 |
| Niki (far left) with other BirdLife Malta volunteers at Earth Garden 2009 |
I found out about EVS via an online environmental job listing and applied for the voluntary position whilst undertaking a 3-month internship in Texas working with big cats. I have always had a passion for both nature conservation and travelling, and so thought that by combining the two I would be able to experience a wonderful year learning new skills and meeting new people. So far, I have not been disappointed!
Before coming to Malta, I was somewhat naive to the country's culture and, if I'm honest, it's exact geographic location! The closest I had ever been to Malta before was Sicily when I was a teenager, so I had a very rough idea of the type of country to expect. I love adventures and trying novel things so I thought that it would be fun, exciting, and a great learning curve. I have heard of the work that BirdLife undertake through volunteering back home with the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK) and so had a basic understanding of the types of work I would be involved with.
One thing that really appealed to me about working for BirdLife Malta was it's comparatively small size compared with the RSPB, thereby giving me a chance to get involved with many aspects of the NGO. I wanted to learn as much as possible about the different roles played in a conservation NGO, as well as be able to study a different habitat to that found in the UK. Volunteering here has definitely provided me with that opportunity, as I have worked with all members of the team from organising international fairs to helping with ringing schemes, and from assisting with boat-based observations to training new volunteers (both local and foreign).
 |
Matt (far right) and Niki (left of Matt) at the LIFE Yelkouan Shearwater site in Rdum tal-Madonna with Site Warden (far left) and British Royal Navy volunteers
|
So far I have really enjoyed my time both in Malta and whilst working for BirdLife Malta. The best thing about Malta compared with the UK is obviously the weather! However, I also like the relaxed atmosphere and the friendly nature of the people who live here. Working for BirdLife Malta has given me the chance to utilise my theoretical knowledge of conservation gained whilst studying for my Zoology undergraduate degree, as well as enhance these skills in preparation for starting a Masters in Wildlife Conservation in 2010.
I would really recommend taking part in an EVS scheme as you are able to travel to a different country, learn new skills, meet new people, experience new cultures and grow as a person. I am so glad I was given this opportunity and I hope that others take the time to look into applying for EVS projects elsewhere.