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Brilliant 4.73rating (41)

Field-Based Applied Conservation Internship

location
6 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Make a difference in preserving unique species working with world-recognized conservation authorities.
  • Join an effort to keep the Galapagos wild and beautiful; Strengthen your conservation understanding and skills.
  • Develop key professional and personal skills, interact with local institutions and get first-hand experience working in the sustainability field.

Highlights

  • Make a difference in preserving unique species working with world-recognized conservation authorities.
  • Join an effort to keep the Galapagos wild and beautiful; Strengthen your conservation understanding and skills.
  • Develop key professional and personal skills, interact with local institutions and get first-hand experience working in the sustainability field.
  • Develop key skills while contributing to the sustainable development of Galapagos and helping IOI work towards achieving the global UN SDGs.
  • Develop global competence and awareness and enhance your Spanish competency.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Interns play a crucial role supporting the conservation of unique ecosystems and species, as well as improve local conditions for our host community in Galapagos.

    INTERNSHIPS IN GALAPAGOS

    As part of your internship with IOI you can learn with us, develop key professional skills, and help us implement sustainable development programs in one of the most unique places of the planet. We're always looking for talented, skilled interns to join our team here on ...

    About the program

    INTERNSHIPS IN GALAPAGOS

    As part of your internship with IOI you can learn with us, develop key professional skills, and help us implement sustainable development programs in one of the most unique places of the planet. We're always looking for talented, skilled interns to join our team here on Isabela. If you're passionate, articulate, quick, driven, enthusiastic, and want to make a real difference in an innovative and flexible environment, why not join us on our mission?

    What does an IOI internship entail?

    Our impactful internships are the perfect way for you to develop key professional and personal skills, interact with local institutions and get first-hand experience in working in the sustainability field. With your IOI internship you will develop key skills while contributing to the sustainable development of Galapagos and helping us to work towards achieving the global UN SDGs. Personal and professional development AND sustainable impact- the perfect combo!

    Our interns play a crucial role in providing much needed help to the conservation of unique ecosystems and species here on Isabela, Galapagos. As an IOI Island Conservation Intern, you’ll be working directly with local stakeholders and authorities to provide a powerful and meaningful hands-on contribution in environmental conservation on Isabela Island.

    Starting at a minimum of 6 weeks duration, our internships are organized as follows:

    • Onboarding and skill development, your initial 6 weeks

      • During these 6 weeks of your internship you will be introduced to IOI, our long term sustainability strategy, and projects. You will gain valuable and needed skills during this portion of your internship from leadership and management skills, to volunteering and learning how our projects operate and how we manage logistics. Our experienced staff will monitor your progress and provide on-going feedback, including weekly meetings with your allocated mentor. You will also earn the Emergency First Response certificate during this initial phase, as well as receive Leadership Course and Off-Site Safety Management Training.

    • Work Placement, 2-6 weeks

      • If you have chosen this opportunity, following the initial training period described above and depending on your interest, skills, and also the project needs on the ground, you will be assigned to your placement. This placement can last from 2 to 6 weeks in duration and will allow you to develop your skills while placed within the IOI team and our projects or placed with one of our local partners. As mentioned, your skills* and local needs at the time will define where you are best placed.

    Requirements:

    • Conversational+ level of Spanish is ideal.
    • Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
    • Flexible schedule that accounts for the day to day needs of working with a local institution.
    • Physical ability to work outdoors with potentially high sun, element, and temperature exposure.
    • Inters will be provided with materials they need.
    Accommodations 

    Accommodation is provided by one of our carefully selected host families. Interns have their own room, a fan, bed, desk, dresser, and bathroom, as well as warm water and drinking water. 

    Our host families have experience with outside culture and international living and provide an amazing immersion experience. All host family houses are nearby the IOI offices and the local schools in the beach town of Puerto Villamil. Homes are fairly simple, clean, and welcoming. You will have breakfast and dinner with your family. Lunch is at participating restaurants in town.

    We at IOI pair you with your host family and we are available at any time to help if any issues arise with the restaurants, your host family, the volunteer site, if you get sick and need to visit the doctor, etc.

    Participation Fee

    The program fee is necessary to cover your cost of living and logistics. Our overhead is covered by other means so 100% of any funds that exceed your direct cost will go towards the project you participated in.

    To book you need to pay a Reservation Deposit.
    That deposit WILL BE DEDUCTED from your program fee.

    What’s Included          

    Cost includes food, full room and board, permits, Transient visa, local coordination and training at respective facility, local transport, full access to our facilities, etc.—everything minus personal expenses, travel insurance, the $20 USD Tourist Transit Card and your airfare to Galápagos.


    Typical day

    The initial 6 weeks of all internships will comprise of the following:

    • Weekly mentorship: our staff is here to support your development and contribution to our conservation efforts. Every week you will sit down with your assigned mentor to evaluate your development, set weekly objectives, and reflect ...

