Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my program fee cover?
Your program fee will cover your pre-departure support, accommodation, training and orientation, 24-hour in-country support, not to mention the unforgettable, off-the-beaten track, life changing experiences! While most of our programs include food, if your program does not, it will be listed and you will have access to group shopping excursions.
I can’t seem to decide which project I would like to join; can I chat with someone to get more information?
Absolutely! Our team of internship specialists are here to answer any and every question you have about our programs. Our internship specialists have been on several excursions themselves and are well-prepared to aid you during your travels with ResearchWild! Feel free to contact us!
Do I need any experience or qualifications?
You don't need to be a university student or a ResearchWild! alumnus to be accepted into a ResearchWild! program! Many of our internship opportunities do not require any experience. Typically, a trained field team will provide you with all of the training you need during your program. Complete our short ResearchWild! Application Form and we will let you know if you are a match for any of our programs!
Is there an age limit?
Our programs have a minimum age of 18.
How can I apply for a scholarship or financial aid?
Scholarships may be available for interns and researchers through their university's scholarship department. There are several organizations as well that support volunteering and continued education. Try to google scholarships that fit your unique situation. We will also have opportunities for grants and scholarships through our organization in the future.
I am not from the United States. Can I still apply?
Yes! We accept interns and researchers from all over the world. ResearchWild! representatives will help you through the application process and can advise on any special visa and travel requirements.
How far in advance should I book?
You can sign up as far as a year in advance. All deposits must be collected 90 days in advance and the final amount of the trip must be -collected no fewer than 30 days in advance.
Can I come with friends or as a couple?
Yes. Couples and friends are welcome, dependent on availability and the size of the group. Please be aware that we cannot always guarantee private accommodation.
Is there a selection process?
Yes, a completed ResearchWild! Application Form is required for all internships and projects. This is essential for your safety and enjoyment as well as the projects ultimate success. A representative of ResearchWild! will contact you to discuss your eligibility for the program you have applied for.
Can I travel before/after?
Yes, you can! If you decide to partake in a shorter study abroad program and then want to continue with one of our internships we can make that happen. If you want to come early to explore we can help you get to your property once your internship is about to start.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary between properties and internship lengths and are dependent upon our partners’ requirements, requests, and geographical locations. We will send you a property profile which includes vital information about the program leader, the property, the cost, and the amenities.
How can I pay?
You can fund your program using a debit or credit card, by bank transfer, or by personal or cashier's check. You can make credit card or debit card payments on our website using our ResearchWild! payment portal or by following the payment links on your invoice. Electronic Funds Transfers can be made by following the payment links on your invoice. All electronic payments are encrypted and secured using Stripe. Make personal or cashier’s checks payable to ResearchWild Inc; Mail check to 4421 Bay View Dr. Marrero, LA 70072, United States of America.
Are there any extra costs?
This is dependent upon your chosen program. Most internships include food, accommodations, training, project equipment, and global support unless stated otherwise (see your specific program description for more detailed information). Typically, the only extra money you will need is spending money for personal supplies, souvenirs, and the like. As a rough estimate we recommend around US$250 a month for spending money on all our programs. Occasionally, optional excursions or 3rd party training opportunities will be organized by your host. Optional excursions or 3rd party training opportunities can be funded prior to service rendered any time through the ResearchWild! payment portal.
Can I fundraise?
Yes! With prior planning and hard work you can raise all the money for your expedition or project. You can create a GoFundMe page or sell yankee candles, sees candles, and much more that you can raise money through. ResearchWild! also has a referral bonus program and a fundraising program for university student organizations. Get in touch with us for more information on fundraising advice!
Can you arrange my flights?
We recommend consulting the various airline booking web sites directly to get the best possible flight price to your chosen ResearchWild! program destination. Google Flights provides a good overview of airline prices.
Do I need insurance?
Absolutely! This is an essential part of joining an expedition, project, or internship. Required comprehensive travel insurance is provided through Cultural Insurance Services International. Information on insurance can be found on ResearchWild!'s Additional Program Requirements Form which we will email you upon acceptance of your application.
Do I need a Visa?
It depends on your country of origin and the location of your project, expedition, or internship. You do not typically need any additional visa's for stays less than 90-days if you hold a valid United States passport.
