The Young Leader

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What Types of Animal Care Internships Are Available to High School Students?

Do you have a soft spot for animals and want to take action right now?

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Welcome fellow animal enthusiast! In this post, we’ll explore animal internships for high school students just like you.

First off, what are internships and why are they useful? They’re not exactly about volunteering, but they’re not quite jobs either. Unlike volunteering, which is focused on serving communities, internships are work experiences focused on training you. Internships can also be unpaid, and they are often a stepping stone towards getting a job.

If you love working with animals, then it’s a great idea to first volunteer locally or participate in service learning trips. Finding an animal care internship is easier once you pin down your passion and have a better sense of what you want to do. One example is Global Leadership Adventures’ (GLA’s) conservation programs where you care for native animals and the habitats sustaining them. As one parent explains, her daughter’s experience made a lasting impact:

“Her experience in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands has helped Megan look into her career path, and further solidify her passion to help in environmental needs throughout the world. It has given her the passion to bring her newfound discoveries and knowledge to college with her, where hopefully she can influence others to make a conscious change in their lifestyles, for the betterment of different environments around the globe.” (source)

And there are many other worthwhile avenues to get a first look at different types of animal care:

That’s all well and good, but how can you actually find internships? Here are some activities to get you started:

  1. Dream

  2. Locate

  3. Explore

Dreaming involves thinking, writing, or drawing about whatever interests you. Topics can include what animals you care most about, where you would like to work, and what kinds of skills you want to develop at your internship.

Locating casts a wide net that covers all the possibilities available to you. You can also limit what internships you consider; for example, you might only look at intern programs that are close to home. Create a list or table if that helps you organize your thoughts better.

Exploring takes a closer look at your options and can even uncover new ones. Even if you find that there are no posted internships at your favorite animal care center, that doesn’t stop you from proposing an internship deal with the manager. You can take advantage of the possibilities available to you while also creating new ones.

By taking a proactive stance, you can negotiate your own internships that provide relevant, meaningful experience.

 

Which animals and animal care programs are you most passionate about ? We’d enjoy hearing your interests!

Contributed by Nick Fochtman

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Summer College Programs for High School Students in Europe

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If you’ve ever wanted to travel to Europe then GLA’s travel programs are for you.

These experiences can be thought of as summer college programs for high school students, as they’re great for students  getting ready to attend college for the first time in the fall or the year after. Just think about setting foot in an unfamiliar place, starting a new journey, and best of all being able to share the experience with others who you meet for the first time in college that few others your age will have had.

To the UK

1. England, Scotland, Wales, and…

If you decide to go to the UK you’ll be able to see lots of destinations crossed off your bucket list! Not only are you going to visit these places, but you’ll also be exposed to the country’s art and culture — Big Ben, Parliament, and the Tower Bridge are just a few places you’ll stop. These places are incredible to see and even better for a selfie or picture to be taken and posted to Instagram!

2. Coasteering, like cliff jumping?

Of course, while you’re sight seeing, there are fun activities planned too. You’ll be coasteering – yes this is a real thing – and so much more. Imagine learning how to fish first hand from a local fisherman too!

3. Help do your part.

While this all sounds like a lot of fun, you’ll also be helping out the local community and making a difference. You’ll be volunteering to help youth who are at risk and learning how London is working to solve issues like food waste and homelessness. By the time you’re done here, you’ll practically have seen the world and know how to make a difference in it.

To Spain

1. Water so clear you won’t see what hits you (except you can)

When in Spain you’ll be able to watch Barcelona’s flamenco dancers and maybe learn a few moves of your own. Then there’s the Mediterranean beach where you can get your tan on or kayak in and see wildlife through the clear waters. But if action is calling your name then bullfighting is for you – or at least touring the stadium.

2. Foodie, artist, linguistic, or…

There are so many opportunities to dive into the Spanish culture. If you’re a foodie then taking a cooking class and learning how to make authentic food is just for you. But if you’re more into art, then walk the streets and see architecture from famous people like Picasso or Gaudi. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try and learn a new language. Well classes are offered and you can try out your skills at a local marketplace.

3. Leave your mark

Sometimes the best way to make an impact is by listening. In Spain, you’ll focus on service projects helping those in need. Think of making lasting relationship and hearing people’s stories of where they come from and how it all happened.

So what pre-college program will you choose to travel to? The world is yours, so why not see it and make lasting memories in it!

Contributed by Samantha Watkins

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