Overview
Gain a BTEC in Biological Survey Techniques in Patagonia - PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROGRAM IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

This program in Patagonia combines outdoor adventure with vital environmental programs and wilderness training in one of the most remote parts of the world. Participants must be prepared for a challenge as the program contains some arduous trekking through all the extremes of climate and landscape found in the heart of dramatic Patagonia. Training is continuous throughout the 5 or 10 weeks and covers such topics as leadership development, camp craft, minimal impact camping (following Leave No Trace principles), wilderness navigation, wilderness medicine and much more. Environmental programs vary from season to season and depend on the needs of our local partners, but all include trekking and data collection in the Andes and the transition zone towards the steppe regions of Argentine Patagonia. The expedition also offers the unique opportunity to gain a Level 3 BTEC Advanced Certificate in Biological Survey Techniques.

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

10 weeks of memories - it will take a lifetime to recall all that happened. We’ve been to places so pure and untainted by humans, camped through it all. Yep, I’ve definitely lost something out there and gained something, better!

Ian Baker, GVI Volunteer

Highlights

Having the unique opportunity to explore various regions of the wild Patagonia; surveying areas for wild boar, red deer, wild cats and cachaña parakeets; enjoying adventures that range from minimal kit bivi camps to multi-day survey treks deep in the forest or transition zone between the Andes and the steppe regions. Live in the outdoors and learn wilderness skills that will last a lifetime. Explore the spectacular Andes with their nearby volcanoes and experience the local lifestyle of the gauchos. Use the opportunity to gain a Level 3 BTEC Advanced Certificate in biological survey techniques. The add-on course Patagonia Snow School and Volcano Summit Attempt will introduce you to ice-climbing, trekking with crampons and ice axes, roped glacier travel, crevasse rescue techniques and snow craft skills - large discount available (see booking information for more details)!

Skills And Qualifications Received

Wildlife research and conservation, biological survey techniques and methodologies, snowshoeing (winter only), camp craft, minimal impact camping (following Leave No Trace principles), wilderness navigation, use of GPS, VHF radios, EPIRBs, and sat phones, introduction to wilderness medicine, lost and search techniques, survival psychology, First Aid & CPR training (certification optional), emergency Spanish, interpersonal skills, short trek planning, group leadership and more. GVI also gives you the chance to complete a Level 3 BTEC Advanced Certificate whilst on a five or ten week expedition in Patagonia, which teaches you to supervise biological surveys.

See Requirements And Training page for more information

Location

Depending on the training schedule, project focus and weather conditions, the expedition will be based in different areas in the Patagonian Andes and the transition zone towards the steppe regions of Argentine Patagonia, between 38 and 42 degrees south. Known for extreme climatic conditions, each Patagonia expedition will have its own unique specialities.

See Life on the course page for more information

Field Conditions

Accommodation throughout the expedition will be basic, three-man shared tents. Water is mostly collected from streams nearby and there is very limited electricity. Toilet facilities are long drops or 'cat holes'. The food will be simple but pays close attention to nutritional needs, ensuring you can work in the conditions of the different seasons. Meals have the option of being meat and fish free, some staple food might contain small amounts of animal fats.

See Life on the course page for more information

What's Included

Pre-departure support and discounted services, food and accommodation during the expedition, a Level 3 BTEC Advanced Certificate in Biological Survey Techniques,
training materials and science equipment, comprehensive training for research projects, wilderness navigation training, basic emergency Spanish tuition, First Aid training based in the wilderness, 24-hour in-country support, a 24-hour emergency phone line in the UK, and a free Careers Abroad fieldwork placement and job vacancy service is available for ALL former volunteers (successful placement depend upon aptitude and attitude).

See Book Now page for more information