Aztec-Maya Venture

• Overview & Itinerary
• Phase 1
• Phase 2
• Phase 3
• UK Travel Safety Course
• Skills & Experiences
• Field conditions
• Dates & Prices
• Image Gallery

Gap Year & Career Gap Ventures > Aztec Maya Venture                                         <<   Page 6 of 9   >>

Skills & Experience Gained

VentureCo’s 3 phase approach to travel allows you to learn and develop a broad range of both practical and “soft” skills, which will prove invaluable when travelling independently, and in future study or employment.

“Paul (the leader) was excellent. He led the trip very effectively, but seemed more like another Venturer than a leader. Never did I feel he tried to act above us or make decisions without the group’s consent.”

Neil Bharucha, Patagonia Venture referring to Paul Franklin, Venture Leader

“Dubious hairstyle and dance moves”

Anon. Also referring to Paul Franklin, Venture Leader

During Aztec Maya Venture you will find yourself in many situations for the first time, there will be problems in need of solutions and you may find yourself challenged from time to time. These are the experiences that make the Venture so worthwhile and the skills that you develop will last you a lifetime! Here are just some examples of what the venture could do for you!

Phase1: Language School and Cultural Orientation

• Develop your Spanish oral, writing and reading skills.
• Learn about a different culture, particularly during the homestays in Oaxaca and Antigua.
• Learn about the food, dance and music and do it!
• Appreciate the differences between you and your host country;
• Appreciate the similarities between you and your host country, which is greater?

Phase2: Community Development Projects

• Develop your environmental awareness, particularly while working on the Fireburn or Manatee projects in Belize
• Develop practical construction skills and experience on the building projects.
• Acquire project management skills, working to a defined budget and timescale.
• Improve your communication skills as you liaise with the project co-ordinator, local craftsmen and the rest of your team.

Phase3: Wilderness Expedition

• Develop your navigation and mountain leadership skills.
• Gain experience of high altitude trekking.
• Bushcraft: Learn how to travel responsibility, causing the minimum disruption to communities and habitats.
• Learn about the unique fauna and flora and unusual wildlife of Central America, from the jungles of Belize to the Caribbean coast.
• Gain an understanding of expedition planning and group management, including risk assessment, group security and arranging food, accommodation and transport.
• Learn about safety and hygiene whilst in the field.
• Learn about campcraft: setting, managing and striking camps so that the environment doesn’t know you were ever there! [view VentureCo's Responsible Travel Policy]

Three Phases make One Venture

The experience of living, travelling and working in a foreign culture will inevitably develop your maturity, confidence and independence. Even before you begin the Venture, you will have gained experience in fundraising, travel safety and planning. VentureCo’s ethos is that you, the Venturer, plan, organise and lead as much of the Venture as possible. VentureCo provides a framework and leaders to guide you, but it’s up to the group to the make the trip happen. You will be responsible for organising, reviewing and executing the development projects. Similarly the itinerary during the expedition phase remains flexible, with the whole group deciding on a schedule and each Venturer leading a section of it. The communication, organisation, team-working and leadership skills that you develop as a result, will prove invaluable both at university and in future employment.

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