FAQ

1). Who can go on a Birthright Earth trip?

Anyone within our age group! Our goal is to be able to send everyone who is interested on a trip. Its not like applying to college or a job, there are no pre-requisites and you won’t get rejected. We only use a waitlist when we receive more applications than we have spaces on trips. It doesn’t matter where you are from, what school you went or go to, or what your interests are. If you are concerned with the environment and want to experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, you will.

2). Is Birthright Earth affiliated with Birthright Israel?

Birthright Earth is entirely unaffiliated with Birthright Israel. We have no religious context whatsoever. While the model of the Birthright Israel program has been inspirational to our efforts, we have no connection or partnership beyond this appreciation.

3). Why does Birthright Earth focus only on the Amazon?

We focus on the Amazon because it is one of the most beautiful examples of our natural heritage as well as the largest concentration of exotic flora and fauna in the world. Most importantly, however, the Amazon rainforest is one of the areas most afflicted by global warming and deforestation and an area that humans depend on for the air we breathe. As the largest carbon sink in the world, the Amazon rainforest is integral to maintaining livable levels of CO2 in our atmosphere. The rainforest presents all of these qualities and issues and so is the ideal location for our trips.

Our sister organization, Tropical Nature Travel, also operates primarily in the Amazon rainforest and Pantanal region. We plan an expansion to Africa and India in the near future to more fully represent the global issues surrounding our environment.

4). What does Birthright mean?

The dictionary definition of birthright is ‘a right, possession, or privilege that is one’s due by birth’. We expand the definition to include a responsibility. We believe it is our birthright to experience, appreciate, and take care of our world’s ecosystems.

5). How can I become a Campus Representative?

We are always eager to have more campus representatives. To join our team and represent your campus, e-mail our Campus Representative Coordinator Edward Giese at ed@birthrightearth.com. Ed will explain what it means to be a campus representative and what your responsibilities are.

6). Can I go more than once?

No. The Birthright Earth trip is a gift that can only be given once. Once you go, you can’t go or apply again. However, we do offer programs for former participants to become Trip Leaders or Guides in South America and have many options for internships and career work at lodges and sustainability projects in the Amazon.

7). How long are the trips?

The trips are 10 days long.

8). How do you apply?

Applications will be offered through our website only. The on-line application process will include a short essay, personal information, and general questions about your personality and environmental interest. We will then process the applications and notify participants about their specific trip dates, destinations, and travel itinerary.

Currently, we are developing the applications and will have them available on-line soon. By leaving your name and e-mail address at the bottom of our homepage, you are automatically signed up to receive an e-mail notification when our applications go up live on the site.

9). Are the trips really free?

Yes they really are. You pay nothing from day 1 to day 10 of your Amazon journey.

10). What do I bring with me?

There are certainly some important items that you should pack and bring with you for your trip. Please visit our ‘Pre-Trip Checklist’ page under the ‘The Trips’ tab to get a printable checklist, read descriptions of various items, and find links to the best and most affordable companies to purchase anything you don’t already have.

11). Do I need to bring my passport or get a travel visa?

Travel visas only need to be obtained before you leave for trips to Brazil. For all other countries, you receive the visa when you arrive and go through customs. If you are selected to go to Brazil, Birthright Earth will process travel visas at the Brazilian consulate for you prior to your trip. Passports are necessary for all of our trips. You must make sure your passport is valid because airline representatives do not accept expired passports.

12). What are the safety procedures for the trips?

Our trips are run through established eco-tourism companies that have pristine records for safety. The trips are run with the same attention to caution and safety guidelines as the luxury eco-tourism tours offered to paying customers. Please see our ‘Safety and Security’ page under ‘The Trips’ tab for more information about Birthright Earth’s commitment to the safety of our participants.

13). How are the trips funded?

Our trips are funded by private donation and corporate sponsorship.

14).  How many people go on a trip and when are they run?

Each trip can facilitate up to 20 people. We currently run five trips simultaneously in different regions. The trips take place in June.

Our Team