”“I was eager to further my career but the job market back home was bleak. I decided to search abroad to gain experience in wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. This internship provided me with foundational learning and being surrounded by tropical cloud forest was a dream come true.”
Joslyn Primcias
When Joslyn arrived in Ecuador for her Wildlife Research Internship, she came with a degree in Environmental Science and a desire to grow–in experience, perspective, and purpose. What she left with was something far deeper: a renewed sense of direction, a deeper relationship with the land, and a collection of powerful lessons that will stay with her far beyond the cloud forest!
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Key Facts About this Wildlife Research Internship
- Location: Recinto La Esperie, Ecuador
- Academic Focus Area: Wildlife Conservation
- Length: Min. 3 months
The Internship
Set in the lush cloud forests of Ecuador, this Wildlife Research Internship is a call to aspiring conservationists and nature lovers alike. Immerse yourself in vital ecological studies as you help monitor native species, collect field data, and support long-term biodiversity efforts – all while immersing yourself in the Spanish language. From tracking elusive mammals with camera traps to contributing to sustainable land-use practices, every task plays a role in protecting this unique ecosystem. Guided by dedicated researchers, you’ll transform your curiosity for the wild into meaningful, hands-on conservation work in the heart of Ecuador’s natural wonder.
The Organization
Tangaré Foundation is a dedicated nonprofit committed to conserving Ecuador’s unique cloud forest through research, sustainable land‑use, and community education. Based at the La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve on the western slope of the Andes, the foundation conducts ecological studies, supports organic farming and permaculture, and serves as a hub for environmental awareness. Since 2009, their work has bolstered habitat protection for endemic and endangered species across the reserve’s 800 hectares. Through internships and collaborative field programs, Tangaré empowers participants to directly contribute to meaningful biodiversity preservation in one of Ecuador’s most vital ecosystems.
Explore all internships with this nonprofit in Ecuador
About Joslyn
Meet Joslyn, an Environmental Science graduate from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a strong commitment to sustainability, ecological restoration, and community-based conservation. Motivated by a desire to build a meaningful and hands-on career, she joined this wildlife internship program in Ecuador to deepen her field experience and explore sustainable living in action. While at the La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve, Joslyn immersed herself in organic farming, species monitoring, and cross-cultural exchange—all while improving her Spanish and gaining a holistic view of conservation. Her passion for environmental stewardship, curiosity about the world, and thoughtful approach to learning continue to shape her path and inspire those around her.
From Classroom to Cloud Forest
Learning Through the Land
At the La Hesperia Reserve in Ecuador, Joslyn quickly immersed herself in the rhythm of sustainable living. During her wildlife research internship, her days were filled with gardening, animal care, bamboo construction, and contributing to research and education initiatives.
“This internship taught me about the gift of reciprocity—how caring for the land and animals allows them to care for you in return. I’ve been part of the entire life cycle of the vegetables on my plate, and that’s been incredibly rewarding.”
She wasn’t just working the land–she was learning from it: Joslyn discovered that the land responds to care with abundance, reinforcing the principles of a symbiotic relationship. She saw firsthand how patience, consistency, and attention to detail led to healthier soil, stronger crops, and more sustainable outcomes. This experience taught her that living in harmony with nature requires not just knowledge, but respect and presence.
Highlights in the Wild (and in Culture)
While everyday brought its own kind of magic, certain moments stood out to her. In her third week, Joslyn witnessed the birth of a baby goat, whom she named Pepito.
“Watching him grow and play through the weeks brought a new kind of joy to each day.”
Witnessing the birth of Pepito reminded Joslyn of the fragility and wonder of life, and how deeply rewarding it is to care for another living being. His playful energy and growth became a daily reminder of nature’s resilience and the joy found in simple moments.
But her learning wasn’t limited to animal care or agriculture. Immersed in a Spanish-speaking environment, Joslyn found herself growing more confident in her language skills through real-life conversation, cultural exchange, and daily practice.
“I progressed in my Spanish journey more than ever before, gaining a new practical skill that I hope to sharpen and use in the future.”
And some connections didn’t need translation—like the visits from the local troop of capuchin monkeys, a regular and thrilling part of her time in the forest.
“They’d surround the volunteer house, leaping between trees and feeding on berries. I never got tired of seeing them outside my window.”
Watching the capuchin monkeys fearlessly through the trees taught Joslyn about adaptability and living with confidence in one’s environment. Their presence reminded her to stay curious, playful, and present, especially in moments of quiet observation.
One of her most memorable adventures took her and fellow volunteers on a summit hike to the highest point of the reserve.
“We packed burritos in our backpacks and just explored for hours. The skies were so clear, we even saw a volcano we didn’t know was nearby. It was a hike I’ll never forget.”
The volcano hike taught Joslyn the value of perseverance and the unexpected rewards that come from venturing beyond your comfort zone. Reaching the summit with her fellow volunteers reminded her that shared experiences in nature can create lasting bonds and unforgettable memories.
Learn how to improve language skills through internships abroad
A New Project
Although she initially intended to study large mammals like jaguars, Joslyn’s focus shifted during the wildlife internship. She was inspired to pursue a personal project, creating a bilingual field guide of the most common flora and fauna found on the reserve.
“I organized the birds, amphibians, mammals, fungi, and plants by their English, Spanish, and Latin names, followed by interesting facts. In both English and Spanish, these guides were printed, laminated, and made into a small booklet! These will be implemented on educational walks around the reserve’s many hiking trails.”
Creating the field guide taught Joslyn to observe her surroundings more closely and engage deeply with the land and its biodiversity. Translating species names and facts into both English and Spanish helped her connect more meaningfully with local culture and the scientific process. The project also showed her how accessible education tools can empower others to appreciate and protect the natural world.
A Glimpse of the Life She Wants
Perhaps the most meaningful takeaway from Joslyn’s time in Ecuador as a wildlife intern was how it shaped her future goals.
“I am leaving with a permaculture design in mind for my future organic ranch. Living and working on this organic farm has validated my ideal of my career being my livelihood, meaning that my passion and profession can go hand-in-hand. This internship has provided me with a glimpse of what that could be like in reality.”
Now, Joslyn hopes to pursue a career in permaculture and food systems, aiming to develop small-scale solutions that foster ecological balance and community self-reliance.
Words That Stay With Her
Joslyn’s reflections on her experience are poetic and grounded in gratitude:
“From kneeling in the dirt to plant vegetables to climbing in the trees to harvest fruits, I got to know nature on multiple levels. I’ll always carry with me what I learned from the corn’s determination, the yuca’s patience, the orchid’s resilience, the toucan’s beauty, and the capuchins’ confidence.”
For Joslyn, the wildlife conservation internship with a nonprofit in Ecuador wasn’t just a stepping stone–it was a transformative experience that confirmed the path she wants to follow. Her time in the cloud forest taught her how to care for the earth–and how the earth, in turn, teaches us how to live.
Embark on a Learning Adventure with Roots
Has Joslyn’s story stirred up within you a desire to help conserve wildlife? Are you ready to learn lessons that you’ll remember for a lifetime? Whether it’s wildlife research or another field, you can combine your passion with meaningful work through an NGO internship with Roots.
At Roots Interns, we offer a range of opportunities, including wildlife conservation positions, designed to help you expand your skill set while helping to protect plants and animals. With roles tailored to align with your interests and career goals, there’s no better place to start making an impact. Enquire today and be part of the change!
Find out more on how to embark on your own wildlife conservation journey abroad
This blog was written by Emily Che.
