Frontier
Programs and Reviews
Frontier was established in 1989 as a non-profit conservation and development non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem integrity and building sustainable livelihoods for marginalised communities in the world's poorest countries.
Our first projects were in Tanzania, one of the world's poorest countries. Carrying out groundbreaking surveys in remote forest, savannah, and marine environments, our dedicated teams of volunteers set about building a comprehensive picture of areas that were heretofore ignored, despite being, as we discovered, among the most biodiverse areas in the world.
Frontier works with organizations around the world to combat issues of sustainable development, and assist under-resourced communities. Volunteers and interns work to establish a forward-thinking, and innovative approach to the development of under-privileged communities.
Programs Abroad
Reviews
100%Overall
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90%Overall
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Since wanting to come here for so long I finally am here,it has taken a while to sink in.
Madagascar is absolutely unique and incredible with some amazing rainforest.The camp has been very friendly place to be, with really down to earth staff.
I'm currently in the middle of my Btec, which I think will really boost my qualifications.
100%Overall
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I spent four weeks in the rain forest of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica on the frontier project 'Big cats, Primates and sea turtle conservation.'
When I arrived in Costa Rica , puerto jimenez a frontier member of staff met us at the air strip and we all stayed the night in the town before heading out to the camp. This was a great as it allowed me an the other volunteer which i had not yet met to get to know each other also to explore the town on our own. At camp I did not know what to expect of the camp but when we arrived i was amazed at the quality. There was a flushing toilet and handmade showers which made settling in much easier. I chose to sleep in the hammocks which i can honestly say are the most comfiest things to sleep in! All the staff members were amazing I felt like I had known them for years and they became good friends by the end of the month. This project is set in the most beautiful place with huge biodiversity , you are surrounded by so many amazing animals and birds. All the surveys were really interesting and gave an insight to animals in the tropics. Every morning you would be woken up by your natural alarm clock , the Howler Monkeys ,the day would start around 8 am after making granola for breakfast the group split up and set off to do different surveys around the rain forest. I loved doing the surveys , especially the primate ones. Observing different troops of monkeys in the wild was an amazing experience as well it taught me how to record data which will be helpful for future projects.
All the surveys were really interesting and gave an insight to animals in the tropics. In the evenings after dinner we were able to go on night turtle walks on Peje beach walking 18km in one night . Despite it being physically exhausting it was extremely rewarding when I finally got to see and touch an adult Olive Ridley Sea Turtle.. My best memory from camp is when I was hanging out my washing to dry when out of the forest came a troop of capuchin monkeys and they all just swung through the trees only a couple of metres in front of me. On Sunday when there was no surveys I would walk down to the peaceful lagoon on the beach with a couple of volunteers an just relax for a few hours staring out at the Pacific. Every Saturday night was party night where we would have a couple of drinks and play card games with the frontier volunteers and some of the osa volunteers. I met so many interesting people from all over thee world. I made such good friends out there and had such a good time I was sad to return home! There are endless memories from my trip to Costa Rica , I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone. Pura Vida !!
The only concern I had was I took certain things with me which I was told I was told to take but were not needed.
Critical Feedback:
The only concern I had was I took certain things with me which I was told I was told to take but were not needed.
This camp was very good and had lots of spare wellies so I didn't need to take my own. Also it already has lots of cutlery and pots so volunteers don't need to take this with them and can save some money .
80%Overall
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Just finished my fourth week and I can't believe how fast the trip is going! Finally arrived in Cofradia on a chicken bus, which was definitely an interesting experience. Imagine an old American School bus filled with as many people as possible and loud music playing! Me, Emily, Caroline and Jeevan went to our homestay, who were really welcoming and friendly. It was great to try some local Honduran food, and we especially liked Gringas- which were like folded pizzas. At the school me and Jeevan took the Kindergarten class and taught them some basic English words. It was a little intimidating to take charge of a class, but the kids were great and we had loads of fun playing with them. My favourite was Eddy, who growls at you when you ask him if he has a girlfriend! My highlight of the week has to be when we saw Spiderman in 3D in San Pedro Sula. The cinema was awesome with big, reclining leather seats and the film was plenty good too!
100%Overall
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I have spent 4 weeks in the forest of Costa Rica and have had the most exhilarating experience. Not only have I learnt a lot about such a wonderful area, I have also had the opportunity to expand my field research skills, design and implement my own survey and boosting my confidence and enthusiasm.
Carrying out a BTEC certificate allowed me to focus on gaining further field research skills and learn about an area that I am unfamiliar with. I would recommend the 4 week BTEC to anyone who wants to gain some experience in planning their own field research. The staff on site were more than happy to help discuss ideas, provide support and assist with the surveys.
Life on camp was rather relaxed and the campsite was wonderful. Having flushing toilets and showers was a definite comfort, as well as having my own tent for some privacy. The food was vegetarian and really delicious, we ate really well and it was fun to cook for the group - the others were also keen to help out too. I felt safe on camp and during the surveys and other outings. We had a lot of fun during the trip, including trips to the local bar, games nights and fancy dress. There really was something for everyone.
The experience as a whole has been amazing. The location is perfect to experience all sorts of surveys rather than focusing just on one type. I have seen so much wildlife here and had a chance to learn about research, how to use my camera and gained more experience of planning and carrying out my own research. I feel that I have also gained more confidence and have definitely had an enthusiasm boost which I am going to apply when I get home to my PhD proposal.
