Can I choose my international project?
Each year IYCC offers a variety of conservation projects where our effort is most needed and while we do consider your preference, you cannot choose your international project. IYCC assigns projects based on several factors including skills, experience, maturity, interests, availability and how those match-up with the different projects offered. When applying for acceptance into our program you must be willing to participate in any of our projects. Returning students will not be assigned a previously worked on project unless requested.
Is there an age requirement?
IYCC’s program is open to high school students aged 14-17 (may be 18 at time of international travel). Exceptions may be made for younger students on a case by case basis.
Are there any physical requirements?
The nature of our projects requires students be in good physical health free from any chronic conditions. Work varies depending on the project but in general students can expect to be lifting under 50 pounds, sitting, squatting, bending, digging, standing and walking for long periods of time in hot and humid environments. Students should be cleared by their physician for this type of work.
How does IYCC ensure the safety of students when traveling internationally?
We fully understand any concerns of students traveling in a foreign country to participate in a volunteer project. Each project has been vetted and participated in by IYCC staff to ensure they meet our high standards of safety. Each project has a safety plan in place and there is always 24-hour emergency support for any emergency or assistance needed by students. Safety is our number one concern which is also why students get adequate training and supervision on the specifics of each project once in country. In addition, included in the program fee is travel medical insurance which will cover students in the rare case of an illness or accident when abroad.
Do I need vaccines for the international project?
Each country has different requirements and recommendations concerning immunizations for travel. IYCC will give a list of immunizations, if any, that are required by the host country or project site once accepted into the program. IYCC does recommend being up-to-date on typical vaccines recommended for travel such as Hep A, Hep B, and DTAP but It is up to each student and parent, along with their physician, to decide which immunizations they feel comfortable receiving. The cost of immunizations is the responsibility of the student.
How much spending money should I bring on the international project?
Aside from travel days and the excursion days there are very few opportunities to spend money. Students should have enough cash to purchase food on the days they are flying to and from the host country and a little extra for souvenirs. In general, we recommend $150.
What kind of food is provided/can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Students will receive 3 meals per day except on flight days where students are responsible for their meals at the airport if needed. Food varies by host country, in general meals are made from fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients, and mostly vegetarian with some sustainably caught fish and meat. Most diets, including vegan, can be accommodated (some severe food allergies may require students to bring some of their own food).
Is there any free time?
While it is important for student volunteers to spend their time making valuable contributions to their projects, we also believe it is important to have fun as well as down time. Either during, or at the completion of the international project, students are rewarded with a few excursions that highlight responsible eco-tourism within the host country. These excursions vary by country and are included in the program tuition. Examples of excursions are visiting certified wildlife rehabilitation centers, guided wildlife tours, hiking to and swimming in waterfalls, sea kayaking in mangroves, surfing, zip-lining, and visiting national parks. In addition to the excursions there is free time, typically in the afternoons or evenings, for relaxing, reading, guided nature walks and chaperoned exploring.
How can I stay in contact with my parents/guardians? Are cell phones allowed?
IYCC has a strict no-electronics and cell phone policy. All electronics, including cell phones are not permitted to leave the United States with students. Participation in our program is a time to connect with self and nature while making a meaningful difference and electronics are a very big distraction. Chaperones will have phones for emergencies and the Executive Director will be contacting parents throughout the program to give updates as well as posting real-time photos to IYCC social media accounts.
How do I apply?
To apply for admittance into our program, fill out the application found here. We except applications from August 1st to October 1st every year. Once an application is submitted the student will be contacted to schedule a Zoom interview with at least one parent present. Teams will be chosen at the conclusion of the interviews after October 1st.
Do I need any prior conservation experience to apply?
No prior experience in conservation is required. The only requirements are a passion for the environment and wildlife, a sense of adventure, a willingness to learn, ability to follow directions, a desire to make a difference, ability to be respectful to others, an openness to other cultures, and a willingness to remain flexible and positive through ever-changing project work and weather conditions.
What kind of work can I expect during the international project?
Our goal is for students to make a meaningful and tangible impact for the local and global communities we serve as well as a better understanding of their role as environmental stewards. Each project varies but students can expect to get real-world, hands-on experience helping scientists and researchers collect data for various studies as well as help with wildlife rehabilitation, habitat restoration, reforestation, clean-ups, trail building and maintenance, organic gardening, infrastructure maintenance, and community outreach. To get a more detailed description of each project currently offered go here.
What is expected of me during IYCC’s annual hour-a-thon fundraiser?
Every year during our April meeting we hold a pizza party and our annual hour-a-thon fundraiser to help purchase supplies we donate to our international project partners as well as to offset operating costs. This fundraiser has been extremely successful in the past and not only is a way for us to keep our tuition costs low and donate much needed items to other nonprofits but is also a way to get students involved with community outreach and brush up on their communication skills.
Student participation is required and each student will be given a call sheet that they will fill-in with names and cell numbers of their 25 closest supporters (family, friends, co-workers, employers etc…). During the hour-a-thon students will text each supporter with a link to donate to their project and then follow-up with a phone call to answer any questions and give them more information on their project. We have found that students are nervous at first but then quickly realize that most everyone wants to help as well as learn about their project, and it is a great way to boost confidence in communication.
Our goal is to have each student bring in at least $300 in donations – typically it is much higher than that!!
What is expected of me before and during the local volunteer project?
Students are expected to attend monthly meetings and actively participate in training for their local project. Once students are trained then they must participate in the local project which sometimes is one day with their team or it can be done individually spread out over a few days. Regardless of what type of project, students are expected to fulfill their local project commitment prior to international travel. The local project is typically about 4-5 hours of volunteer work.
Is IYCC a non-profit, can I make a tax-deductible donation?
IYCC is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit program. We happily accept donations that are tax-deductible please contact us here if you are wanting to make a donation.