EZTravelpad

Teaching in Thailand, Seeing the World, Living YOUR Life

Experience a new culture, Help a child, Reward YOURSELF by Helping OTHERS

The following is a reprint from a special email I received today from i-to-i "meaningful travel"

Please remember that EZTravelpad can offer a price that is LOWER than what this indicates, so please feel free to click through, look, call them if you like, but come back to EZTravelpad to save even more money!
Email [email protected] or call 574-825-8079 or 919-624-2293
EZTravelpad is proud to offer the products and services of i-to-i, they are a fantastic company offering a superior product that can change YOUR life for the better, while you help others around the world...

Live The Thai Life! See And Work in Thailand With Flexible, Well-Paid and Hassle-Free Jobs - Enrolling Now

Limited spaces - Book today! 120hr + Teach English in Thailand Support Package from $1275 Call us on 800-352-1793

How Does 5 Months Living And Working In Thailand Sound? Announcing our new 'Teach English in Thailand Support Package'! Get your all-important first job and TEFL certification with no hassle and all the support you need during your contract in Thailand. Perfect for anyone who is new to working abroad and would value an easy start and friendly guidance overseas!

Here's what you'll get:

• You can choose from a 5 month or 11 month contract - Starting Oct 2009
• Your first job, expect to get paid a minimum of 27,500 Thai baht per month, that's $8,900 for an 11 month contract- the equivalent salary in the US would be around $38,000 in terms of a standard of living comparison (incredible but true!)
• This income is easily enough for you to see the country and experience the culture independently
• We'll organise EVERYTHING for you with our specially designed support package, starting with a friendly face at the airport!
• Risk Free Guarantee within 7 days - if you're not happy, we'll refund you, plain and simple

Learn more

The support package includes:

• Friendly meet and greet at the airport with transfer to orientation accommodation
• Your first 2 nights accommodation in Bangkok in a great guest house that even has a swimming pool
• Welcome dinner (and breakfast, lunch and dinner on day 2!)
• 3-day orientation including advice on how to get the most out of your students and a Bangkok city tour
• FREE Thai phrasebook - giving you a great headstart
• Mobile phone SIM card and top up - allowing you to call home and make your friends jealous
• On-going personal support throughout your contract
• FREE Thailand Lonely Planet guide
• FREE 20% discount voucher that can be used against any i-to-i travel package - a great way to treat yourself after you've finished teaching
• Full support during the application process
• 120 hour TEFL certification - ensuring you are ready for day 1 in the classroom

Get started here>>

This package will give you vital teaching experience and a fantastic opportunity to start (or continue) your TEFL career. More importantly, you'll get to see Thailand on your terms from the perspective of someone actually living there.

Only 50 spaces available and you must register before 18th Sept 2009 to depart October 2009 - Book today!

Call us on 800-352-1793 or click here to read more>>

call us at 1-574-825-8079

It’s never too late to escape! If you’ve been holding off booking a vacation all summer, but feel like you deserve a bit of last minute excitement in your life, look no further! Book onto any fantastic i-to-i adventure starting in August or September and you’ll get a huge 15% off!* Just remember to act fast! Our best trips often sell out, so if you want to escape give our friendly travel experts a call now– you need just $100 to secure a spot! AND only when you book through our agency, you receive an additional $50 per person savings. Here’s what you could be doing on some of our most popular trips… Conserving sea turtles in Costa Rica Was $1,095, now $930.75 moved to top! Enjoy living in a pristine tropical paradise as you help protect endangered species of turtles from predators and poachers. Don’t worry though – you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy Costa Rica’s stunning beaches during this 1-12 week trip. Hana Galal, who recently took part, said: “It was a peaceful and meaningful experience and I feel refreshed.” Want to know more? Give our travel experts a call. Taking care of baby lions and tigers in South Africa Was $2,195, now $1,865.75 Give adorable lion and tiger cubs all the care and attention they need to grow up happy and healthy as you help out at this big cat breeding centre. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up South Africa’s incredible scenery on this 2-4 week trip. Find out more by downloading the trip notes or giving our friendly travel team a call. Or, get on Campfire and check out SteveB’s photos from South Africa! Caring for rescued street children in Goa Was $1,295, now $1,100.75 Experience the laid-back vibe and gorgeous beaches of Goa while helping some amazing kids at this children’s home by teaching them some English, singing songs and playing with them. One Campfire traveller, lrocke44, who just got back from Goa said: “The children are all amazing, it was really hard to say goodbye.” Want to learn more about this 2-12 week adventure? Download the trip notes or give one of our travel experts a call. Giving kids in Mombasa, Kenya, a brighter future Was $1,425, now $1,211.25 Help youngsters in Kenya’s second city, many of whom have been orphaned by HIV/Aids, put their lives back on track during this amazing 1-12 week trip. Plus, you’ll be able to experience this stunning coastal city, which has some of the world’s best beaches, from an insider point of view. Discover more by reading the trip notes or giving one of our travel experts a call. Or, visit Campfire and read all about Mozzarella’s time in Mombasa. Building and maintaining schools in Nepal Was $1,595, now $1,355.75 Get your hands dirty on this project to give kids a better learning environment near the picturesque Chitwan National Park in Nepal, which is home to an incredible array of wildlife. As well as building, there’ll be plenty of time to get involved with the local community during this fantastic 4 week adventure. Give our friendly travel team a call or download the trip notes to learn more! Elephant and Beach adventure near Mombasa, Kenya Was $2,195, now $1,865.75 Spend a week getting involved with some of the world’s most majestic creatures at an elephant sanctuary, followed by a week chilling out on some incredible beaches and exploring in the beautiful costal city of Mombasa. Plus, there’ll be plenty of time for wildlife spotting on this 2 week trip, with snorkelling, game drives and a trip to a monkey reserve. Give our friendly travel team a call or download the trip notes to learn more today! Or, take part in one of our newest adventures and you could be… Making kids’ smiles a little brighter in Cambodia Was $985, now $837.25 Prepare to receive a soaking as you help children in picturesque rural Cambodia learn how to clean their teeth and wash their hands properly! By increasing their awareness of hygiene you’ll help the kids on the project lead healthier lives during this 1 week trip and get a real insight into traditional Cambodian life. Find out more by calling one of our travel experts or downloading the trip notes! Or, log onto Campfire and check out Olliesmallwood’s incredible photos of Cambodia! Learning to surf and helping underprivileged kids in South Africa Was $1,535, now $1,304.75 Hit the waves off the beautiful white sands of Muizenburg beach, near Cape Town – one of the best places in the world to learn the sport. You’ll spend a week perfecting your moves in the water, before helping disadvantaged kids from the local area stay off the streets by teaching them how to surf during this 2-8 week trip. Radical! See what Muizenburg’s like by watching this video on Campfire, call our friendly travel team or download the trip notes to learn more! Helping out at a day-care centre for underprivileged kids in Goa Was $1,295, now $1,100.75 Experience a slower pace of life in chilled-out Goa, as you take care of some amazing kids at a day-care centre. Your days will be chocked full of playing, singing and a little bit of teaching, but don’t worry – you’ll still have plenty of time to unwind on some of Goa’s stunning beaches during this fantastic 2-12 week adventure. Want to know more? Download the trip notes now or give our travel experts a call. None of these appeal? Don’t worry – we have hundreds of trips available across Latin America, Africa, Asia and Australia. Just give one of our friendly travel experts a call to chat about what you’d like to do and where, and they’ll be able to help you find an adventure that suits you! Don't forget - when you book through our agency, you receive an additional $50 per person savings. EZTravelpad is proud to be able to bring you these "life-changing" opportunities. It's Never Too Late to enrich your life, and make a meaningful difference in the world around you - make today the day! Call 574-825-8079, 919-624-2293, or email [email protected]