For more information about life at the Costa Rica camp, read through my blogs, which can be found at:
http://gapyearblog.org.uk/volunteer-journals/category/vicky-armstrong
Critical Feedback:
I found that there were a lot of things on my kit list that I did not need to bring. Thankfully Elle (Project Coordinator) was on hand to answer all my queries about kit before arriving. I would recommend talking to her first before buying everything and save money if items are not needed.
Alumni Interviews
Staff Interview
Meet Elle Keymer - Project Coordinator, Costa Rica Forest Project
Tell us a little about Frontier's operations and your role in Costa Rica.
Elle: Frontier is playing a vital role in gathering and analysing scientific data to protect against the impacts of global warming and other environmental threats in a little known corner of rainforest paradise on the Osa Peninsula. This involves volunteers living on a camp located in this pristine ecosystem and participating in range of daily surveys.
This could be going on turtle patrols to excavate nests, count hatchlings and conduct heath checks on turtles who are giving birth to monitoring primate behaviour in the forest to tracking the neotropical river otter along the beautiful waterways close to camp.
I am the Project Coordinator of the project which means that I look after the RAs, manage camp logistics and generally make sure everyone is having an enjoyable and productive time in Costa Rica.
How did you get involved in the volunteer industry?
Elle: I have always been interested in conservation and animal welfare and this position allows me to combine my love of travel and living in new places with this environmental interest. I worked in a completely different industry before this and I felt the time was right to become involved with something I was passionate about.
What makes Frontier unique?
Elle: For me it is the people that make Frontier unique. I have been lucky enough to live and work with some of the most passionate, interesting and fantastic people I have ever met and I have learnt so much from them. The atmosphere in camp is great and I shall miss everyone so much when I leave.
What are you most proud of having achieved while working in the field for Frontier?
Elle: Personally I am thrilled about being able to showcase all of our hard work and achievements using social media (we are on Facebook and Twitter and I blog regularly). I am also in awe of the science being carried out by the volunteers. For example, there is hardly any information in the public domain about the neotropical river otter and so almost everything we are doing here is ground breaking analysis which is vital for the otter's future. I'm very proud to be a part of that.
GO: What are you most looking forward to in the future in regards to field operations in Costa Rica?
Elle: I'm really looking forward to taking volunteers to our satellite camp in the coming months. We are lucky enough to have access to land nearby which is criss-crossed with trails that are rarely walked by anyone which means animal sightings galore. We spent a weekend there in mid-March and three of the volunteers were lucky enough to spot a tapir. That was incredible and I can't wait to explore the area again.
Meet Nick Packham, Country Coordinator, Cambodia
Tell us a little about Frontier and your role at the company.
Nick: Frontier's operations in Cambodia cover two idyllic locations, the first being a marine environment left largely uninvestigated by the scientific world, which gives us a great opportunity to explore and record the marine life and ecosystem of a small Island off the gulf of Thailand. The second location is next door to Ankor Wat, which needs no introduction, with an ever expanding teaching and medical program. Cambodia is a developing country and one that is progressing fast and Frontier has been working towards ensuring that education for underpriveleged children and the environment are a big part of Cambodia's development plans. With strong government ties as well as strong hold in the NGO community Frontier has built a platform for further project development.
How did you get involved in the volunteer industry?
Nick: I have been working in the conservation world previously to this, with experience in Tanzania, Thailand, the Philippines and Cambodia, with community-based conservation and community welfare being a key part of my experience. Having also worked in operations roles, I have experience in planning and project management. I recognised early on the importance of volunteering as alternative income for NGOs. Having a constant supply of eager-to-learn individuals with a positive outlook helps any challenging project, therefore I am using my experience in managing volunteer activity to get the best out of a crucial project.
What makes Frontier unique?
Nick: Frontier is unique mainly for its ability to connect with volunteers, and offer them activities and projects which they can really sink their teeth into. Frontier is largely a young organisation with many experienced people with two main area of expertise in conservation / Eco tours and community and teaching projects. With a wealth of experience in these fields and strong local ties, Frontier can understand volunteers requirements and help to ensure that volunteers get the most out of their experience, to better the project and improve Frontier's operations in that location.
What are you most proud of having achieved while working in the field for Frontier?
Nick: Implementing a new remote project isn't easy and meeting with local authorities to gain their trust and approval can be harder still, as the best project can fall flat on its face without the correct approach to government approval and local people accepting new activity in their community. My greatest achievement in my first few months with Frontier was the gaining acceptance within the local community, government and police for the new and increasingly popular marine project, which aims to discover and record the state of marine life in an unexplored area of Cambodian waters around the small island of Koh Smach. As a result of this, we now have local, government and departmental blessing to move forward and establish a strong marine conservation project for the future.
What are you most looking forward to in the future in regards to field operations in Cambodia?
Nick: The great thing about working in Cambodia is that it is the land of opportunity, and once we have all our new projects running to as high a standard as the marine project and medical / orphanage projects, I hope to bring to the table more conservation projects. Cambodia is an expanding country in every sense and I feel passionate about Frontier helping to ensure the wildlife in Cambodia is not forgotten about.
It was an amazing experience for me and I really enjoyed it! Here I met some new friends from different countries. I enjoyed teaching and I like kids so much.Siem reap is beautiful. I love this city and people here are very nice.
Thanks for every help from Frontier.