Application

Do I need any previous conservation experience?

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 through ever changing project work, locations, and weather conditions.

Are there any physical requirements?

Projects will be outdoors in all types of weather. Extensive hiking is often involved, sometimes in extreme conditions such as elevations above 9,000 feet (3,000 meters), 100 degree heat, freezing temperatures, steep terrain, rainstorms, high winds, etc. 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 by fickle weather conditions.

Due to the high elevations and the rigor of the tasks involved, this programme is not recommended for individuals with respiratory problems such as asthma. If you are in any doubt about your ability to take part in this programme, consult your doctor for advice.

Why is the 8 weeks more expensive than the 10 or 12 week programme?

The programme is carefully coordinated so that that volunteers have sufficient time to make a real contribution while on a project, that there is ample time taken to rotate between projects and that volunteers have enough time off between projects to rest. This is achieved best in a 10 or 12 week time frame. While it is possible to cater for those wishing to volunteer for only 8 weeks, the logistics become more complicated and extra onsite administration is required in order to coordinate projects suited to tighter time restrictions. Our local partner therefore makes an additional charge to short-term participants to cover these extra overheads.

Volunteer Projects

How many days per week are the projects?

Projects typically last for 8 consecutive days and then you can enjoy 4-6 days off for exploration of the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas (approximately 4 hours away by bus), Lake Mead, Lake Powell, San Francisco, or simply relaxing in Flagstaff.

There may occasionally be projects that last from 3-6 weeks, where you’ll enjoy your days off in a location other than Flagstaff. ACE, BUNAC’s US partner will help organise outings, lead group hikes and organise cultural and educational events in order to help volunteers make the most of their time off.

Can I choose my projects?

Projects are dependent on among other things, the weather, nesting and migrating seasons of native wildlife, and immediate needs of project partners; they are therefore allocated on arrival. Volunteers will be rotated every 2 - 4 weeks to provide a variety of experiences.

Are there opportunities to work on projects in locations outside Arizona, Utah and Nevada?

If all places on a project have been filled, volunteers will be invited to join the partner programme in Santa Cruz, California. Volunteers may be also placed on this project on request.

Who will I volunteer with?

Our American partner recruits volunteers within the USA and internationally so you can expect to be volunteering within a very international group of varied ages. The common language is English.

Will I be placed with my friend/partner?

Where possible we will do our best to place you with your friend or partner. If you’re travelling with a friend you should be prepared to work on different projects and have different days off.

Are all of the projects outdoors?

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.

Can I leave my programme early?

Our partners are contracted to achieve specific goals within very strict deadlines. If you leave early your team will be short staffed and as a result it may not be possible to complete the work in the time allocated by the park. In such cases you will be charged an early departure penalty of $50 for each week you have been on the programme; this fee will contribute to the overheads and additional resources required by BUNAC and our local partners to meet the projects commitments.

We ask that you consider your participation very carefully. When choosing the 12 week programme please think seriously about any additional travel that you may like to do. The 10 week programme will give you longer to explore other parts of the USA.

Flights, Visas & Insurance

How do I book my flights?

BUNAC’s travel partner is STA Travel and they will help you to book your flights to and from your destination. We will discuss this during your interview. If you’d prefer to make alternative plans then you’re more than welcome to as long as you arrive in time for the start of the orientation. Please make sure you provide BUNAC with proof of your return trip so that we can arrange your airport pick up.

What kind of visa is needed?

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.

Can I stay in America more than 90 days?

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 will therefore add time and expense to the processing of your application. If this applies to you, please contact BUNAC.

Can I travel after the programme?

Yes, within the restrictions of the visa. The visa waiver programme allows a maximum stay of 90 days. The 12 week (84 days) programme is arranged so that participants complete their last project and then have between 3 and 6 days off taking them up to the total 12 week programme period.

This will allow between 9 and 12 days in total for travel. The 8 week and 10 week programmes provide a greater opportunity for travel. Most volunteers will also travel during their days off whilst on the programme.

Can I transfer to another job in America?

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, Summer Camp USA and KAMP USA programmes.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. BUNAC’s fully comprehensive insurance policy has been arranged with Endsleigh, one of the UK’s leading insurance companies. The BUNAC policy is compulsory for this programme. You can find out more about the insurance here.

Accommodation

What are the accommodation arrangements during projects?

Most projects are in remote locations and virtually all involve camping. Volunteers should bring warm sleeping bags and sleeping mats to use during projects. Some projects have developed campgrounds with warm showers while many are in remote locations without any facilities. Camping equipment is provided and BUNAC will send a comprehensive packing list following your acceptance to the programme.

What are the accommodation arrangements between projects?

On days when volunteers aren’t taking part in projects they stay in either student apartments or one of the volunteer houses in Flagstaff.

Housing is communal, with dormitory style bedrooms and shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. There are storage facilities for luggage that isn’t needed on projects and there is also a safe in the office for passports, tickets and other small valuables.

Is food provided?

Food is provided at each project. Volunteers shop and cook with their teams, taking turns preparing meals for the group. On their days off, volunteers are responsible for buying and preparing their own food. There are self catering facilities in the accommodations and there are plenty of affordable diners and restaurants in town.

How much spending money should I take?

We recommend that you anticipate spending £175 per month whilst you are volunteering. However, if you intend to travel during your days off or on completion of your programme (hiring a car for a road trip for example) we recommend that you take extra.

What is the legal drinking age in America?

You must be 21 years old or over if you want to drink alcohol in America and you will need to show your passport each time you enter a bar to confirm your age. If you’re under 21 you won’t be permitted in any bar regardless of whether you’ll be drinking alcohol.

Alcohol is prohibited whilst on project and within the accommodation. However, there are lots of things to do for those under 21 including bowling, cinema, restaurants and cafes. Your accommodation for your days off will include common areas with TVs, CD players and DVD players.

How can I find out more?

If you have any further questions on Volunteer USA, please call the BUNAC Volunteer team on 020 7251 3386 or e-mail volunteer@bunac.org.uk.