What to Expect from a Conservation Internship in the Galapagos
“I wanted to work with an NGO where I could actually make an impact and help preserve one of the most amazing ecosystems in the world. I love being outdoors…
Sustainability Internship in Ecuador
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Immerse yourself in sustainability, community development, and local culture through hands-on regenerative agriculture and ecotourism
Sustainability interns in Shandia, Ecuador gain practical experience in environmental stewardship by working alongside local farmers and conservationists, helping maintain apiaries, practice agroforestry, and monitor biodiversity. Through these activities, you’ll witness firsthand how regenerative farming techniques can support both the environment and the livelihoods of local communities. This experience provides a rare opportunity to connect with the natural world while developing tangible skills in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.
In addition to environmental work, sustainability interns engage in community-led ecotourism initiatives and cultural immersion with the Shandia community. Activities include supporting trail development, assisting local guides, and participating in workshops and events organized by a women’s entrepreneurial group. By collaborating with community members, volunteers gain insight into grassroots business development, cultural traditions, and social enterprise, contributing meaningfully to projects that strengthen local economies and social networks while fostering cross-cultural understanding. Furthermore, with the project being as grassroots as it is, interns can expect to work on different projects. This means you will gain wide-ranging experience in different aspects of nonprofit work, while immersing in this remote Kichwa community in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Learning Objectives
- Develop practical skills in regenerative agriculture and apiary management
- Analyze the impact of ecotourism on community development and conservation
- Collaborate with local groups to support sustainable business ventures
- Apply biodiversity monitoring and trail management techniques in real-world settings
ORGANIZATION
You’ll be working with a nonprofit that connects passionate young changemakers with community-led projects in Latin America. Their mission is to support sustainable social impact by empowering communities to identify and address their own priorities. The organization’s Ecuador project in the Amazon Rainforest launched in May 2023, when they began working directly in the Kichwa community of Shandia and surrounding areas.
Projects take a holistic approach – focusing on areas like education, health, and economic development, as well as other locally identified needs. Since 2004, the organization has partnered with communities to reach thousands of individuals each year, fostering meaningful and lasting impact.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Sustainability interns should expect to engage in a range of activities and contribute to projects beyond their primary focus, as this nonprofit takes a holistic approach to sustainable development. This hands-on involvement provides a well-rounded experience, allowing interns to see how different initiatives connect to empower the community.
Placements of 12+ weeks are strongly encouraged, offering greater responsibility, skill-building, and deeper connection with the organization.
Responsibilities
- Assist in agroforestry practices and biodiversity tracking
- Engage with community-led tourism initiatives and local guides
- Support trail development and upkeep for ecotourism projects
- Maintain and monitor apiaries and surrounding ecosystems
- Facilitate workshops and activities that empower local women’s entrepreneurial efforts
- Create content for social media and copy for blogs and web pages
- Assist with developing and/or conducting envrionmental educational programs
Requirements
- The ideal candidate will be studying towards or already have a sustainability, conservation, ecotourism, biology, agriculture, community development, or related degree
- Willingness to participate in both hands-on labor and educational activities
- Ability to work outdoors in a tropical envrionment
- Open-minded, adaptable, and respectful of local cultures and customs
- Willingness to learn about Kichwa culture and immerse in a remote area
- Your own laptop
- Minimum age of 18 years old
- Spanish is not essential, but it is requested that an effort is made to learn basics before arrival to help build trust with the community
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Interns stay in one of two shared houses within walking distance of the school and project center. Both homes are well-equipped with WiFi, full kitchens, interior bathrooms, and communal spaces including a dining area and lounge with a projector. Dorms are shared and gender-separated, accommodating up to four people per room, with mosquito nets provided. The accommodation is located on a bus route for easy access to a variety of nearby locations.
Shandia is a quiet, remote village surrounded by the Amazon Rainforest, with hot and humid weather year-round, abundant rivers, waterfalls, and outdoor activities. While the town itself is peaceful, the nearby city of Tena offers more lively shops, restaurants, and attractions. Bicycles are available for exploring the area, and interns should be prepared for typical rainforest insects.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Before your internship, make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up and to receive any recommended vaccines or medications to stay healthy.
