Overview
Biological Survey Techniques BTEC Course in Ecuador

GVI gives you the opportunity to complete a BTEC in the heart of the Ecuadorian rainforest. By joining GVI's Rainforest Expedition in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Expedition members will get a unique, first-hand experience of an extraordinary environment, whilst gaining a Level 3 BTEC Advanced Certificate (an A-Level equivalent qualification) on a five or ten week expedition. The BTEC teaches you to supervise biological surveys and upon its completion you should feel confident enough to plan and run survey teams in the field. The field research will identify new and existing species and create global interest in rainforest conservation.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

I did the course, wrote the papers, did the oral and practical aspects of it, and found that it pushed me to research and think on things that I would otherwise have not done (which was what I wanted).

Jane Tibbotts

Highlights

Enjoying the intensive in-camp training to gain basic knowledge of the environment; experiencing the sights and sounds of the tropical rainforest; spending nights camping out in the rainforest; setting photo-trapping equipment to see what you can catch on film; enjoying wildlife observation from the river; experiencing the rainforest at night on nocturnal frog and mammal surveys; discovering rare and possibly new species; learning bush skills and rainforest ecology; exploring different parts of the Amazon; working with and training local students and the local community; participating in a few days of jungle survival and learning how to navigate in the forest

Location

The Yachana Foundation owns and protects 1,800 hectares of (mainly) primary rainforest on lands neighbouring the tiny village of Mondaña, which is located on the Napo River between the cities of Tena and Coca, in the eastern part of Ecuador. On the south side of the river the foundation manages its Yachana Eco-Lodge, an internationally recognised, award-winning ecotourism lodge, and the Yachana High School. GVI’s expedition site is located on the north side of the river and is reached by a combination of bus and motorised canoe.

See Life on the course page for more information

Field Conditions

The expedition base-camp is located adjacent to the Napo River in a cleared area within the rainforest. It consists of a dormitory-style residence, cooking facilities, showers and toilets; and provides basic conditions for sleeping, eating, working and relaxing. Expedition members will also have an opportunity to spend time in a similar residential setting at the Yachana High School, which is on the opposite side of the river and reached by a short canoe-ride upstream.

See Life on the course page for more information

What's Included

Pre-departure support and discounted services; airport pick up and transfer to base; food and accommodation; training materials and science equipment; basic Spanish tuition; Introduction to TEFL training; comprehensive training necessary for research techniques; overnight satellite camps in the forest to explore the reserve; a four-day Amazonian adventure exploration side trip; training in bush-craft and survival skills; an Emergency First Aid course; 24-hour in-country support; a 24-hour emergency phone line in the UK; and GVI’s Free Careers Abroad fieldwork placement and job vacancy service is available for ALL former expedition members (successful placements depend upon aptitude and attitude).

See Book Now page for more information