i-to-i, 8 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA 01960 Tel: 1 800 352 1793, Email:[email protected]

Volunteer Tourism with i-to-i .... Meaningful Travel

What is Volunteer Tourism all about ?

Check out this video - it could change your life

Giving Back Can Mean Getting More

It's a basic philosophy - the more you give, the more you receive
Giving of yourself repays you in dividends throughout your life
Givers Gain
You may have already read a bit about i-to-i volunteer tourism.
Clicking this link allows you to search their website for a wide variety of life changing tours starting at only around $450 per week. Costa Rica is not the only destination, but it is one of the easiest and most economical to reach.

Volunteer in Costa Rica

When you volunteer in Costa Rica with i-to-i your time and effort will make a huge difference. You will also gain a deeper understanding of the country by working alongside local people or teaching English. We have a wide range of volunteering in Costa Rica projects including building homes, community development, conservation, sports coaching and teaching English in Costa Rica.

Can you imagine helping this little guy hatch from his egg, then turning him loose into the Caribbean surf?

Do you think that is something you could ever forget?

Ranges of Tours Available

• Wildlife Conservation
• Building Projects
• Environmental conservation
• Community Involvement
• Teach Sports
• Teach English
• Work with Children

Ask yourself, do you want another couple of weeks laying on the beach drinking beer (not that there's anything wrong with that) then dancing 'til dawn
or
Do you want to create a unique memory that will last a lifetime & make a difference is YOUR world ?

Discounts Available

i-to-i has made special arrangements for me to offer an additional discount thru 8-31-09 on any tour they offer. In other words, use your travel agent for better pricing than what is otherwise available!

What says Father's Day like a 3 week Elephant experience in Thailand?

It's Father's Day, and what says Father's Day Present like a 3 week Elephant Experience in Thailand?

Actually, quite a few things - a new tie, family cook-out, new ipnone, cute card, an afternoon on the golf course with Dad, yes - quite a few things actually....BUT
What cooler gift could you imagine than sending Dad to Thailand for 3 weeks on the experience of a lifetime? I can't think of a more unique AND rewarding gift - the gift of experience- the gift of volunteering - the gift of helping make the world a better place!

What does an elephant eat for breakfast?

You’ll find out when you spend 2 weeks working side by side with elephant keepers in Surin province, Thailand. Feeding elephants a hearty breakfast full of leaves and branches will be just one your daily tasks. Then you are off on an action-packed adventure through northern Thailand. You will trek through the breathtaking mountains of Chiang Mai, board a bamboo raft for some awesome wildlife viewing, ride an elephant through the jungle and then even spend the night in a remote hill tribe village where you will have a chance to really bond with the local community and experience their uniquely peaceful way of life.

Trip Highlights:

Feeding elephants their breakfast!

Floating down the river on your bamboo raft

Trekking to a hill tribe village hidden deep in the mountains of Chiang Mai 

Greeting the tree branches at eye level from the top of an elephant

Touring the bustling capital city of Bangkok

Fast Facts

Project Information

• Project Duration: Min 3 weeks
• Project Costs: US$ 2195.00 for 3 weeks
• Location of project:Surin, Thailand
• Arrival Airport:Bangkok (airport code BKK) 
• Activities:Trekking, rafting, elephant ride, working with elephants and their keepers and touring Bangkok 
• Working Hours:Flexible; usually Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm at the project and full days on the tour 
• Getting to the project:on site
• Requirements:Minimum age 18

What's Included

• Accommodation:Shared room in guesthouse, bamboo huts, basic home stay
• Food: All meals while trekking and at the home stay, some other meals as per itinerary
• Airport Pickup:Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
• Training:In-country orientation
• Support:Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

What's not included

• Flights, Insurance, Visas
• Meals not mentioned on itinerary (budget approx. $5 USD per meal)

For more ideas for volunteer tourism, affordable getaways, honeymoons, just about anything you can think of that involves planning a trip - contact [email protected] your friend in the travel business

Why volunteer tourism - so you can work with endangered white lions !

i-to-i Life Changing Travel offer many adventures similar to this- I can help!

Ever wanted to spend time with one of the most iconic and majestic creatures on the planet?

We've teamed up with a lion education centre in South Africa to offer an exclusive volunteer opportunity. This centre is famed as a pioneer in the rearing of white lions, cats that are now almost completely extinct in the wild, and you could soon get to see them every day! The lion project team specialize in the care of Africa's large predators; the Lion (including the rare white lion), Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Brown Hyena and African Wild dog. It is also home to many of the other animals that make South Africa one of the wildlife jewels of the world. Volunteering in South Africa on this project means you can run wild with lions and giraffes so get involved with the team and help these amazing animals.