Safety in the Napo province of Ecuador is generally very good, and crime rates are lower than in much of country. While serious incidents are rare, it’s important to practice standard precautions such as staying aware of your surroundings, avoiding flashy jewelry, keeping valuables secure, and never wandering alone at night.
The houses where interns stay are safe, with secure entrances and communal living spaces. Living in the Amazon means you’ll encounter insects, so mosquito nets are provided and insect repellent is recommended. Being prepared for the rainforest environment will help you enjoy your experience fully while staying safe and comfortable.
Communication
Communication
Wifi access is available at the accommodation and the organization’s center. It is also recommended to purchase a local Movistar SIM card upon arrival, so be sure your phone is unlocked for international carriers.
Meals
Meals
Bottled water jugs are provided at both the accommodation and community center. Food is bought communally on a weekly basis and specific items can be requested. You will assist with the shopping and cooking yourself and it is easy to accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions. Larger supermarkets can be found in Tena City, while Shandia offers a few small shops that sell snacks, drinks, and fresh local produce.
Location details
Location details
Shandia is a small, remote village of around 300 people nestled in the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest. The community is predominantly Indigenous Kichwa, speaking both Spanish and their traditional language, Kichwa, with only a few residents speaking English.
As an intern, Shandia offers a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a close-knit, nature-focused community while gaining hands-on experience in education and youth development. The village is a remote setting, so interns should be prepared for limited amenities and a slower pace of life. Shandia is also a community-based tourism hub for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with guided rainforest treks, wildlife spotting, and nearby Laguna Azul—a stunning set of turquoise, natural swimming pools perfect for day trips. The lively town of Tena is approx. 6 kms away and easily accessible by bus for shops, restaurants, night life, and local attractions.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship start dates are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
1 month USD 2,673
2 months USD 4,486
3 months USD 4,501
4 months USD 5,768
5 months USD 7,035
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in shared room (up to 4 pax). If you are interested in a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Three meals a day
- Project transport
- Spanish classes
- Professional development training
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to Quito, Ecuador
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Ecuador.
What can I expect from an internship in Ecuador?
You can expect to work on your Spanish language skills while gaining hands-on experience in your preferred field. From exploring diverse ecosystems to engaging with local communities, your stay in Ecuador will provide you with insights into the country’s rich biodiversity, while the challenges and accomplishments that you experience will foster your adaptability and global perspective.
Will I have time to explore the country during my internship?
Yes! There is always time to explore the surrounding area. Our nonprofit partners are based around the country (and on the Galapagos Islands) and they can offer recommendations about which places are the best to visit! When you are based on the mainland, some of the highlights of Ecuador are, for example, the city of Cuenca or the Cotopaxi National Park. If you are based on the Galapagos Islands, there are great excursion options on the island(s) including fantastic diving. If you are keen to also explore the mainland of Ecuador, you will need to do so before or after your Galapagos internship because of the distance (and costs of the flight).
Does an internship in Ecuador qualify for university credit?
Yes, but you must ensure with your university that your supervisor approves this. It is also possible to purchase transfer credits that can be added to your internship.
Will I be paid during my internship?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning. As your internship with the nonprofit organization will be unpaid, you can check out ways to fund your internship here. The wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth throughout your experience are invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Shandia, Ecuador
PROGRAM FOCUS: Community Development NGO
TASK FOCUS: Conservation, Biodiversity, Ecotourism
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 2,673
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Contribute to regenerative agriculture through beekeeping and sustainable farming
- Support community ecotourism trails and conservation experiences
- Collaborate with a local women’s group on entrepreneurial projects
- Experience cultural immersion and learn about grassroots social enterprise
- Improve Spanish skills while living and working in the Amazonian Rainforest region of Ecuador
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
FEATURED REVIEW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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