What to Expect From an Environmental Conservation Internship in Brazil
"I have learned that it is never too late to do what you love. I have also learned, or at least been reminded, just how much of a difference can…
RAINFOREST CONSERVATION RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN BRAZIL
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Gain hands-on experience in rainforest conservation, ecological restoration, and biodiversity research in Brazil
This Rainforest Conservation Internship places you on the frontline of one of the world’s most significant conservation efforts. You’ll join a nonprofit dedicated to restoring the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest — home to thousands of endemic and endangered species — working across reforestation, biodiversity monitoring, and community sustainability. As an intern, you’ll contribute to an ambitious reforestation project that has already planted hundreds of thousands of trees toward a goal of 1 million by 2030, gaining real field research experience in agroforestry, medicinal plants, wildlife monitoring, or ecosystem restoration.
Beyond your rainforest conservation work, Brazil offers endless opportunities to explore its vibrant culture, landscapes, and wildlife. Whether specializing in data collection, seedling nurseries, or devising your own research projects, this Conservation Internship equips you with the practical conservation skills and global perspective needed to make a lasting impact on biodiversity and the climate crisis.
Learning Objectives
- Gain hands-on field experience in rainforest conservation and ecological restoration
- Develop practical research skills across agroforestry, wildlife monitoring, and reforestation
- Understand the relationship between biodiversity conservation and global climate resilience
- Contribute to community-led sustainability initiatives in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions
ORGANIZATION
Founded in 1999, this nonprofit is an accomplished conservation and sustainability focused organization located in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions: the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Their mission is to help reverse the effects of the climate crisis by restoring the rainforest.
They take a multi-faceted approach to this mission. Not only do they proactively plant their trees, they also work with local communities to create a paradigm shift by which the preservation and sustainable use of the forest is more attractive than its destruction. Among their projects are research into medicinal plants, huge-scale reforestation, and educational programs in local schools and communities. They’ve also hosted thousands of researchers, volunteers and interns and their alumni can be found in academia, business, the arts, and government across the world
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Your work as a Rainforest Conservation intern will be tailored to your interests & expertise. You’ll have the chance to be involved in a range of areas of conservation with various research methods.
Due to the seasonal change, the focus of your conservation internship will vary throughout the year. Between March and September, work will focus more on the nursery, and October through to February is when planting and monitoring takes place. You’ll need to be able to withstand the challenging climate of the rainforest, be willing to get your hands dirty, and be passionate about making a difference for the environment.
Regardless of the time of year, you’ll get to work closely with the flora and fauna of the Atlantic Rainforest as you develop a broad set of in-field research skills and valuable experience.
Responsibilities
- Survey flora and fauna to build and update the organization’s biodiversity database
- Plant trees, monitor growth, and maintain restoration areas across the rainforest and agroforestry systems
- Measure species richness and population dynamics using field methods including camera traps
- Collect, process, and analyze data to improve conservation outcomes and habitat connectivity
- Research land-use strategies to protect ecosystems, water streams, and species reservoirs
- Write reports and environmental guidelines for partner organizations and local communities
- Engage with local communities to identify critical areas for sustainability management and eco-friendly income generation
- Devise, pitch, and execute your own research projects aligned with the organization’s mission
- Content Creation: you can assist the organization with their marketing, communication, and fundraising needs by gathering content in the field from your project work and general internship daily life. You can also help edit & curate the content for various purposes. If you’re keen to get involved with any kind of content creation, be sure to let your supervisor know.
Requirements
- Background or experience in biology, conservation, agriculture, forestry, or a related field
- Knowledge of the climate crisis and a genuine passion for ecological restoration
- Strong English communication skills (written and verbal); Portuguese is not required but a willingness to learn basics is encouraged
- Prior research or data analysis experience is an advantage
- Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working across a variety of tasks
- Able and willing to take on hands-on physical work in challenging rainforest conditions
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll stay at the Research Center, located in the outskirts of the Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, 12 kilometers from the nearest town, Rosário da Limeria. This is a fully immersive experience, so you’ll need to be keen to spend the majority of your time in the forest. Facilities at the center include accommodation for researchers, interns, and visitors, a computer lab, field laboratory, their multi-use Forest House, forest nursery, and systems of forest trails. You’ll stay either in the main house or in one of the cabins and take all your meals at the on-site restaurant with other volunteers & interns.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
The internship is based in a safe, remote setting far from urban areas, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings with peace of mind.