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met by your host or a ResearchWild! representative at the airport. Please ask our dedicated advisers to explain the arrival logistics if you have any further questions.
What support and guidance can I expect?
The very best! We pride ourselves on our local knowledge and network of enthusiastic and well informed staff and representatives. On our expeditions and projects you will be working directly alongside professionals in the field that have been fully vetted by ResearchWild! staff with the experience and skills to make your internship fun and fulfilling. Our partner projects are chosen for their commitment to the projects and to you, as an intern. We provide you with regular updates before departure and we are always there at the end of the phone or via email throughout and after your trip.
What are the accommodations like?
Accommodations vary from site to site and ranges from permanent tented bush camps to astoundingly beautiful luxury lodges. More information about your accommodations will be revealed after we have found your suitable intern host/s. If you have specific requirements or desires, please mention them when you submit your ResearchWild! Application Form. For detailed information on accommodations contact a ResearchWild! staff member.
What is the food like?
If you are open to new things, the food is always great! It will be nutritious and healthy throughout your stay. Any special dietary requirements must be explained in your application.
What happens if I have special dietary requirements?
Any special dietary requirements must be explained in your application. Most of our locations can provide for special dietary requirements. However, if you have any specific concerns we would encourage you to note that when filling out your ResearchWild! Application Form.
Do I need to be physically fit?
Many locations require a moderate level of fitness, especially if you want to get the full amount out of your time there. If high levels of fitness are required this is highlighted on the program or host information profile.
Will I have any free time?
This depends on your chosen program. Many internship hosts allow time to explore surrounding environments and to make trips to other locations. However, there are some exceptions to this where the requirements of our project partners dictate otherwise. Occasionally, optional excursions or 3rd party training opportunities will be organized by your host. Any optional excursions or 3rd party training opportunities can be funded prior to service rendered any time through the ResearchWild! payment portal.
How does ResearchWild! make sure I am safe while I am in the field?
The health and safety of all ResearchWild! interns is paramount. In view of this, ResearchWild! has compiled strict systems and procedures, including the presence of long term staff on the ground working closely with local partners to ensure they are up to date with local developments. We periodically review risk assessments for each location and project, and have emergency action plans in place for a variety of scenarios, protocols for incident and near miss reporting, and weekly reporting to senior ResearchWild! managers to ensure we are always up to date with local and regional developments. All our interns and staff receive a full orientation, can always decline to participate if they feel unsafe, and have access to a 24-hour emergency support system, including senior experienced staff on standby both in country and regionally in case of incident or concern. ResearchWild! programs also host regular health and safety meetings to review incidents, near misses, and concerns on top of standard briefings, and we edit our procedures if necessary. Required comprehensive travel insurance, with 24-hour emergency support, is provided through Cultural Insurance Services International. Information on insurance can be found on ResearchWild!'s Additional Program Requirements Formwhich we will email you upon acceptance of your application.
What happens if there is an emergency?
ResearchWild! staff and field representatives are fully trained to deal with any type of emergency and all our projects are linked with ResearchWild! staff in the U.S., 24-hours a day. Required comprehensive travel insurance, with 24-hour emergency support, is also provided through Cultural Insurance Services International. In case of an emergency we would link up with field members to arrange local medical treatment or air evacuation. More information on insurance can be found on ResearchWild!'s Additional Program Requirements Form which we will email you upon acceptance of your application.
Are there any medical restrictions?
All interns will need a sign off on any disclosed medical conditions from a qualified GP/Doctor and admission to your chosen program is subject to consideration of all medical conditions so we can ensure the safety of all volunteers. Exclusion from one option for medical reasons does not necessarily prevent participation on all of our programs. Our professional advisors will always be able and happy to help you find the most suitable volunteer experience.
Can I get a job with ResearchWild!?
Occasionally field positions do arise for new projects and expeditions as well as within the ResearchWild! office network. Please email any job related inquiries to info@rwild.com.
How can my professional conservation program or research project benefit from ResearchWild!?
ResearchWild! appreciates your valuable contribution to our program, our students, and our future! Please send a brief description of your internship requirements, project aims, or research goals and objectives, to Info@rwild.org.