Overview
Gain a BTEC in Biological Survey Techniques in Kenya

GVI gives you the chance to complete Level 3 BTEC Advanced Certificate whilst on a five or ten week expedition in East Africa. The BTEC teaches you to supervise biological surveys, and during the course you will complete five core units: Target Species Identification, Survey Techniques, Managing Risk, Expedition Logistics and Community Relations. Based on the beautiful island of Wasini in Southern Kenya, expedition members work extensively with the local community on sustainable development programmes. It focuses on four main areas: marine mammal research from survey vessels (including seasonal Humpback Whales), in-water snorkel surveys of turtles, primate research in the threatened coastal forest nearby, and community development projects (including English) and sustainable tourism programmes.

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

I am very thankful to GVI Staff for the skills they imparted unto me, GVI Charitable Trust for their sponsorship and GVI in general for all the support they gave me in the seven months I was in Mkwiro. I attended an interview yesterday and the Chair was very much impressed with my qualifications, especially the one I recently acquired with GVI.

William Wachira on getting a new job, participant from GVI's National Scholarship Programme.

Highlights

Assisting local and international researchers to monitor wildlife; camping out under the African stars; living on an African island; developing your knowledge of marine studies, including turtles, dolphins and whales; experiencing the amazing mega-fauna of the island that includes whale sharks and manta rays (seasonal); studying primates; gaining some bush and tracking skills; travelling through beautiful national parks that are filled with a variety of spectacular flora and fauna; spending a week with former wildlife poachers and helping them conserve Kenya’s big game ;integrating deeply with the local community and learning some Swahili.

Location

If you are looking to go on an adventurous expedition that takes you to a truly exotic location, this is the one for you! Shimoni is a peninsula located next to the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area, which lies at the tip of the Pemba Channel. With scattered islands covered by coastal forest, mangroves, rocky shores, sandy bays and fringed by coral reefs, Shimoni is a tropical haven and divers’ paradise. The expedition’s main base is located on Wasini Island, which is situated alongside the famous Kisite National Marine Park. A satellite camp is held at Shimoni Village where expedition members can study primates in the rainforest.

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Field Conditions

Accommodation is in shared housing that has a large communal banda where expedition members can eat and have lectures. The communal area has a beautiful view of the channel and Mkwiro beach. The base camp will have limited electricity, powered by solar panel and backed up by a generator. Expedition members can wash either in the ocean or using bucket-style showers on the base. Wholesome and varied meals will be cooked on a rotational basis

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What's Included

Pre-departure support and discounted services, airport pick up and transfer to base, food and accommodation, training materials and science equipment, Introduction to TEFL training, comprehensive training necessary for research techniques, overnight satellite camps in the forest to explore the reserve, an Emergency First Aid course, 24 hour in-country support, 24 hour emergency phone line in the UK, our free careers abroad fieldwork placement and job vacancy service (for ALL former expedition members; successful placements depend upon aptitude and attitude).

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