Fast Facts

Project Information

• Project Duration: Min 2 weeks
• Project Costs: US$ 1995.00 for 2 weeks
• Location of project:Near Santon, Johannesburg, in Gauteng Province, South Africa
• Arrival Airport:Johannesburg (JNB)
• Activities:Various types of work with park visitors and animals, including helping with feeding and facilities maintenance
• Working Hours:Flexible; usually daily 8am to 5pm, all other time is free. Days 1 to 10 at project; Days 11 to 14 transfer to Pretoria for safari and crafts market
• Getting to the project:Accommodation is on site
• Requirements:Minimum age 18

What's Included

• Accommodation:Shared semi-luxury tents at project; shared hostel on tour
• Food:Food is not included; you will need to purchase your own food (budget approximately $US60 per stay at the park)
• Airport Pickup:Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
• Training:In-country orientation
• Support:Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

What's not included

• Flights, Insurance, Visas, Return Airport transfer, Local Transport, Food

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome to South Africa. You will be met at the airport and taken to the lion education center. You will have a brief orientation and meet our i-to-i team leader who is stationed at the center. Our team leader will help you get settled in and will be there to support you throughout your time at the center.

Day 2 to10: Work at lion education center

For the next nine days you will be working with some truly adorable creatures. Your main role is to help the lion education center staff with the daily running of the center. This could mean preparing bottles for feeding baby lions, playing with the clumsy little lion cubs and manning the various stations around the center.

Day 11: Travel to Pretoria

After working hard for 9 days straight at the center, you will have a much needed rest in Pretoria. Spend the rest of today catching up on sleep and emails, visiting some locals bars and shops or just simply relaxing by the poolside. Tomorrow you go on safari to see the big 5 so be sure to get plenty of rest.

Day 12: Safari and craft market

Today you will visit the Chameleon Craft Market, the biggest craft center in Africa, and a great place to pick up some African handicrafts. After the market you will drive through rural South Africa to Pilanesburg National Center where you will enjoy a picnic and afternoon safari looking for the Big 5 in the wild, taking photos and watching hippos take their late afternoon baths!

Day 13: Pretoria

Today is free to explore Pretoria and pick up any last minute souvenirs. You may want to shop in town or even go on a tour of Soweto to get a real insight into the ‘new’ South Africa.

Day 14: Departure

It’s time to say goodbye. Pack your bags and head home or onto your next adventure.

What the project does and why it needs you!

The lion education center was created to educate the public about the conservation of predators in the wild, mainly the lion. They also work to breed endangered white lions in captivity and to train certain animals for use in movies and adverts. The center is open to the public and visitors can play with baby lion cubs as well as drive through the adult lion enclosures. The center also keeps various other predators such as hyena, wild dog, and jackal to increase public awareness and also to train some of them for use in films and adverts.The centre is approximately 208 hectares; with so many animals and land, the center requires a lot of maintenance and management. Lion cubs alone are demanding and need to be fed every few hours in their first few months. The center is often understaffed and needs volunteers to assist staff with their daily tasks. Volunteers are also appreciated for their passion and enthusiasm which brightens up the center atmosphere.

Who is it for?

This project is perfect for anyone with a passion for animals and people since a lot of the work involves interacting with the public. The more enthusiastic and motivated you are, the more you will get out of your experience. Patience and flexibility are essential.

What you’ll be doing

You will be working daily with the center staff to assist in all tasks associated with the running of the center. This includes cleaning out enclosures, preparing bottles of milk for feeding the cubs, preparing food, interacting with the public and selling food to feed the giraffes. You will work from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday and 8am to 6pm on weekends. You will have some down time throughout the day to relax or if you prefer, to get involved with other lion education center activities. You will probably split your time between working in the nursery and working in the lion cub enclosures but the exact schedule will depend on how many volunteers are at the center. You may also do shifts at the giraffe feeding station, the gate to the game drive and at the entrance to cub world.

Where you’ll be staying

Lion education center: The project is located in Gauteng and is a 10 minute drive from shopping malls, super markets, and restaurants. Your accommodation at the center will be in semi luxury tents with brand new mattresses. Each tent has 4 proper beds inside, with good mattresses and electricity. Linen is washed and changed by the cleaning staff. The tents have windows and a small porch in front where you can sit and watch the wild game enjoy their dinner. There are bedside tables, a lamp and a small heater for the cold nights. The tents are very spacious. The bathrooms are located a few meters away and have powerful, hot water showers. The kitchen is fully equipped and spacious and even has a washing machine. There is also a fire pit and BBQ area where you can relax in the evenings.
Pretoria: you will stay in a shared dorm room in Pretoria Backpackers, a comfy hostel a few minutes walk to Hatfield and a 5 min walk to the University of Pretoria. There is also a swimming pool where you can go to cool down and relax after your long, hot day on safari!

What you’ll be eating

No meals are included. You will go grocery shopping at the beginning of your stay and there are kitchen facilities on site at the center. Food is also available at the center restaurant (until 5pm) if you aren’t in the mood to cook. You will even get a staff discount on the food at the restaurant. You can also go out for dinner in the evenings - restaurants are just a short taxi ride away. You should budget $60 US for the 9 days at the camp.

Advice and what to bring

All the necessary materials will be provided, including two volunteer T-shirts that should be worn at all times when working at the centre. Take clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty – comfortable khaki is ideal. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, a raincoat, insect repellent, flash light, towel and some sun block are essentials.
On your free time there is plenty to do. You can visit the Lesedi Cultural Village one afternoon where you will get a guided tour of 5 South African tribal villages. There is also a 20 minute video presentation and an ‘all you can eat’ buffet dinner, where you can try various different meats including ostrich and even crocodile! The Montecasino, built like a real Italian village, is close by and filled with a casino, bars, shops and restaurants, which make it a great place to spend an evening.

When you arrive

i-to-i orientation will take place on your arrival day at the tented camp. This will be given by our i-to-i team leader who lives at the center. The lion education center specific orientation will take place on your first work morning, the day after you arrive, usually around 8.30am, in the restaurant area.

