Coast of America is a fantastic place to explore!

Unfortunately not. The Visa Waiver is only appropriate when undertaking volunteer projects through a recognised partner. For alternative opportunities in America please refer to BUNAC’s Work America programme.

Yes. BUNAC’s fully comprehensive insurance policy has been arranged with Endsleigh, one of the UK’s leading insurance companies. The BUNAC policy covers, cancellation, travel delay, personal belongings, medical, health and repatriation. It has been designed to include the activities that you will be undertaking on the programme. You can find out more about the insurance here.

Food is provided for you during your time on the project; depending on your location you will either have meals cooked for you, or you will share the responsibility for preparing meals for the volunteers. This programme relies on a real team approach both at work and at the daily chores at the camp site.