Before departure, visit your doctor for a check-up and to confirm any recommended vaccinations or medications. The project site is not in a malarial area, though if you plan to travel to other regions of Brazil such as the Amazon or Pantanal, appropriate prophylactics are advisable and available locally. Your doctor may also recommend Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccinations depending on your plans.
Please note that due to the remote and physically demanding nature of this Rainforest Conservation Internship, the organization is unable to accommodate those with serious medical conditions or physical disabilities.
Communication
Communication
Wifi is available on the project site for staying in touch with family and friends through WhatsApp, Facetime, etc. For consistenet connection with traveling, it’s recommended to ensure your phone is unlocked for international carriers and set up a global e-SIM prior to departure.
Meals
Meals
Meals are freshly prepared and served daily in the on-site restaurant — and the kitchen team welcomes recipe suggestions, so don’t be shy about sharing your favorites from home! There’s also a communal kitchen available whenever you feel like cooking something yourself.
Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or have serious allergies, the team is happy to accommodate your needs. Just make sure to let the Roots team know about any dietary requirements before your arrival so everything is ready for you.
Location details
Location details
The project center sits within Brazil’s breathtaking Atlantic Forest, stretching from the coastline to the inland mountains across elevations of 800 to 1,300 meters. The surrounding landscape spans humid tropical forest, semi-deciduous woodland, low montane forest, and mangrove swamps — an extraordinarily biodiverse environment teeming with wildlife. In your free time, explore forest trails, discover hidden waterfalls, spot rare wildlife, or venture out to nearby towns and iconic Brazilian destinations.
This is a genuinely remote setting far from city conveniences, and interns should come physically and mentally prepared for off-the-grid rainforest living — for those who embrace it, the remoteness is a big part of what makes this experience unforgettable.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with your during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
8 weeks USD 2,554
12 weeks USD 3,481
16 weeks USD 4,408
20 weeks USD 5,460
26 weeks USD 7,098
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 the main house or one of the cabins (up to 4 pax)
- Three meals a day
- Wifi access
- 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 Sao Paolo / Rio de Janeiro (recommended)
- Bus & taxi transfers to/from the research center
- 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
GALLERY
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Brazil.
What can I expect from an internship in Brazil?
What you can expect from an internship in Brazil is immense personal growth, as well as professional development. You’ll dive into a vibrant culture and expand your horizons through cross-cultural interactions. You’ll gain hands-on experience in your chosen internship while building a big network of contacts and mentors along the way!
How long can I do an internship for?
The minimum length of an internship in Brazil is one month, but the ideal length is closer to four months, or longer. This ensures you have the time to truly make a tangible impact during your time. However, our programs are customizable in length so you can apply for a summer, remote, hybrid, or gap-year internship!
Do internships in Brazil qualify for university credit?
Yes, but you must confirm with your university supervisor to approve this. It’s also possible to purchase transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.
Will I receive payment of any kind during my internship?
Unfortunately, there is no form of stipend for internships in Brazil. Your internship will be unpaid while working with the nonprofit organization, but there are multiple ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of new knowledge and the opportunities for professional and personal growth are invaluable!
REVIEWS
This internship was the perfect match for me! I gained knowledge and skills surrounding plants in tropical ecosystems, sharpened my observation skills and my understanding of how to raise and care for seedlings, practiced my sampling skills, and learned much more along the way about the science of plants and their interactions with soils. I also learned just how intricate and rich ecological systems are, along with how much attention to detail and foresight is needed to fully understand them. I now have tangible experience that I plan to take with me in a career as a restoration ecologist. Seeing the commitment the team has to helping the environment was deeply inspiring and has emphasized my desire to do the best I can in every aspect of my professional and personal life to protect nature.
Emilya, Canadian – University of Toronto, Scarborough
Biodiversity Conservation Internship, Brazil
I am very pleased with my internship experience in Brazil. I quickly learned that not only do you come to join the organization and the work they are doing, but also to learn a great deal about the culture and the connections between people and the forest. My internship tasks and activities were diverse and very fulfilling, giving me a challenge and helping me think in a different way that I normally do.
Andi, American – Brigham Young University
Biodiversity Conservation Internship, Brazil
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, Brazil
PROJECT FOCUS: Nature Conservation NGO
TASK FOCUS: Research, Data Analysis, Community Outreach, Conservation. Reporting
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 2,554
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain international conservation experience a nonprofit context
- Develop skills in a range of scientific research methods and tools
- Build an expansive knowledge of the Atlantic Forests flora and fauna
- Contribute to biodiversity and rainforest conservation
- Live and work in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
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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