Things that you will need to organize yourself

• Flights to South Africa: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
• Travel insurance: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
• Visa
• In-country transport (except your airport pickup on arrival date)
• Tours, trips and add-ons: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
• Food (approximately US$50 or GBP£25 per week)
• Return transfer to the airport from Pretoria

Aims

1. To create an environment as close to a natural habitat, where the indigenous animals may live and be respected and appreciated.

2. To encourage the survival of conservation in South Africa by focusing on the education of everyone, including both foreign and local tourists.

3. To care for our natural heritage, through science and research so that future generations may become better acquainted with the rich diversity of wildlife that southern Africa has to offer.

Project Log

How has meeting i-to-i volunteers from around the world changed your own life?

Date: 2008-11-19

Meeting so many people from different parts of the world, different cultures, languages has been a huge learning curve, and good exposure to most of our staff, that have never left the African shores.

Tell us about a special time with i-to-i volunteers?

Date: 2008-11-19

A treasured time is when our animal trainer/lion wrangler, Alex, gets out and talks to the animals and gives the volunteers a lesion on animal behaviour and husbandry, they all without fail find this the highlight of their time with us.

What new ideas have i-to-i volunteers brought to the project?

Date: 2008-11-19

Many little new ideas have come from volunteers. e.g.: the nursery standards and care came by way of advice from a veterinary nurse who had worked in zoo's across the world.

What is your favourite thing about having i-to-i volunteers visit your placement?

Date: 2008-11-19

They bring a breath of fresh air to our Park, and even visitors love talking to them, and getting their views on life in other countries.

Are you happy when i-to-i volunteers come to your project and if so why?

Date: 2008-11-19

Yes, most certainly. We often meet extremely interesting people, who have given up in many instances, at a huge sacrifice their time, initiative, money for our benefit.

How have i-to-i volunteers made a difference to your project?

Date: 2008-11-19

An above average skills level comes to our park, and networking with our staff has a positive rub off and influence. This close contact has matured a number of our staff, talking to people who have traveled, and come with innovative ideas.

What exactly do i-to-i provide?

It may seem like a strange concept to pay for your volunteer experience. You'd be right if you think you shouldn't and the truth is you actually don't! Your placement is free; it's the benefits around it that you pay for. It's important to note that i-to-i is a travel company and not a charity. We provide a professional travel service. We are responsible for finding and assessing worthwhile projects across the world, preparing you fora the volunteering experience and supporting you whilst you're there.

Here’s some more information about what your placement fee covers….

Project sourcing and assessment

We work with hundreds of locally run partner projects around the world and are constantly sourcing new opportunities. We visit all projects to check that they are worthwhile and legitimate and we also conduct a thorough safety assessment before we'll send volunteers there. More

Expert help-desk

Almost everyone who works for i-to-i has traveled extensively or worked overseas. This means we're a goldmine of information; we're always available to offer support and guidance before, during and after your trip.

Thorough project briefing materials

Once you book on to a project you'll receive a Welcome Pack that contains loads of general information about volunteering, about your chosen country and how to have fun and stay safe. We'll also give you advice on visas and inoculations.

TEFL training

If you are volunteering on a Teaching project then a 40-hour Online TEFL course is included in your placement fee. This is an internationally recognised and accredited certificate that will help you to make the most of your time overseas. More

Airport pickup

It can be pretty daunting arriving in a different country for the first time - especially after a long flight! If you arrive on your project start date, there'll be a welcoming face at the airport to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.

Arrival orientation

Soon after you arrive you will attend a thorough orientation with our in-country team. This is to cover important safety and security information. You'll also get some tips about sight-seeing options for your time off and maybe even learn some of the local lingo!

Accommodation and meals

Accommodation is included with all projects and meals are even included with some. We only use locally-owned and operated accommodation so that part of your placement fee is filtering back into the local economy. Most projects offer homestay, guesthouse or shared volunteer houses as standard accommodation, but some offer the chance to upgrade to a more comfortable living standard. More

Local in-country coordinators

Your in-country team will arrange a pick-up for you at the airport and will conduct your orientation upon arrival. All coordination teams are English speaking and are locals of your destination country. They won't be at your project every day, but will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need them. More

24/7 emergency support

Aside from the local support from your in-country team you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line manned by our response team in case any problem should arise while you're overseas. We also hire crisis management professionals to be on hand in case of a situation that requires additional expert support. More

Ongoing training

The safety and security of our volunteers is paramount. For this reason we provide ongoing crisis management and emergency response training to our local teams around the world. We also fly in our in-country coordinators to the UK regularly for thorough training to help them offer the best safety to the thousands of volunteers they support each year. More

Supporting our projects

We don't fund our projects directly from the project fee that you pay us. Instead we choose to support a number of projects every year through a grant scheme for tangible long-term initiatives. In the last 3 years we have distributed over US$250,000 to our most needy projects to help them in the great work they do. 

Recruiting people like you

We make no secrets of the fact that part of your placement fee is reinvested in to recruiting volunteers just like you! The volunteers recruited in one week will typically deliver over 2000 man-days of service. The difference this makes to projects overseas is immeasurable. Many of our overseas projects rely on assistance from international volunteers, so it's necessary for us to put together brochures and websites to find the people who can support them. This recruitment process is vital to ensure programs have a constant stream of reliable volunteers.

The intangible benefits

Volunteering through a company like i-to-i has a lot of intangible benefits to developing overseas communities and the individual projects that we work with. To find out more about our placements. click here

What we will do after you've booked:

Once booked on you will instantly receive a welcome email confirming your booking with access to your online account

We will send a Welcome Pack in the post containing further information and a t-shirt, the information in this pack should answer most things you need to know

Teaching customers will receive an email introducing them to their Online TEFL course

Community Development and Teaching customers will be requested to complete a police check (where relevant)

We will contact you if we require anything else e.g. CV/resume for some projects, doctors note for medical conditions etc.