    Typical day

    The initial 6 weeks of all internships will comprise of the following:

    • Weekly mentorship: our staff is here to support your development and contribution to our conservation efforts. Every week you will sit down with your assigned mentor to evaluate your development, set weekly objectives, and reflect on your progress.
    • Leadership training: we want you to be as autonomous and skilled as possible. Leadership is one of the most sought-after skills for potential employers. You will receive our leadership training course and have ample opportunities to put these skills into practice.
    • Develop your soft skills: we know that it’s not all about your academic and technical skills. Employers and educational institutions are looking for well-rounded, adaptable, and resourceful individuals. Our internships will help you gain and develop skills that will enhance your future employability and continuing education opportunities.
    • Knowledge transfer: Your internship will be led by our experienced professionals, directly communicating their real world experience to you.
    • Emergency first-aid training: you will complete an internationally recognized 1st aid course. Another certification to add to your CV or resume!

    The Work Placement includes:

    • Variety of placements: we have a wide range of placements available to fit your needs and interest. Once trained you will be placed in one of our placements to begin to make an impact. Not only will you receive a weekly mentorship follow-up, we will also keep a constant open line of communication with your placement organization to ensure that you are making the most of this opportunity while contributing to their objectives.

    • Reference: at the end of your internship you will receive a LinkedIn reference for your professional use.

    A Typical Day will look different for each intern depending on the projects that you choose in your initial 6-week period, as well as depending on the placement that you choose for the placement phase.

    In general, your day will begin with breakfast at 7am at your homestay.
    8am you will begin your volunteer work at your specific project.
    12-12:30pm you will finish volunteering
    1pm Lunch in town
    Afternoon tasks will be with the IOI team in the IOI office and will range from administrative tasks to courses and course work, to leading volunteer activities.
    *Count on 8-hour days.

    Placements will vary greatly depending on your experience, your Spanish level, and the needs on the ground but you may work with the IOI team, the Galapagos National Park, the Ministry of Agriculture, the local schools, or other partners depending on the abovementioned factors. The opportunities will be discussed in detail with your internship mentor.


    Free-time activities

    In Galapagos you can live a Pacific Island life. This means you can choose between a lot of free time activities including surfing, soccer, beach volley, etc.

    Free-time activities

    In Galapagos you can live a Pacific Island life. This means you can choose between a lot of free time activities including surfing, soccer, beach volley, etc.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (fluently) or Spanish (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    - Good health and fitness - Health insurance covering all activities and locations for the program - Ability to work independently as well as in a team - Flexibility of schedules

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Starting at a minimum of 6 weeks duration, our internships are organized as follows:

    Onboarding and skill development, your initial 6 weeks

    During these 6 weeks of your internship you will be introduced to IOI, our long term sustainability strategy, and projects. You will gain valuable and needed skills during this portion of your internship from leadership and management skills, to volunteering and learning how our projects operate and how we manage logistics. Our experienced staff will monitor your progress and provide on-going feedback, including weekly meetings with your allocated mentor. You will also earn the Emergency First Response certificate during this initial phase, as well as receive Leadership Course and Off-Site Safety Management Training.

    Included: food, accommodation, ferry tickets to/from Isabela Island, pre-arrival support, in-country support, all necessary project training, equipment and courses, meetings with mentor, and Galapagos visa.


    Work Placement, 2-6 weeks

    If you have chosen this opportunity, following the initial training period described above and depending on your interest, skills, and also the project needs on the ground, you will be assigned to your placement. This placement can last from 2 to 6 weeks in duration and will allow you to develop your skills while placed within the IOI team and our projects or placed with one of our local partners. As mentioned, your skills and local needs at the time will define where you are best placed.

    Included: food, accommodation, in-country support, all necessary placement training and equipment, meetings with mentor, final LinkedIn reference.


    What is not included?

    Your airfare, personal expenses, travel insurance, the $20 USD Tourist Transit Card fee to Galapagos (cash at Quito / Guayaquil Airports), and the $15 USD visa-holder Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (cash at the Baltra / San Cristobal Airports).

    Accommodation

    You will stay in a private bedroom with private bathroom in a local family homestay.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast and dinner will be provided by your homestay family.


    Lunch will be in participating restaurants in town using a charting system.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Baltra Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Baltra Airport (GPS) in Galapagos Islands. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Ecuador you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ecuador. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Arrivals are on the first Monday of the month year round and departures are on Saturdays or Sundays. Project staff will pick you up and drop you off on these days. Please ensure this works with your travel plans.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $637 per week 6 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    6 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2024
    The four weeks I spent with IOI on the Isabela island were the most enriching 4 weeks I have ever spent travelling. I gained on so many ...
    Anouk Kaminske

    Social Media Supporter

    Location

    Americas > South America > Ecuador > Isabela Island

    Meet your project coordinator

    IOI Volunteer Projects Team
    41
    reviews
    4.73
    Brilliant
    2006
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English
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    Contact IOI Volunteer Projects Team
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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