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…
Animal Welfare Marketing Internship in Ecuador
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Use your marketing skills to support animal welfare and raise awareness for rescued wildlife in the Amazon
This Animal Welfare Marketing Internship offers a unique opportunity to apply creative and strategic communication skills in support of a wildlife rehabilitation center deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases animals affected by illegal trafficking, and your role will be to help amplify its mission through impactful marketing and outreach.
As an intern, you’ll contribute to campaigns that raise awareness, attract funding, and promote ethical wildlife practices. Whether your strengths are in storytelling, social media, content creation, or campaign design, you’ll play a key role in helping the center reach and engage wider audiences. You’ll gain hands-on experience in purpose-driven communications while living and working in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Set in a remote rainforest location, this Animal Conservation Marketing Internship in Ecuador is ideal for those passionate about animal welfare, ethical marketing, and creating real-world impact through meaningful, creative work.
Learning Objectives
- Learn how to design and implement ethical marketing strategies for nonprofits
- Develop content and communications tailored to animal welfare and conservation
- Gain practical experience in digital storytelling and campaign planning
- Understand how communications support fundraising, education, and advocacy in a wildlife context
ORGANIZATION
Based in Ecuador, this organization offers immersive internships around the country that blend academic learning with hands-on experience. Through partnerships with local businesses and industry experts, interns gain practical skills in their chosen focus area. These programs provide a structured yet dynamic environment where participants can work on real-world projects while expanding their global perspective. Beyond professional growth, interns have the opportunity to engage with Ecuadorian culture, creating a well-rounded and enriching experience.
During this Marketing Internship, you’ll specifically join a wildlife rescue center in the Ecuadorian Amazon that is dedicated to rehabilitating animals affected by hunting and illegal trafficking, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into protected natural habitats. Through hands-on care, habitat maintenance, and conservation work, the organization plays a vital role in safeguarding Ecuador’s rich biodiversity.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This is a tailored communications internship that adapts to your skills, interests, and academic background. You’ll work closely with the wildlife center’s team to create content and marketing materials that amplify their mission.
Responsibilities
- Develop social media content and manage posting schedules
- Create short videos or reels highlighting animal care or conservation work
- Assist with photography and editing for use in outreach
- Draft blog posts, newsletters, or donor updates
- Help plan awareness or fundraising campaigns
- Design educational materials for visitors or online audiences
- Collect stories or visuals to support the center’s messaging
- Assist with website updates and SEO content where relevant
Requirements
- Background or interest in marketing, communications, design, journalism or a related field
- Passionate about animal welfare and ethical storytelling
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong writing or visual content creation skills
- Comfortable working in a remote, jungle setting
- Basic level of Spanish (A1) is helpful and encouraged, but not required
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Upon arrival on Friday, you will explore Quito for the weekend with accommodation in a hostel including breakfast. On Sunday, you’ll travel with the team to the project site in the Amazon region of Ecuador. Intern stay in shared cabins with shared bathrooms, managed by the organization. The project site has a variety of cabins and serves as a central hub, where interns and volunteers gather for meals, presentations, and shared activities, creating a social and collaborative environment.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Being based on a rural project site, you will have 24/7 support from the team on the ground in case of any emergency. The team will inform you of any safety guidelines regarding the area and any wildlife/insects to be mindful of. As a foreigner, it’s important to be respectful of all cultures and local customs, avoid weary flashy clothing or jewelry, and never walk alone at night.
Communication
Communication
Internet is available in the main house at the project, though it may be limited. Mobile service is spotty in the reserve. We recommend ensuring your phone is unlocked and purchasing a local SIM or international eSIM upon arrival for better connectivity.
Meals
Meals
Meals are provided from Monday to Saturday morning and are prepared on-site using local ingredients. As the project is in a remote area, food is limited to preserved and seasonal produce. Let us know in advance about any dietary needs or allergies.
Location details
Location details
Located in the Amazon region near Puyo in the province of Pastaza, the area is humid and lush, with year-round rainfall and temperatures between 18–33°C. Puyo offers access to natural attractions like waterfalls, viewpoints, and indigenous cultural sites.
DATES & RATES
FEE BREAKDOWN
Arrivals are typically the first Friday of each month.
Exact arrival date options will be discussed with you upon application. You must arrive on the specified Friday as you will spend the weekend in Quito and travel to the project on Sunday with the team. You will end your internship on a Thursday with transport back to Quito on Friday where you’ll have an exit interview. Flights home or to onward travel can be booked from the Saturday your placement is over.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
4 weeks USD 2,507
6 weeks USD 3,054
8 weeks USD 3,601
10 weeks USD 4,179
12 weeks USD 4,758
Internships longer than 12 weeks are possible - please get in touch for rates.
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 a shared cabin (up to 4-8 pax). If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure (to/from Quito – not the project site)
- Friday & Saturday accommodation in Quito upon arrival
- Transport from Quito to project location upon arrival (transfer back to Quito at the end of your placement is not included; the on-site team can help you arrange shared or private transport from the project to Quito for your departure)
- One night accommodation in Quito prior to departure
- Meals from Monday to Saturday morning
- Wifi is available, but the connection can be inconsistent
- Orientation and city tour of Quito
- 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/from Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Certain meals while in Quito
- Transport back to Quito from project location upon departure
- Meals on the weekend
- 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!
REVIEWS
My internship focused on community-based economic development, where I researched Ecuadorian social and popular law to support the creation of small agricultural developments. I worked alongside the dedicated team and the local community. This experience gave me hands-on insight into how law and policy can empower grassroot initiatives, and how collaboration lies at the heart of sustainable development.
Luke, American – University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Community Development and Anthropology Internship, Ecuador
I was able to have hands-on interactions with many incredible animals, learn about how to care for them, and feed them. I also had the opportunity to choose one of animals at the center and spend time training it one-on-one. I worked with Yalla, an Andean mountain fox, training her to sit, stay, lay down, paw, and many more tricks. I was able to go in her enclosure and really interact with her, which was incredible; I truly bonded with her. This internship helped me confirm that working with animals is what I want to do in the future, and it provided me with invaluable work experience for my resume.
Della, American – Yale University
Amazon Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship, Ecuador
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Puyo, Ecuador
PROGRAM FOCUS: Animal Welfare
TASK FOCUS: Animal Welfare, Marketing & Communications
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 2,507
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Support a grassroots animal welfare initiative through ethical marketing
- Create real-world impact by helping raise funds and awareness
- Gain hands-on experience in content creation for a meaningful cause
- Immerse yourself in a rainforest setting surrounded by rescued wildlife
- Build a purpose-driven marketing portfolio with global relevance
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 and share your CV with us.
CONNECT
We’ll set up a call to get to know a bit more about you and your internship goals.
MATCH
Your placement manager will confirm with the host organization that you are qualified for their current projects.
CONFIRM
When your host site confirms that your application is being given strong consideration, verify your interest with a USD $250 deposit.
ENROLL
Meet with your host organization and move forward with your new role. We’re excited to help you plan your international internship!
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
If you’d like to ask us some questions about our internships, fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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