We will prepare for your trip and send you an email with confirmation of your project and accommodation 2 weeks after you've booked

We will ask you to complete your forms and pay your final balance if they are still due when required

We are available for any questions you may have on 800 985 4852 or [email protected]

What you need to do after booking your place with us:

Book your flights

Arrange suitable travel insurance

Fill out some extra details through our online interface:

1. Application from
2. Travel details
3. Insurance details
4. Medical information
5. Emergency contacts

Complete your police check if requested

Do your Online TEFL Course (where relevant)

Make final payment at least 90 days before you go

Make sure you have a visa for your trip if it's needed

Visit a nurse or travel clinic for advice on inoculations and malaria prevention

Read all details and prepare as much as you can for your trip

Take contact details of the in country team and where you're going in your hand luggage - just in case!

Get on the plane!

Orientation Information

The following information details what will happen during the first few days of your arrival.

We aim to provide you with a safe and soft landing into your destination by picking you up from the airport, giving you an orientation that helps to settle you into the country as quickly as possible. It’s also the best time to ask any questions you have about your time in South Africa.

You will arrive on the Arrival Date (days will vary) and will be met at the airport on (we recommend you arrive between 8.00 and 16.00 in order to attend your orientation). You will be taken from the airport straight to the Lion Park where you will have your orientation introducing you to life in South Africa and at the project. The transfer will take about 1 to 1.5 hours from the airport to the project.

Insurance

It's important that you get adequate travel insurance for your i-to-i experience and as many of you will be working this often means standard policies won’t work. The good news is that no matter where your coming from we have already found a policy to suit you.

The best time to get your insurance is when you book your project as this means you can get a fully tailored policy exclusive to i-to-i, just ask your consultant for further details at the time of booking.

EU Customers – find out more here >>

Australian customers - find out more here >>

All other customers - find out more here >>

Flights

As with insurance we advise you get these booked as early as possible to avoid high prices and to make sure you arrive on the right day. The i-to-i team is right up to date with the best deals no matter where you’re flying from; their insider knowledge could save you some time and money.

South Africa

A little bit of history...

 A journey into South Africa’s history is to haul through periods of racial tension, oppression and hope. Its multicultural mix originates from the earliest settlers, the San (also known as Bushmen) and Khoi-Khoi tribes, followed by Bantu-speaking groups, and through to the swarm of European traders. The Dutch were among the first European settlers and arrived in the 17th century, establishing their presence through their own dialect, Afrikaan, and religion in the form of the Dutch Reformed Church. By the end of the 18th century, the British began to push their presence forward into the country’s towns. It was a period of flared tensions with Zulu chief Shaka renouncing war on neighbouring tribes. Meanwhile, the Boers (Dutch Afrikaner farmers) and the British became locked in conflict; the Anglo-Boer War lasted from 1899 to 1902, ending with the British taking control of the Boer republics of Transvaal and the Orange Free State (OFS) and consequently ruling the country.

By 1910, the Union of South Africa was created and gave political power to whites, while blacks set up political parties in protest, the African National Congress (ANC) the best known. It ushered in the beginnings of apartheid, which became widely ingrained after the Afrikaner National Party came to power in 1948. Violence against protests from blacks was enforced and the black population were evicted to so-called Homelands. In the 1960s, leaders of the ANC were imprisoned, notably Nelson Mandela, and the country became isolated having left the Commonwealth and declaring its republic status. After a long period of racial divide and conflict, in 1989 FW de Klerk came to power with the aim to rid the country of apartheid and instil democracy. The following year, Mandela was released from prison and in 1994 became president after the ANC won the country’s first non-racial general elections; the country also returned to the Commonwealth. The country’s democratic stance has steered it toward a more harmonious future, though economic inequalities between whites and blacks exist, but as the most developed economy on the continent it is in a good position to reconcile with its past.

Best time to go...

Naturally, South Africa’s seasons are the reverse of the northern hemisphere with summer heat burning from November to March and cooler winter temperatures from June to August. Temperature wise, spring (September to October) and autumn (April to May) provide a happy medium. Certain must-do activities are restricted to specific times of year: safari is best from June to September and the whale watching season is June to December. The busiest time, hence the most expensive, is during the summer months, while the major school holidays are during December and Easter.

Getting around...

Given the distances involved, flying is the most convenient way to travel between the main destinations, while land transportation can efficiently pick up the rest of the mileage for exploration in and around. There are an assortment of domestic carriers to choose from that fly the main routes, with most running from Johannesburg or Cape Town; these include South African Airways, Nationwide Airlines, Kulula and 1Time. Booking early is advisable to secure discounted rates.

There country also boasts a comprehensive bus network that covers the main cities; the road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town is around 20 hours (compared to a 2 hour in a plane). The main bus companies are Translux, Greyhound and Intercape. Baz Bus is aimed at the backpacker crowd and provides a hop-on, hop-off service and also travels to remote areas. It’s a good way to discover the picturesque patch of coastline that is the Garden Route, which it services en route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.

Train travel can work out longer than by bus, with the trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town edging toward almost 30 hours. If you’re after a little luxury, try the Blue Train or the Rovos Rail for a taste of stylish travel.

Car rental is an attractive option thanks to the good road conditions, great scenery and the flexibility driving allows. The big car rental companies like Avis and Budget have outlets and it’s essential to be fully insured and have a valid driver’s licence. It’s also a convenient way to get around cities as public transport can be unsafe.

Useful links

www.lonelyplanet.com


www.fco.gov.uk

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website provides up-to-date political news, travel advice and information on visas

www.aasa.co.za

The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA)

www.bazbus.com

Bus company Baz Bus

www.1time.co.za

Domestic airline 1Time

www.greyhound.co.za

Bus company Greyhound

www.intercape.co.za

Bus company Intercape

www.kulula.com

Domestic airline Kulula

www.flynationwide.co.za

Nationwide Airlines

www.flysaa.com

South African Airways

www.translux.com.za

Bus company Translux

Videos

Featured on “No Frontiers” (on Irish TV channel RTÉ One)

Stories

For more info, contact [email protected]

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome to South Africa. You will be met at the airport and taken to the lion education center. You will have a brief orientation and meet our i-to-i team leader who is stationed at the center. Our team leader will help you get settled in and will be there to support you throughout your time at the center.

Day 2 to10: Work at lion education center

For the next nine days you will be working with some truly adorable creatures. Your main role is to help the lion education center staff with the daily running of the center. This could mean preparing bottles for feeding baby lions, playing with the clumsy little lion cubs and manning the various stations around the center.

