“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,” Lisa shares. “I love being outdoors and surrounded by animals, so this conservation internship sounded perfect for me–and it truly turned out to be the perfect match!”
For anyone passionate about wildlife and looking to make a tangible impact, this Conservation Internship in the Galapagos offers an experience like no other. Lisa, a university student seeking to fulfill a three-month internship requirement, found exactly that when she joined our nonprofit partner in Ecuador.
Key Facts about this Galapagos Conservation Internship
Location: Galapagos, Ecuador
Academic Focus Area: Community Development & Conservation NGO
Length: Min. 8 weeks
The Internship
Imagine starting your day on a pristine beach in the infamous Galapagos Islands, tracking sea turtle nests under the rising sun–that’s the daily reality of a Galapagos Conservation Internship. This hands-on program immerses interns in vital conversation work, from wildlife monitoring and invasive species removal to environmental education and community outreach. Living with a local host family, participants experience island life up close while gaining practical skills in wildlife and environmental conservation internships that make a real impact.
The Organization
The Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting sustainable development on Isabela Island, Galapagos, through education, conservation, and community programs. In partnership with local organizations such as Galapagos National Park, the hands-on conservation internships offer participants opportunities to engage in wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, and environmental education. Their work helps protect the unique biodiversity of the islands while supporting long-term ecological and community resilience.
“By offering programs for international volunteers, interns, and students, as well as for the local community, the organization creates an intercultural exchange and ensures that the development is sustainable and addresses both global and local needs and challenges,” notes Lisa.
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About Lisa
Meet Lisa, a University of Passau student from Germany driven by a passion for wildlife conservation and a desire to make a tangible difference in protecting our planet’s ecosystems. Eager to combine her academic studies with hands-on fieldwork, she joined a conservation internship in the Galapagos. Over three transformative months, Lisa immersed herself in sea turtle nest monitoring, habitat restoration, and environmental education initiatives, all while developing leadership skills and building lifelong connections. Her love for nature, proactive attitude, and growing expertise in environmental conservation continue to shape her journey towards a meaningful career in the NGO sector.
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From Sea Turtles to Sustainability: Lisa’s Galapagos Conservation Internship Experience
The Reality of an Internship in Conservation
Lisa’s internship in conservation was hands-on from day one. The first few weeks were spent as part of the Sea Turtle Monitoring Program, a project she describes as “magical.” Each morning at sunrise, she would patrol the beaches looking for turtle nests and tracks, recording vital data, and cleaning up debris.
“One of my most amazing experiences was seeing my first time a female sea turtle laying her eggs on the beach under a full moon,” Lisa recalls. “Watching her dig the nest, lay her eggs, and then cover them up with such care and slowly make her way back to the sea was a perfect and magical memory for me.”
After her initial weeks on the beach, Lisa transitioned to agricultural projects in the Highlands: “I worked on two different ‘fincas’, helping with planting, weeding, harvesting, and even caring for the animals. Working with an NGO in wildlife conservation is a very fulfilling job, and it is great to see the direct impact of my own work.”
These experiences exemplify how conservation internships often involve a diverse range of tasks that go beyond just fieldwork.
Find out more on how to embark on your own wildlife conservation journey abroad
Expanding Responsibilities and Building Confidence
As her Galapagos internship progressed, Lisa took on more leadership roles. “After the initial 6 week training and immersion period, the next six weeks were really dynamic,” she explains. “I helped manage databases, gave induction presentations to new volunteers, accompanied students on field trips, led trash-sorting events, supported workshops and meetings, and even worked on environmental education programs with the Galapagos National Park.”
Lisa’s confidence grew with every new responsibility. “By the end of my internship I was comfortable leading meetings, handling logistics, and presenting to groups. Now I am much more confident in taking on responsibility, and I have learned how to better interact, communicate, and cooperate in team settings.” She had no idea how much she would grow professionally in such a short time.
For Lisa, this wildlife conservation internship wasn’t just about the tasks, but rather about becoming part of a community effort to protect an irreplaceable ecosystem.
Life Lessons from a Conservation Internship
Reflecting on her time in the Galapagos, Lisa emphasizes the personal impact of the experience. “Even if the impact feels small in the daily activities – in the grand scheme, it’s meaningful. I learned to be independent and gained a lot of confidence, both of which will be useful in any career path.”
She continues, “This conservation internship also opened my eyes to how much there is to protect in the world. It’s inspired me to seriously consider a future working in the NGO sector.”
Lisa’s story highlights how environmental conservation internships are more than just professional stepping stones: they are transformative life experiences.
The People and Moments That Made It Special
When asked about her daily routine, Lisa lights up. “Every morning I’d start with a walk or run at sunrise. Afterwards, I’d have breakfast with my host family, which became one of my favorite parts of the day. The people, whether it was the IOI team, fellow volunteers, or my host family, made me feel so welcomed. I made friends for life.”
One of her proudest moments was being entrusted to assist with the excavation of a hatched turtle nest. “That level of trust meant a lot to me. It showed me that I was truly contributing, not just observing.”
These personal connections are often a key highlight of Galapagos internships, enriching the professional experience with deep cultural immersion on the island.
Advice for Future Conservation Interns
Lisa’s advice to anyone considering an internship in conversation is straightforward: “Be open-minded and soak in every day. Your time will go by faster than you expect. And bring a mosquito net–you’ll thank me later!”
She also emphasizes logistical preparation. “Make sure to plan your trip carefully; you don’t want to miss a ferry or flight because of poor timing.” Don’t stress too much though – Roots will be here to assist you as you prepare for your travels!
In the end, Lisa describes her environmental conservation internship as “the most amazing three months of my life.” She concludes, “If there is a paradise, it’s the Galapagos. I’m incredibly grateful that I had the chance to contribute to its conservation even in a small way. I would go back in a heartbeat.”
Ready to Begin Protecting Paradise?
Has Lisa’s journey inspired you to take part in meaningful conservation work? Are you eager to gain hands-on experience while helping to protect one of the planet’s most unique ecosystems? Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, environmental education, or community-driven projects, you can turn that passion into purpose through an NGO internship with Roots.
At Roots Interns, we offer diverse opportunities, including conservation internships, that let you develop valuable skills while contributing to real conservation efforts. With internships designed to match your interests and career aspirations, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.
Get in touch today and start your own conservation adventure!
This blog was written by Emily Che
