from 1,262€

Excellent 4.8rating (5)

Conservation Teacher : Youth Rangers

location
8 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Moderate response rate

Highlights

  • Inspire and nurture a love and empathy for the natural world by training the next generation of Jungle Rangers!
  • Live in and learn from one of the last true wildernesses on Earth, the Magnificent Tropical Leuser Ecosystem!
  • Lead your students on expeditions into the Jungle alongside professional Jungle Guides from Indonesia!
  • Ensure the continued protection and preservation of severely endangered species of animal, such as the Sumatran Orangutan, Tiger, Elephant, Leopard and Rhinoceros, and if you are lucky, see them all!
  • Experience traditional Indonesian culture and cuisine! live and work on the edge of the Tropical Rainforest, the last place on Earth where Orangutans, Elephants, Tigers, Rhino's, Leopards and Sun Bear

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

A program designed to nurture a love and empathy for the natural environment and the endangered species we share it with.

Rural communities along the border of the severely endangered Leuser Ecosystem. 

Our Youth Ranger Programme looks to nurture within young people in North Sumatra a sense of empathy, love and stewardship over the jungle. We educate young people on the vital significance of the Leuser Ecosystem to the ...

About the program

Rural communities along the border of the severely endangered Leuser Ecosystem. 

Our Youth Ranger Programme looks to nurture within young people in North Sumatra a sense of empathy, love and stewardship over the jungle. We educate young people on the vital significance of the Leuser Ecosystem to the longevity of all life on Earth. The aim of this programme is to inspire a generation of conservationists to take ownership and responsibility for their environment.

As a Youth Ranger Instructor you will be responsible developing lessons which teach about nature, conservation and even ranger skills.  You will teach classes in and around Bukit Lawang as well as linking up with seasoned and professional Jungle Guides from North Sumatra to lead expeditions into the Tropical rainforest. 


Typical day

Volunteering at the Trust is no gap year holiday, our volunteers typically work from 08:00 to 18:00 on week days, and occasionally on weekends for training events and action days. We maintain an ethos of hard work and selfless commitment and all of our volunteers are here to serve the local ...

Typical day

Volunteering at the Trust is no gap year holiday, our volunteers typically work from 08:00 to 18:00 on week days, and occasionally on weekends for training events and action days. We maintain an ethos of hard work and selfless commitment and all of our volunteers are here to serve the local community. However, that doesn’t stop us having a life changing experience whilst we are at it! 

A typical day starts at 07:00 with breakfast. On Mondays we have a Hub meeting where all of the staff and volunteers come together to plan the week ahead. Following this, you will begin your sessions. The Youth Ranger Programme and ESL Programme have one or more lessons each day although some days teaching is only in the afternoons. When you are not planning or teaching classes you can join the free fitness sessions here at the Trust or take on your own projects doing renovations or other community work here at The Hub. We also send out volunteers to help out at the local Trashbank, turning plastic into new products and supporting the efforts of rubbish processing and collection.   Weekends are your own, however occasionally, for example on events such as volunteer induction, phase review and volunteer debrief, you may also find that the Trust has arranged some incredible activities for you. On weekends when you are not trekking in the jungle or rafting down rivers you will have a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Sumatran culture and cuisine, with a range of guest houses, restaurants and even one bar Bukit Lawang has plenty to offer! 


Free-time activities

Our volunteers love reading in the hammocks or hanging by the river. It is just a ten minute walk to a beautiful waterfall. During the evenings and mornings it is common for volunteers to read, write, play music, relax, and go swimming in or inner tubing on the river.


At the weekend there are ...

Free-time activities

Our volunteers love reading in the hammocks or hanging by the river. It is just a ten minute walk to a beautiful waterfall. During the evenings and mornings it is common for volunteers to read, write, play music, relax, and go swimming in or inner tubing on the river.


At the weekend there are innumerable places located nearby that are must see!

Bukit Lawang - Famous for treks to the jungle to spot orangutans and the biggest of the villages in the area. At the weekend there are bars with live music, western restaurants, and local markets for shopping.

Tangkahan - Has an elephant camp where visitors can bathe elephants in the river. We support bathing them, and the projects but we do not support riding the elephants and hope you will share that belief with us.

Batu Rongring - Beautiful and peaceful river to chill or have a barbecue!

Berestagi - For long weekends or traveling before or after volunteers can visit this lovely town in the mountains and go trekking. It is a bit colder here and that makes it a popular place among locals and tourists!

