Katho University of Applied Sciences has been the largest of our supporters for International student volunteers since 2005. These students in their 3rd and final year must do a compulsory practical learner ship at an approved animal care institution such as Lory Park. We are approved by the Department of Nature Conservation at Tshwane University of technology. The students we receive at our park are usually studying a three year degree in Animal Science; they come to us to complete their practical component that usually lasts between two and six months. We employ students as volunteers during this period and the two people to contact who help arrange these trips and place students in South Africa are Mr Dirk Monbaliu and Mr Arnold Stael of Katho University . These two lecturers liaise with Dr Attie Botha who is the head of Department of Nature Conservation at Tshwane University of Technology, finds suitable institutions in South Africa and recommends them to the world and this is how Lory Park has become so renowned.
Our first student introduced to Lory Park was Kim Hiltrop in 2005 from Belgium; she planned to do her 3 month practical and return home. However, her specific skills and determination made her indispensable to us and we offered her a permanent position at Lory Park with a five year contract. Since then many students from Katho University have joined us to complete their practical as well as Julie Van Asshe and Kate Fox from the UK, Heidi Mul from Belgium and Joanna Curry and Laura Dougan from Ireland. At the moment we have Jonas Steelandt and Janna Loot from Katho University who have just begun their practical’s with us. Hoogeschool Gent is a technical college in Belgium that recently sent Roos De Bie and Lien De Laere to Lory Park, and on the 13 march 2009 there were 34 students and 4 lecturers from Kathu University who visited Lory Park for a full day of practical education and a guided tour of the park.
Various adult volunteers from France, Italy, Holand and Belgium who are not involved with any universities are also invited to join Lory Parks Volunteer programme for personal benefit. Previously it was difficult for us to accommodate many students and the programme has grown to such a great extent that we have now built permanent accommodation on the Lory Park premises for all students to live during their 2 – 6 month period. The first development phase which has been completed can take up to 9 students comfortably at the same time and current rate of 300Eur per person per month will be applicable to this option. The 2nd phase which we hope to have up and running by January 2010 will be able to accommodate up to 45 students at a time and the rate for this will be amended later on in the year. All units are self catering and have the following amenities:
Internet access with Desktop Computers
Business facilities such as receiving and sending private faxes are available at the main office
Washing Machines and tumble dryers
Tv and satellite
All kitchen wear provided
Comfortable beds and bedding
Fully furnished self contained chalets
300 Euros per student per month
Lory Park is popular due to the close proximity between accommodation and the work place and Midrand CBD. We are also very close to the capital city of Pretoria and the financial capital Johannesburg. Transfers to and from the International Airport will be provided to any of the guests. These self contained chalets are all security conscious and have a 24 hour security guard for your safety.
An experience of a lifetime can be given to you by Lory Park, you will be working in close contact with many different African animals and others from all over the world. Very few institutions in this world can offer you the same personal experience. You will be involved in food preparation, cleaning, animal husbandry, enrichment, training, education, conservation, hand rearing, veterinary and clinic duties, darting and mobilisation to transfer animals.
If you are interested in joining us please fill out an application form and send it to us and we will immediately get plans for your trip underway.
You may click to view pictures of the International Students accommodation available at Lory Park
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