| Sea Turtle Volunteer Program |
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Program Description
Sea Turtles 911 offers a Volunteer Program for those who are interested in doing volunteer work with sea turtles on Hainan Island, China. Since it is our immediate goal to revive populations on and near Hainan, raising sea turtles in preparation for release is important to us. Volunteers will conduct all aspects of sea turtle husbandry - caring for and monitoring sea turtles in our rehabiliation facility. To make a difference in the long run, volunteers will also participate in our conservation programs, which include working on education programs with local schools and community outreach programs with hotel resorts in Hainan.
Where is this Located?
Our office is located in the city of Sanya on Hainan island which is often referred to as the "Hawaii of China." Our programs are located in and around the Southern part of Hainan including nearby islands and beaches. We are in the southernmost city of China, a famous international tropical seaside resort area. If you like beaches and warm weather, Sanya is the place for you.
Volunteer Activities
Volunteers in our program get hands-on experience working with one of the most ancient and amazing creatures alive today – sea turtles. Since it is our immediate goal to revive populations on and near Hainan, the bulk of activities will be focused on raising sea turtles. Volunteers will share responsibilities such as feeding sea turtles, cleaning nets, monitoring water chemistry, and administering antibiotics when needed. Volunteers will also get the opportunity to work with local children and adults in community-outreach and education programs to build awareness about the importance of sea turtle conservation.
Experience Chinese Culture
Working with us in Hainan, is not only a great chance to learn about sea turtles and the marine eco-system but an opportunity to experience Chinese culture and interact with Chinese people at a grass-roots level. We are daily out talking to local people, discussing the sea turtle's plight and also trying to understand the locals point of view. You will have the opportunity to develop important understanding and even friendship with a people who have literally thousands of years experience with sea turtles. In addition to the work with sea turtles and marine ecology, we take an active role to ensure volunteers feel like part of the local community, both by offering opportunities for social interaction and by organizing outings and Chinese cultural tours in the local area.
Food & Lodging
We provide a furnished western-style hotel / apartment for you on Hainan Island. We will undertake costs associated with utilities and general apartment maintenance (e.g. repairs to the stove, sink, etc.). Additional costs brought about by volunteer's acts of negligence or any fees associated which individual lifestyle will be the responsibility of said volunteer.
Internet will be available at our office so you can keep in touch with your family and friends back at home. If you do not bring your own laptop, you may use the computers in our office to get on the Internet.
Three meals a day are prepared for you by our Chinese chef who cooks traditional Chinese food. There’s nothing like home-cooked Chinese food in China!
Getting to Sanya
We are glad to help organize travel if needed. We will be glad to help you find cheap domestic flights to Sanya from any city in China. A one-way flight to Sanya ranges from $200-$300. Alternatively, you can fly into Haikou city (capital city of Hainan Island), where fares are cheaper and take a bus down to Sanya for only $10.
Session Dates
We are flexible with session dates anytime of the year. We do, however, request a minimum commitment of 2 weeks for our Volunteer Program.
Program Fee
Since we are a registered non-profit, we rely on program fees to fuel our mission to save the sea turtles from extinction. The total program fee will depend on how much time you want to participate in our program; some people prefer 2 weeks, while others prefer 3 months. Our Volunteer Program fee is $250 USD per week.
The program fee covers the costs of:
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Lodging (all utilities paid for)
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Food (3 meals a day)
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1 organized activity per week such as cultural tours or hiking excursions within Hainan Island.
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Airport pickup transportation from Sanya Phoenix International Airport to your hotel / apartment.
How to Register
If you are looking for an amazing overseas adventure, living on a tropical island, experiencing Chinese culture, and making a difference to the world, our volunteer program is for you.
To register, you have the following options:
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Online registration: Click here to Register online now! OR
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Phone registration: Call us toll-free at 1-800-910-5055, ext. 2 OR
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Mail-in registration: Download and complete the registration form and mail to:
Sea Turtles 911
758 Kapahulu Ave, Suite 270
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
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