Day 11: Travel to Pretoria

After working hard for 9 days straight at the center, you will have a much needed rest in Pretoria. Spend the rest of today catching up on sleep and emails, visiting some locals bars and shops or just simply relaxing by the poolside. Tomorrow you go on safari to see the big 5 so be sure to get plenty of rest.

Day 12: Safari and craft market

Today you will visit the Chameleon Craft Market, the biggest craft center in Africa, and a great place to pick up some African handicrafts. After the market you will drive through rural South Africa to Pilanesburg National Center where you will enjoy a picnic and afternoon safari looking for the Big 5 in the wild, taking photos and watching hippos take their late afternoon baths!

Day 13: Pretoria

Today is free to explore Pretoria and pick up any last minute souvenirs. You may want to shop in town or even go on a tour of Soweto to get a real insight into the ‘new’ South Africa.

Day 14: Departure

It’s time to say goodbye. Pack your bags and head home or onto your next adventure.

What the project does and why it needs you!

The lion education center was created to educate the public about the conservation of predators in the wild, mainly the lion. They also work to breed endangered white lions in captivity and to train certain animals for use in movies and adverts. The center is open to the public and visitors can play with baby lion cubs as well as drive through the adult lion enclosures. The center also keeps various other predators such as hyena, wild dog, and jackal to increase public awareness and also to train some of them for use in films and adverts.The centre is approximately 208 hectares; with so many animals and land, the center requires a lot of maintenance and management. Lion cubs alone are demanding and need to be fed every few hours in their first few months. The center is often understaffed and needs volunteers to assist staff with their daily tasks. Volunteers are also appreciated for their passion and enthusiasm which brightens up the center atmosphere.

Who is it for?

This project is perfect for anyone with a passion for animals and people since a lot of the work involves interacting with the public. The more enthusiastic and motivated you are, the more you will get out of your experience. Patience and flexibility are essential.

What you’ll be doing

You will be working daily with the center staff to assist in all tasks associated with the running of the center. This includes cleaning out enclosures, preparing bottles of milk for feeding the cubs, preparing food, interacting with the public and selling food to feed the giraffes. You will work from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday and 8am to 6pm on weekends. You will have some down time throughout the day to relax or if you prefer, to get involved with other lion education center activities. You will probably split your time between working in the nursery and working in the lion cub enclosures but the exact schedule will depend on how many volunteers are at the center. You may also do shifts at the giraffe feeding station, the gate to the game drive and at the entrance to cub world.

Where you’ll be staying

Lion education center: The project is located in Gauteng and is a 10 minute drive from shopping malls, super markets, and restaurants. Your accommodation at the center will be in semi luxury tents with brand new mattresses. Each tent has 4 proper beds inside, with good mattresses and electricity. Linen is washed and changed by the cleaning staff. The tents have windows and a small porch in front where you can sit and watch the wild game enjoy their dinner. There are bedside tables, a lamp and a small heater for the cold nights. The tents are very spacious. The bathrooms are located a few meters away and have powerful, hot water showers. The kitchen is fully equipped and spacious and even has a washing machine. There is also a fire pit and BBQ area where you can relax in the evenings.
Pretoria: you will stay in a shared dorm room in Pretoria Backpackers, a comfy hostel a few minutes walk to Hatfield and a 5 min walk to the University of Pretoria. There is also a swimming pool where you can go to cool down and relax after your long, hot day on safari!

What you’ll be eating

No meals are included. You will go grocery shopping at the beginning of your stay and there are kitchen facilities on site at the center. Food is also available at the center restaurant (until 5pm) if you aren’t in the mood to cook. You will even get a staff discount on the food at the restaurant. You can also go out for dinner in the evenings - restaurants are just a short taxi ride away. You should budget $60 US for the 9 days at the camp.

Advice and what to bring

All the necessary materials will be provided, including two volunteer T-shirts that should be worn at all times when working at the centre. Take clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty – comfortable khaki is ideal. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, a raincoat, insect repellent, flash light, towel and some sun block are essentials.
On your free time there is plenty to do. You can visit the Lesedi Cultural Village one afternoon where you will get a guided tour of 5 South African tribal villages. There is also a 20 minute video presentation and an ‘all you can eat’ buffet dinner, where you can try various different meats including ostrich and even crocodile! The Montecasino, built like a real Italian village, is close by and filled with a casino, bars, shops and restaurants, which make it a great place to spend an evening.

When you arrive

i-to-i orientation will take place on your arrival day at the tented camp. This will be given by our i-to-i team leader who lives at the center. The lion education center specific orientation will take place on your first work morning, the day after you arrive, usually around 8.30am, in the restaurant area.

Things that you will need to organize yourself

• Flights to South Africa: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
• Travel insurance: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
• Visa
• In-country transport (except your airport pickup on arrival date)
• Tours, trips and add-ons: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
• Food (approximately US$50 or GBP£25 per week)
• Return transfer to the airport from Pretoria

Aims

1. To create an environment as close to a natural habitat, where the indigenous animals may live and be respected and appreciated.

2. To encourage the survival of conservation in South Africa by focusing on the education of everyone, including both foreign and local tourists.

3. To care for our natural heritage, through science and research so that future generations may become better acquainted with the rich diversity of wildlife that southern Africa has to offer.

Project Log

How has meeting i-to-i volunteers from around the world changed your own life?

Date: 2008-11-19

Meeting so many people from different parts of the world, different cultures, languages has been a huge learning curve, and good exposure to most of our staff, that have never left the African shores.

Tell us about a special time with i-to-i volunteers?

Date: 2008-11-19

A treasured time is when our animal trainer/lion wrangler, Alex, gets out and talks to the animals and gives the volunteers a lesion on animal behaviour and husbandry, they all without fail find this the highlight of their time with us.

What new ideas have i-to-i volunteers brought to the project?

Date: 2008-11-19

Many little new ideas have come from volunteers. e.g.: the nursery standards and care came by way of advice from a veterinary nurse who had worked in zoo's across the world.

What is your favourite thing about having i-to-i volunteers visit your placement?

Date: 2008-11-19

They bring a breath of fresh air to our Park, and even visitors love talking to them, and getting their views on life in other countries.

