Volunteer Review

by Umphafa Private Nature Reserve

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4/5
  • The Role
    4.3
  • The Company
    3.7
  • The Culture
    3.9

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • My placement at UmPhafa exceeded all expectations - it was a truly hands on immersive experience working on all aspects of a wildlife conservancy.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • Strange options here?! I felt 100% appreciated by colleagues and reserve staff - however it was a volunteer placement and not set up to make me feel like 'family', we were colleagues!

    4/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • Every aspect of health and safety. along with other specialist knowledge required to make the placement a success. was given initially and reinforced throughout the placement. Each new task was supported by tailored support.

    5/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • The placement work schedule was challenging, satisfying and meaningful - the work we undertook had a real purpose.

    5/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • I was given a level of responsibility commensurate with being in an unfamiliar situation where a level of risk was evident - as confidence and ability grew so more and appropriate responsibilities were given - however safe management was the priority.

    3/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • I was not a student - however I learned a great deal about many aspects of reserve management, conservation management and fauna / flora surveys that underpinned my reason for taking the placement.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • The 'office' was the best in the world - a private nature conservancy in South Africa - the atmosphere among the 'team' was brilliant - lots of humour, compassion and mutual respect / support.

    5/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • Placement arrangements were excellent - good dialogue from day one.

    5/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • This was a placement on a nature conservancy so training was very hands on and practical - the management and supervision was excellent.

    5/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • 3/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • It was a time limited volunteer placement - however with the fieldwork experience obtained there would be a very useful entry on a candidates CV if they were seeking conservation / wildlife employment.

    3/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • We became a close and respectful team many of who have kept contact long after the placement has ended.

    5/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • Rural South Africa - not a lot to spend your money on.

    4/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • Nightlife was awesome - barbecues ( bries) under the night sky with rhino, giraffe and zebra to name but a few walking by. Best nightlife I could imagine.

    3/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • We had the opportunity to visit local schools, church, townships and other reserves etc plus some independent travel.

    4/5

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Details

Internship (1 Month+)

International

January 2014


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