We are often asked if people under 18 years can participate in AEI Experiences. The answer to that is - YES! We have many partners who will accept volunteers who are 16 years old or who wish to volunteer with a parent or guardian. Explore the world within the structure and safety of an international volunteer program. At AEI we take care of all the details for you, making this the ideal way to begin a lifetime of travel. We have personally visited all of our placements, which means we can ensure that the placement is safe, ethical and is really helping animals. We tell you exactly what to expect, answer all of your questions, and make sure you are prepared in every way for your big adventure. Volunteering is an amazing way to see the world. You are able to get involved and learn about the animals you are helping. You will make friends with the volunteers, your hosts and people in the community. And you will be able to explore the area where you are staying and try new things. Our clients want to make a difference in the lives of animals - and they definitely do. But their own lives are also forever changed by their travel experience. Join our family of international volunteers - and see you can start living your dreams today!
Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
Help conserve sea turtles on the Pacific coast.
Family programs available with no age minimum. Individual clients must be at least 16 years old.
Nearly all species of sea turtles are endangered – their numbers dropping due to poaching and over-exploitation, climate change and pollution, habitat destruction, accidental capture in fishing gear and trauma from boats. Our partner organization in Costa Rica helps sea turtles through conservation, research, sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation.
Starting at $1921 Canadian for 1 week.
Dog Rescue in Mexico
Help with dog and cat rescue, adoption and public education in Mexico.
Family programs available with no age minimum. Individual clients must be at least 15 years old.
Street dogs and cats are a worldwide problem. Many of these dogs and cats are born on the streets, while others are abandoned pets, or pets that are permitted to roam free. In Mexico hundreds of thousands of animals are estimated to be homeless. These animals fight to survive, living on the edge of society. They are often starving, sick or injured, facing countless health challenges.
Starting at $1410 Canadian for 1 week.
Bat Conservation in Cuba
Assist with the study of bats in Cuba.
Family programs available with no age minimum. Individual clients must be at least 16 years old.
When people think of the Caribbean, vacation getaway comes to mind. Cuba is a popular tourist destination, with its warm climate and beautiful sandy beaches. Tourism has been very important for the economics of Cuba, but has also resulted in habitat destruction, and hotel development. Many animals are affected by this loss of habitat, including several species of bats. On the following six days, participants will travel to different caves in the Matanzas or Varadero area. Participants will assist in hand-netting or harp trapping bats for species identification. Measurements will be taken and recorded and other observations made.
$2190 Canadian per participant for the week long expedition.
Dog Rescue in Spain
Help rescue and rehabilitate Spanish Galgos.
Family programs available with no age minimum. Individual clients must be at least 16 years old.
Help save these amazing dogs! In Spain, galgos – Spanish greyhounds - are used for hunting hares in the countryside. Despite being part of Spanish culture for centuries, as “hunting dogs” galgos are not seen as companion animals and often have difficult lives filled with neglect and abuse. Their speed and agility make them excellent at chasing hares and breeders aspire to create the “perfect” galgos.
Starting at $1473 Canadian for 1 week.
Dolphin Conservation in Croatia
Help with dolphin conservation in Croatia.
Family programs available with no age minimum. Individual clients must be at least 16 years old.
Our partner in Croatia has come to the aid of the dolphins. This organization began as a collaboration between the Slovenian Museum of Natural History, local biologists and scientists from several international universities. Their main aim is to monitor the dolphins and use the information collected to form a baseline for conservation plans. This 11 day placement is well structured. Each day begins with a group breakfast and briefing of the planned activities for the day. Mornings are spent analyzing new data. Volunteers help to check and enter data from the previous evening into the database and transcribe the notes made during the observation. The afternoon is spent in the boat watching the dolphin pods and recording the findings.
$2129 Canadian per participant for the 11 day program.