Are you happy when i-to-i volunteers come to your project and if so why?

Date: 2008-11-19

Yes, most certainly. We often meet extremely interesting people, who have given up in many instances, at a huge sacrifice their time, initiative, money for our benefit.

How have i-to-i volunteers made a difference to your project?

Date: 2008-11-19

An above average skills level comes to our park, and networking with our staff has a positive rub off and influence. This close contact has matured a number of our staff, talking to people who have traveled, and come with innovative ideas.

What exactly do i-to-i provide?

It may seem like a strange concept to pay for your volunteer experience. You'd be right if you think you shouldn't and the truth is you actually don't! Your placement is free; it's the benefits around it that you pay for. It's important to note that i-to-i is a travel company and not a charity. We provide a professional travel service. We are responsible for finding and assessing worthwhile projects across the world, preparing you fora the volunteering experience and supporting you whilst you're there.

Here’s some more information about what your placement fee covers….

Project sourcing and assessment

We work with hundreds of locally run partner projects around the world and are constantly sourcing new opportunities. We visit all projects to check that they are worthwhile and legitimate and we also conduct a thorough safety assessment before we'll send volunteers there. More

Expert help-desk

Almost everyone who works for i-to-i has traveled extensively or worked overseas. This means we're a goldmine of information; we're always available to offer support and guidance before, during and after your trip.

Thorough project briefing materials

Once you book on to a project you'll receive a Welcome Pack that contains loads of general information about volunteering, about your chosen country and how to have fun and stay safe. We'll also give you advice on visas and inoculations.

TEFL training

If you are volunteering on a Teaching project then a 40-hour Online TEFL course is included in your placement fee. This is an internationally recognised and accredited certificate that will help you to make the most of your time overseas. More

Airport pickup

It can be pretty daunting arriving in a different country for the first time - especially after a long flight! If you arrive on your project start date, there'll be a welcoming face at the airport to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.

Arrival orientation

Soon after you arrive you will attend a thorough orientation with our in-country team. This is to cover important safety and security information. You'll also get some tips about sight-seeing options for your time off and maybe even learn some of the local lingo!

Accommodation and meals

Accommodation is included with all projects and meals are even included with some. We only use locally-owned and operated accommodation so that part of your placement fee is filtering back into the local economy. Most projects offer homestay, guesthouse or shared volunteer houses as standard accommodation, but some offer the chance to upgrade to a more comfortable living standard. More

Local in-country coordinators

Your in-country team will arrange a pick-up for you at the airport and will conduct your orientation upon arrival. All coordination teams are English speaking and are locals of your destination country. They won't be at your project every day, but will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need them. More

24/7 emergency support

Aside from the local support from your in-country team you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line manned by our response team in case any problem should arise while you're overseas. We also hire crisis management professionals to be on hand in case of a situation that requires additional expert support. More

Ongoing training

The safety and security of our volunteers is paramount. For this reason we provide ongoing crisis management and emergency response training to our local teams around the world. We also fly in our in-country coordinators to the UK regularly for thorough training to help them offer the best safety to the thousands of volunteers they support each year. More

Supporting our projects

We don't fund our projects directly from the project fee that you pay us. Instead we choose to support a number of projects every year through a grant scheme for tangible long-term initiatives. In the last 3 years we have distributed over US$250,000 to our most needy projects to help them in the great work they do. 

Recruiting people like you

We make no secrets of the fact that part of your placement fee is reinvested in to recruiting volunteers just like you! The volunteers recruited in one week will typically deliver over 2000 man-days of service. The difference this makes to projects overseas is immeasurable. Many of our overseas projects rely on assistance from international volunteers, so it's necessary for us to put together brochures and websites to find the people who can support them. This recruitment process is vital to ensure programs have a constant stream of reliable volunteers.

The intangible benefits

Volunteering through a company like i-to-i has a lot of intangible benefits to developing overseas communities and the individual projects that we work with. To find out more about our placements. click here

What we will do after you've booked:

Once booked on you will instantly receive a welcome email confirming your booking with access to your online account

We will send a Welcome Pack in the post containing further information and a t-shirt, the information in this pack should answer most things you need to know

Teaching customers will receive an email introducing them to their Online TEFL course

Community Development and Teaching customers will be requested to complete a police check (where relevant)

We will contact you if we require anything else e.g. CV/resume for some projects, doctors note for medical conditions etc.

We will prepare for your trip and send you an email with confirmation of your project and accommodation 2 weeks after you've booked

We will ask you to complete your forms and pay your final balance if they are still due when required

We are available for any questions you may have on 800 985 4852 or [email protected]

What you need to do after booking your place with us:

Book your flights

Arrange suitable travel insurance

Fill out some extra details through our online interface:

1. Application from
2. Travel details
3. Insurance details
4. Medical information
5. Emergency contacts

Complete your police check if requested

Do your Online TEFL Course (where relevant)

Make final payment at least 90 days before you go

Make sure you have a visa for your trip if it's needed

Visit a nurse or travel clinic for advice on inoculations and malaria prevention

Read all details and prepare as much as you can for your trip

Take contact details of the in country team and where you're going in your hand luggage - just in case!

Get on the plane!

Orientation Information

The following information details what will happen during the first few days of your arrival.

We aim to provide you with a safe and soft landing into your destination by picking you up from the airport, giving you an orientation that helps to settle you into the country as quickly as possible. It’s also the best time to ask any questions you have about your time in South Africa.

You will arrive on the Arrival Date (days will vary) and will be met at the airport on (we recommend you arrive between 8.00 and 16.00 in order to attend your orientation). You will be taken from the airport straight to the Lion Park where you will have your orientation introducing you to life in South Africa and at the project. The transfer will take about 1 to 1.5 hours from the airport to the project.

Insurance

It's important that you get adequate travel insurance for your i-to-i experience and as many of you will be working this often means standard policies won’t work. The good news is that no matter where your coming from we have already found a policy to suit you.

The best time to get your insurance is when you book your project as this means you can get a fully tailored policy exclusive to i-to-i, just ask your consultant for further details at the time of booking.

