Project
The project is supported by European Commission Erasmus+ Programme.
Volunteers
Lea
Grown up in a small German village with bees, chickens and tractors I have always been connected with nature. From initially marveling about species diversity and helping frogs and snails across the road I wondered how organisms even ‘work’. As school lessons didn’t give enough answers I decided to study biology. After my first degree I finally wanted to fulfill my long-lasting wish of going abroad and getting this special practical, cultural and personal experience about which other world-travelers report. Back to the roots I was looking for an engagement especially in nature conservation and also I have a soft spot for northern countries, thus Estonia and the ELF (Estonian Fund for Nature) came in the nick of time. With this 3 month lasting European Voluntary Service (EVS) I would get the chance to learn a lot, to meet different people and to discover the country- so in the truest sense of the word- to broaden my horizon.
After being one and half month here in Estonia it is unbelievable for me how MANY experiences – work related and also personal ones – I have gained in this time. I didn’t think before how much you can still learn about yourself. Looking at e.g. at least the decision to come to Estonia or the usage of different power tools and driving a huge tractor, my most important takeaway is the following: There is truly a remarkable amount of hidden potential that you can reveal when you come out of your snail house and take the ‘risk’!
Laura
Hello!!!
My name is Laura and I’m the Spanish team mate. I was born in Madrid and therefore you might think I am an urbanite person but I have always felt a great attraction for nature and the countryside. Due to my enthusiasm for the environment, I decided to study a Degree in Biology. After finishing it, I wanted to continue learning and decided to make a Master’s degree in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology.
At the conclusion of the Master’s, I felt the need to embark on a journey that would allow me to be in close contact with nature and which could introduce me in the real world of environmental conservation. And what better way to do The European Voluntary Service (EVS) that, unlike the majority of the voluntary works, you don’t have to pay for your own travel, stay and support because this is funded by the European Union.
And why did I choose Estonia? Because this is the typical country of which little is known but, according to someone told me, when you arrive at Estonia, it’s able to surprise you. Estonia is also a country with very few residents and therefore it preserves lush vegetation and areas that could be considered almost unspoiled acting as” sanctuaries” for flora and fauna.
Estonian Fund for Nature had a very interesting project called European Volunteers for Nature Conservation so I sent my application and after an interview by Skype and many nerves, I was accepted!!
I put my explorer boots in the suitcase and heading to Estonia!! Now, I know it has been one of the best decisions of my life. I encourage all of our readers to embark on an adventure like this.
I can assure that you won’t regret.
Thomas
I am the French guy of this team and the only men (finally this is not so bad). I was born in Le Mans and I live in the country side that’s why I am connected with nature so much. My studies were scientific bachelor & vocational training to manage and protect the nature. Environmental issues are very interesting because it’s requires some Scientifics and management skills. That’s why I was very excited when my sending organization offered me this opportunity to visit Estonia for 4 months because I could increase those skills here. This experience give me a chance to find out specific habitats and the biodiversity singularity and this is completely connected with my passion which is to watch and photograph nature and animals.
It’s also really nice to meet people and discover a new culture through conservation holidays which is a very good way to learn how are the differences between all parts of Estonia. This is not a really big country but according to the place there are so many cultural particularities.
This experience was one of the best in my life and i recomand to all motivated nature passionates.
Locations
Useful links
Hosting association:
Estonian fund for nature website & Facebook page
Sending association:
France Etude et Chantier Bretagne & Pays de la Loire
Spain AIPC-Pandora
Germany Jugendbildungsstätte Unterfranken
Erasmus program:
Estonian Nature Volunteers 