Lake Toba - A beautiful island (Samosir) in the middle of the lake is home to waterfalls, hot springs, beaches, and much more.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

CV

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Physically fit, interest in wildlife, environmentally conscious. Data entry, computer and photography skills a plus!

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Bukit Lawang Trust

We ask all of our volunteers to fundraise before coming out to Sumatra a minimum of £1000 GBP for the 8 weeks. Alternatively, some people choose to just pay this fee if they have no time to fundraise beforehand. We ask for a non-refundable deposit of £150 on booking your place in order to reserve your space and to cover registration costs.    In addition to this, you will need to pay for the cost of your volunteer visa, which is £280 and lasts 60 days. 

 

This fee covers:

·   Accommodation - shared dorm room

·   Lunchtime meals cooked by our hub chef Mon-Fri

·   Transport to and from Medan airport to the Trust.

·   Free Jungle FIIT exercise classes three times per week at the Trust Hub.

·   Our staff will provide all of the training you need to teach our programs, and support you throughout your volunteering journey. 

·   An overnight, 2 day jungle trekking experience with experienced local guides

·   Orientation challenges

·   A workshop with a local business- e.g basket weaving, carving, fabric printing, soap making, cookery

·   A phase review team building weekend

·   Indonesian language lessons by our Indonesian Programme Coordinators

Airport Pickup at Kuala Namu International Airport

We provide pick up from Kuala Namu International Airport in Medan to our Hub in Gotong Royong where you will be staying. This is approximately a four hour drive in good weather, from the City Centre to the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park where we work! Our Volunteer recruitment team also provide support in arranging your flights and making sure you are in the right place at the right time to meet our pick up! 

Accommodation

Our volunteers stay in one of our dorm rooms within the Trust.


Each volunteer is given a key to their dorm, and the front door to the Trust.


We have 4 bathrooms: 2 Western style and 2 Indonesian style.


We also have a shared kitchen with cooking facilities. 


Our Trust Hub is located in a village called Gotong Royong, which is approximately 5 minutes drive away from the village of Bukit Lawang. 


We provide bicycles for volunteers to borrow and there are becaks (like tuk-tuks) which can also be used to get around. 


For classes, we use motorbikes, which are driven by our staff and we provide helmets for these.

Food & Beverages

Lunch is included in your volunteer fees, and in the evenings we either eat out or we hold cooking nights at the Trust. At the weekends, most volunteers prefer to eat in the village or along the river at one of the guesthouses for dinner.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) in Kuala Namu. We assist you to find cheap flights to Indonesia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Indonesia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Indonesia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Indonesia. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

In 2024 we have 5 volunteer intakes during the year as follows:

  • Orangutan Cycle: Friday 12th January - Sunday 10th of March 
  • Tiger Cycle: Friday 19th of April - Sunday 16th June 
  • Elephant Cycle: Friday 28th June - Sunday 25th August
  • Leopard Cycle: Friday 30th August - Sunday 27th October 
  • Rhino Cycle: Friday 1st November - Sunday 15th December (6 weeks only)

 

The dates for 2025 are likely to be as follows but may change slightly depending on public holidays and events:

  • Orangutan Cycle: Friday January 10th - Friday 7th March
  • Tiger Cycle: Friday 4th of April - Friday 30th May
  • Elephant Cycle: Friday 6th June - Friday 1st August
  • Leopard Cycle: Friday 8th August - Friday 3rd October
  • Rhino Cycle: Friday 10th October - Friday 5th December

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

8 weeks 1,262€
Average fees 158€/week

Program fees

158€ per week 8 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

8 - 8 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Bukit Lawang Trust during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Bukit Lawang Trust

Excellent 4.8 rating (5 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2004

Verified by Volunteer World

  Moderate response rate

Coordinated by

Head of Volunteering

Spoken languages: Indonesian, English

About the project

An NGO based in rural North Sumatra, providing free education for all people in the community. Our goals focus on supporting conservation and sustainable development.

Meet your organization

The BUKIT LAWANG TRUST was founded after a devastating flood wiped out the village of Bukit Lawang in November 2003.

The flood tragically killed hundreds of people and was described by witnesses as a tidal wave, the water was over 10 metres high, as it came crashing down from the hills it wiped out everything in its path.  

