Volunteer in Alaska

Alaska has been deemed "The Last Frontier" because it is a place where you can still see wilderness in many forms; many people feel that they are standing on the edge of discovery when they visit Alaska for the first time. Alaska is home to more than half of the world's glaciers, and the tallest mountain in North America, Mt. McKinley. Alaska, the only state to have borders on three different seas, is one-third the size of the entire United States of America and is home to an abundance of wildlife such a grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, mountain goats, bald eagles, whales, and so much more. Alaska is rugged and steeped in the history and tradition of more than 10 distinct Native Alaskan Cultures. Alaska is the perfect place to spend time volunteering because just being in Alaska brings one a sense of truly being a part of nature and all of her raw energy and thrills. Currently, the Global Volunteer Network has volunteer opportunities through our partner organization in Alaska; this organization is a private, non-profit organization registered in the United States.

The Program

Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in various aspects of environmental field work, including trail maintenance, research, conservation education, community outreach, park maintenance, plant conservation, and environmental activism. Activities will differ according to the particular project that you are involved in.

This volunteer program is intended to provide practical and hands-on experience for individuals interested in making an environmental contribution to the global community at large while focusing on a very special part of the world: Alaska. Volunteers have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects under the supervision of the resident researchers, environmental education instructors, and administrative staff.

Volunteers are placed in different projects located around the state of Alaska, as far south as Sitka, as far north as Fairbanks, and everywhere in between. We expect volunteers to work full days like all other employees and are not coming to Alaska for a holiday; they should be able to undertake strenuous and sometimes tedious labor in often cold climates, and in the winter months expect minimal light.

Program Location

The projects we can place volunteers in are detailed below. Each project is different and in turn has different requirements for each volunteer. In addition, because the projects are located in different parts of a very vast state they have very different climates.

Eagle River
Eagle River, Alaska, located within Chugach State Park, is a popular hiking area surrounded by high peaks and rich in wildlife. Volunteers will act as Assistant Natural History Interpreters, providing visitor information services, leading nature walks on the Rodak Nature Trail, some trail and facilities maintenance/janitorial tasks, and opportunities for independent projects.
> More Info

Fairbanks
Situated in northern Alaska, Fairbanks is the gateway to Alaska's Interior and Arctic. Volunteers on this project will work at a day camp for children of all ages, where children learn about the ecosystems of Interior Alaska, including the people, plants, and animals that call Alaska home. Volunteers will help with all aspects including playing games, doing crafts, singing songs, taking hikes, and growing food in the garden.
> More Info

Homer
Located in Homer, known as the halibut capital of the world, this project takes place on the beautiful bank of Kachemak Bay, a sheltered arm of lower Cook Inlet, and is easily accessible by land, air or sea. There are two options within this project: volunteers will either be working with an environmental education group or the historic Pratt Museum.
> More Info (Education)
> More Info (Museum)

Seward
Seward is a small coastal town known for its scenic views, numerous visitor and adventure attractions, and being the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. This volunteer project will take place at our partner’s non-profit marine science center dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation and public education.
> More Info.

Soldotna
Soldotna, located just 140 miles via scenic, paved highway from Anchorage, is the central hub of the Kenai Peninsula. There are two facets of this project: restoring a productive salmon spawning and rearing stream, and monitoring the amount of fuel entering the river during periods of peak recreational activity.
> More Info

Program Requirements

• Be 18 years or over
• Have no major health problems
• Be physically fit
• Be proficient in English

*Specific requirements apply to different volunteer projects.
**Although there are no restrictions on the nationality of volunteers that wish to participate in this program, you need to be able to obtain your Entry Visa independent of the volunteer organisation.

Program Schedule

The minimum commitment for volunteer project is one month. Each project has a different duration so please see each project’s description for the particular schedule. The maximum time limit for any of the projects is four months (exceptions can be made in special cases). A special visa is required to remain in Alaska for more than 90 days for non-US residents.

Volunteers are expected to work an average of 6 to 10 hours per day, depending on the activities they carry out.

Please note: US Citizens who are eligible to work within the United States are free to work, volunteer, or gain internships in Alaska under their own volition. Individuals who volunteer through our partner organisation might find themselves working alongside other Americans who are in paid internship or work positions.

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee (fully refundable if you decide not to go) will secure your place on the program, with your program fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your Alaska Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal
• Online Video - Preparing For Your Trip
• Opportunities for Discounts on Airfares

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the Alaska program is:

• Cost for 1 month - US $1697
• Cost for 2 months - US $3197
• Cost for 3 months - US $4697
• Cost for 4 months - US $6197
• Cost for 5 months - US $7697

• Cost for 2 months - US $1897
• Cost for 3 months - US $2747
• Cost for 4 months - US $3597

The in-country fee covers all room and board as well as an airport pickup and transportation to the project. In Alaska the cost of living is quite high: accommodation is few and far between, especially in southeast, and the food prices are rather expensive compared to the "lower 48" because almost everything has to get shipped up; therefore, this price reflects the nature of this uniquely northern and remote experience

The other costs you will need to meet are your flights, visa, travel/health insurance and corresponding airport departure taxes.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• International Travel Advice
• Letter Of Completion

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have.
Click here

Articles

Read articles written about our volunteers in Alaska.
Click here.

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently volunteering, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Book Resources

We have a selection of books available that you may find useful if you decide to volunteer in Alaska.
Click here

Application Process

This program is not currently accepting applications. You may wish to apply for our New Zealand Nature program instead.