The TLC and International Student Volunteers
Since 2006 International Student Volunteers (ISV) has been working in partnership with the Tasmanian Land Conservancy. ISV is a world-wide not for profit organisation that gives University students the opportunity to volunteer on projects that enrich sustainable communities. The ISV program combines volunteering, education and adventure travel to create a fun rewarding experience.
The students who decide to give up some of their summer holidays do so for a variety of reasons: to receive credit for their university study, to add to their CV, a new experience of a different culture and country. etc. Once the students arrive in Tasmania and start working at our Permanent Reserves they soon realise that they become personally engaged and invested in the project. This gives them a chance to not only make a difference in Tasmania but also take what they have learnt and apply it in their home country.
International Student Volunteers tree planting at the TLC Lutrgala Marsh, permanent reserve. Photo: Tim Devereux
Comments from Participants:
- ISV gave me the opportunity to learn about a new culture while simultaneously volunteering to make a positive impact in the world.
- I found it was a very rewarding experience, acquired knowledge and met wonderful people
- Changed my life forever! Live. Laugh. Love. Australia!
- An incredible experience full of great times and amazing people!
- Everyone was so upbeat and friendly even when we had to do the dirty work. We rolled up our sleeves and had fun.
- This was the first time I'd travelled overseas to volunteer and it was the best experience of my life! I met so many great people, saw the most amazing things and made a difference!
Why I volunteered
"Volunteering with the Tasmanian Land Conservancy has taught me various lessons regarding maintaining a healthy balance between environmental, economic, and social needs. Although learning about endangered species, invasive plants, and the importance of preserving natural habitats was both educational and fascinating, it was not among the most important lessons learned.
Somewhere between cleaning up mass amounts of rubbish from Flat Rock Reserve and spending tedious hours removing invasive plants from Bruny Island, I learned to genuinely care for the planet we all call home. I learned that many every-day decisions we make and often never consciously consider can have a significant impact on our environment. I learned that taking time out of a holiday to volunteer with an organization such as the TLC results in going back home with much more than a new tan and souvenirs, but also a newfound appreciation. Most importantly, I learned that ensuring our world remains suitable for future generations begins on an individual level.
If only we all grew to care for the earth and its resources as I have within the past weeks, making an effort to preserve it would become instinctive, and surely the world would be a different place."
Megan Fitzgerald, International Student Volunteer, Pennsylvania U.S.A.
Megan Fitzgerald. Photo: Tim Devereux