Founder and Trustee Rebecca Coley had been visiting the village a couple of months before and was contacted and asked to help. Rebecca set about raising funds in the UK and returned to Bukit Lawang to help provide simple things like rice and other basic staple foods, water carriers, purifying tablets, sleeping mats and educational materials. 

The charity was officially set up and registered in 2004, and a small temporary health clinic was started from a rented house, employing a local doctor, nurse, and a midwife. The clinic was run from this small house for two years, seeing more than thirty patients a day, for free. At that time the health clinic offered free health care to any families affected by the flood.

The Trust then partnered with Jersey Overseas Aid and they agreed to match fund the building of a community centre. Sixteen volunteers worked hard raising funds and came from Jersey to Indonesia to build the new community building with the locals in March 2007. The new community centre is still the permanent home for the Trust.

The clinic moved into the downstairs of the new building in December 2007 and continued to serve the community until December 2011. By now the area had been positively rehabilitated, and the need for the clinic diminished. Other clinics had opened in the area and the decision was made for the Trust to focus on Education instead, opening its doors as a dedicated Education Centre in January 2012. 

Since that time the Education Centre has seen countless numbers of children and adults come through its doors for free English lessons and extra lessons such as arts and crafts, maths, computer lessons and traditional dance. In recent years we have also launched our Youth Ranger Programme (conservation for kids), the Sustainable Business Programme and the Eco Farming Programme.

There is also a free kindergarten at the Trust (Monday to Friday) which has helped hundreds of children to learn to read and write. 

The main ethos of the Trust is that education is the best route out of poverty and the best route to sustainable development. We offer the opportunity for all people to come and learn at the Trust and increase their knowledge of the world and their environment through our lessons.

The Trust is also very focused on conservation and wishes to empower and enable the local community to protect and look after their local environment. The Gunung Leuser National Park is right on our doorstep and the rare endangered Sumatran orangutans are under serious threat from plans for further deforestation, new roads and more palm oil plantations. We hope through providing education, locals will find alternative sources of income to palm oil and work together to protect the National Park.

The ethos of the Trust is to empower people, so that the community is involved in every aspect of our projects. We don’t want to inform the community what is best, but rather work collaboratively with local people and offer support.

Currently in 2024 the Trust has a team of 14 permanent staff and six volunteers at a time supporting the team. We have five main educational programmes, Kindergarten, English Language, Youth Ranger, Eco Farming and Sustainable business. Plus several other supporting projects such as exercise classes, a women's group, kids play sessions and a playgroup for mums and babies.

We are looking for people to join us who share our passion for social projects, who wish to give back and help communities, who care about education as a means for sustainable development, people who'd love to work in and support our team and people who are looking for a challenge and a once in a lifetime adventure! You’ve also got to love children, we work with adults too, but the kids are always around. You should love and care about the environment, love to have new experiences and want to build relationships with the local community!

5 reviews · rating4.8

Mateusz Sidoruk rating5

2018 at Conservation Teacher : Youth Rangers

I had so much fun at Stay Wild, from doing the work itself like teaching English, treating local dogs and trekking which I think was the most fun and challenging but also the project was offering different activities like camping out in the cast forest overnight which was also an awesome experience. ..
Luka Quade rating5

2019 at Eco Farm Volunteer

Thanks Bukit Lawang Trust (BLT) for this amazing time! I was volunteering at Ernas Ecofarm (there's the choice to volunteer at the BLT, working with kids, or at Ernas Ecofarm, gardening) and I don't regret my choice. She taught me many interesting things about gardening and she gave us (some other ...
I’ve been a volunteer at the trust for the last three months and I can honestly say it was the best time of my life! To be fair I’m only eighteen, therefore still young and got called „the baby“ many times here at the trust! But thats what shows how loving and caring everyone here is. The ...
alexandre lesbaches rating4.6

2018 at Eco Farm Volunteer

Great time and experience achieved in bukit lawang. Erna and her family are very welcoming and always look after you. I had an amazing 3 weeks stay with her and the other volunteer from the English ...
Emily Marushko rating4.4

2018 at Eco Farm Volunteer

Erna is a hard working local woman who doesn't subscribe to convention, and it's an inspiration to work alongside her. Erna founded and continues to run the EcoFarm. She envisions an environmentally sustainable farm that feeds and educates the community. Our role as volunteers is to help achieve ...

Location

Asia > South East Asia > Indonesia > Bukit Lawang

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