Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the question to go to the answer.
1. You have a program called International Volunteers in the Parks that brings over volunteers from other countries. I am a U.S. citizen – can you help me volunteer in international parks?
Unfortunately, our office is unable to assist U.S. citizens looking for volunteer opportunities in international parks. However, you can find out more about volunteering in U.S. National Parks by visiting this website: http://www.nps.gov/volunteer/
You can also try other U.S. or international organizations, for example:
The U.S. Peace Corps has longterm Environment Volunteer positions that work with parks and wildlife in developing countries.
The UNESCO World Heritage program has information about volunteering at World Heritage sites in other countries.
2. Why is the National Park Service working internationally?
National Park Service (NPS) international activities benefit both the National Park Service and the U.S. Effective international collaboration is necessary to address many domestic conservation issues. For example, the National Park Service works with counterparts in other countries to conserve migratory and shared species as well as to try to control invasive species. Mexico and Canada collaborate wit the U.S. on border park operations and security and trans-boundary pollution. We have cultural resources that share their value with countries like England, France, Spain, Canada, and Mexico due to proximity and historical reasons. In addition, 20 World Heritage sites have been identified in the U.S. and the National Park Service manages all but two of these sites.
In addition, the National Park Service builds good will in other countries by sharing our experience and providing technical expertise. This is a mutual exchange: NPS staff develop their own professional skills in the process, and by engaging internationally, we also learn innovative conservation methods from other countries
International collaboration is a cost-effective and cost-savings tool that leverages the expertise of NPS and international protected area managers to address common problems. Over the years, international travel costs for NPS have averaged at 1% of the total travel costs for the agency or 0.004% of the total budget for the NPS. International cooperation provides direct cost-savings.
For example, in FY2003 the NPS International Volunteers in Parks Program brought 139 international volunteers to work in 50 national parks, resulting in over $1 million in savings.
3. Does international work take away resources that could be used to improve our National Parks?
No. As mentioned in answer to the question about why we do international work, international travel costs are at about 0.004% of the total NPS budget. Most international travel is reimbursed by international organizations, partner U.S. agencies, and host country governments. In fact, international work can result in cost-savings, such as the over $1 million labor costs saved by the International Volunteers in the Park Program.