EU Customers – find out more here >>

Australian customers - find out more here >>

All other customers - find out more here >>

Flights

As with insurance we advise you get these booked as early as possible to avoid high prices and to make sure you arrive on the right day. The i-to-i team is right up to date with the best deals no matter where you’re flying from; their insider knowledge could save you some time and money.

South Africa

A little bit of history...

 A journey into South Africa’s history is to haul through periods of racial tension, oppression and hope. Its multicultural mix originates from the earliest settlers, the San (also known as Bushmen) and Khoi-Khoi tribes, followed by Bantu-speaking groups, and through to the swarm of European traders. The Dutch were among the first European settlers and arrived in the 17th century, establishing their presence through their own dialect, Afrikaan, and religion in the form of the Dutch Reformed Church. By the end of the 18th century, the British began to push their presence forward into the country’s towns. It was a period of flared tensions with Zulu chief Shaka renouncing war on neighbouring tribes. Meanwhile, the Boers (Dutch Afrikaner farmers) and the British became locked in conflict; the Anglo-Boer War lasted from 1899 to 1902, ending with the British taking control of the Boer republics of Transvaal and the Orange Free State (OFS) and consequently ruling the country.

By 1910, the Union of South Africa was created and gave political power to whites, while blacks set up political parties in protest, the African National Congress (ANC) the best known. It ushered in the beginnings of apartheid, which became widely ingrained after the Afrikaner National Party came to power in 1948. Violence against protests from blacks was enforced and the black population were evicted to so-called Homelands. In the 1960s, leaders of the ANC were imprisoned, notably Nelson Mandela, and the country became isolated having left the Commonwealth and declaring its republic status. After a long period of racial divide and conflict, in 1989 FW de Klerk came to power with the aim to rid the country of apartheid and instil democracy. The following year, Mandela was released from prison and in 1994 became president after the ANC won the country’s first non-racial general elections; the country also returned to the Commonwealth. The country’s democratic stance has steered it toward a more harmonious future, though economic inequalities between whites and blacks exist, but as the most developed economy on the continent it is in a good position to reconcile with its past.

Best time to go...

Naturally, South Africa’s seasons are the reverse of the northern hemisphere with summer heat burning from November to March and cooler winter temperatures from June to August. Temperature wise, spring (September to October) and autumn (April to May) provide a happy medium. Certain must-do activities are restricted to specific times of year: safari is best from June to September and the whale watching season is June to December. The busiest time, hence the most expensive, is during the summer months, while the major school holidays are during December and Easter.

Getting around...

Given the distances involved, flying is the most convenient way to travel between the main destinations, while land transportation can efficiently pick up the rest of the mileage for exploration in and around. There are an assortment of domestic carriers to choose from that fly the main routes, with most running from Johannesburg or Cape Town; these include South African Airways, Nationwide Airlines, Kulula and 1Time. Booking early is advisable to secure discounted rates.

There country also boasts a comprehensive bus network that covers the main cities; the road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town is around 20 hours (compared to a 2 hour in a plane). The main bus companies are Translux, Greyhound and Intercape. Baz Bus is aimed at the backpacker crowd and provides a hop-on, hop-off service and also travels to remote areas. It’s a good way to discover the picturesque patch of coastline that is the Garden Route, which it services en route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.

Train travel can work out longer than by bus, with the trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town edging toward almost 30 hours. If you’re after a little luxury, try the Blue Train or the Rovos Rail for a taste of stylish travel.

Car rental is an attractive option thanks to the good road conditions, great scenery and the flexibility driving allows. The big car rental companies like Avis and Budget have outlets and it’s essential to be fully insured and have a valid driver’s licence. It’s also a convenient way to get around cities as public transport can be unsafe.

Useful links

www.lonelyplanet.com


www.fco.gov.uk

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website provides up-to-date political news, travel advice and information on visas

www.aasa.co.za

The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA)

www.bazbus.com

Bus company Baz Bus

www.1time.co.za

Domestic airline 1Time

www.greyhound.co.za

Bus company Greyhound

www.intercape.co.za

Bus company Intercape

www.kulula.com

Domestic airline Kulula

www.flynationwide.co.za

Nationwide Airlines

www.flysaa.com

South African Airways

www.translux.com.za

Bus company Translux

Videos

Featured on “No Frontiers” (on Irish TV channel RTÉ One)

Stories

TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language - Ultimate Travel Opportunity

Changing lives for the better - including YOUR OWN!

EZTravelpad is focused on providing interesting travel opportunities - either locally, or globally. As a travel consultant I train constantly to insure that I am as up to date as possible on interesting destinations, and deals, but deciding where you want to go should not be all about the money - it's about the experience.
Traveling can be fun, rewarding, educational, inspiring, an adventure.
Recently I ran across a company that combines travel and volunteerism. Voluntourism.
They offer fascinating tours across the globe that not only offer great adventures and destinations, but also can be combined with volunteering to add even more "experience" to you experience.
You can find yourself helping a village build infrastructure, helping wildlife survive, or teaching.

TEFL

Teaching English as a Foreign Language can be combined with a vacation experience (for as few as 2 weeks), or it can be a job opportunity for a longer period of time (up to a year or more).
Frequently people will ask "do I need to know the local language?" The answer is simply - Nope!

Opportunities exist across the globe-

• Japan
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• China
• Taiwan
• Czech Republic
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Hungary
• Sri Lanka
• Bolivia
• you get the idea - everywhere

For a short Voluntourism tour, experience is not required, but for a longer term contract it helps to have a bit of training, and an overview of what to expect.
Accreditation can be obtained for as little as $260, depending on the amount and type of training you want to pursue. Job opportunities can pay over $2000 per month depending on the location, and can include accommodations. Training can be in classroom, or online (or a combination of both).
What do you need to bring to the picture? The right attitude, and a willingness to make a difference in the lives of others, and in YOUR OWN life.

Who would do such a thing?

People from all age groups and all walks of life decide to make a difference every day. Students taking a Gap Year in their education, educators taking a sabbatical, retired professionals, in short-people of all ages wanting to experience different cultures first hand. There are thousands of reasons, and thousands of opportunities to experience life in a different culture.

What do you want to do?

If teaching English in a foreign land is something that interests you, and you would like more information on how it works, and how to get started, please contact me at [email protected]