Born and raised in Katherine, Muriel Scholz is no stranger to snapping reptiles, but the opportunity to work with Volunteer Eco Students Abroad (VESA) will give the 19-year-old Bachelor of Science student a new practical experience.

“I’ve always had an interest in volunteer work and travel, and this opportunity provides both,” Ms Scholz said.

“The whole experience will be something to remember, from meeting the village kids to sharing a beach bungalow with one of my best friends who secretly applied and got accepted to the same program and group.”

Ms Scholz has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of her vaccinations, program fees and materials, and visas.

She will travel to Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa to help teach local children English, renovate buildings, and work on crocodile and cheetah conservation projects.

As well as helping the local communities, Muriel will have the opportunity to meet her first Zulu healer, snorkel among rays and turtles, and try her hand at white-water rafting, quad bike riding and caving.

The VESA program allows students the opportunity to join large-scale humanitarian projects in regions around the world that are not typically addressed by traditional charity or aid.

Ms Scholz will embark on the month-long adventure in mid-November.

To donate, visit W: https://www.gofundme.com/vesa-africa-2017-muriels-mission