Work alongside experts documenting and studying flora and fauna of the Peruvian Amazon
This is an exciting opportunity for young biologists and biology students to work in a team of experts monitoring the animal and plant life of the Peruvian Amazon. You’ll live and work in the El Sira Communal Reserve helping to support the conservation of biodiversity in the area.
The main focus of this organization is conservation of the Amazon Rainforest, however they take a multifaceted approach to this goal. They believe the best way to make an enduring progress in rainforest conservation is by working with local communities to develop sustainable practices and create alternative job opportunities that don’t rely on destruction of the Amazon. So, as well as monitoring threatened species and their habitats, they document biodiversity and gather materials that can be used in educational programs.
As an intern, you’ll work alongside national and international professional biologists monitoring endangered species. Your working field is about an eight-hour trek into the jungle. There, you’ll use camera traps and other wildlife observation methods to gather information on a variety of wildlife. In this way, you’ll help gather information and further knowledge on 54 species of mammals, 203 species of birds,105 species of reptiles, 111 species of bony fish, and 190 species of plants.
This is a conservation-focused NGO based on the outskirts of the Peruvian Amazon working to protect the rainforest through youth empowerment and community development. They have a series of goals aimed to reduce poverty and drive sustainable development in the local region including improving education for children for the area, teaching English skills, and creating infrastructure for tourism. They believe that by building skills and creating new job opportunities, they can curtail activities that harm the rainforest and incentivize its conservation.
You’ll be monitoring physical and biological variables affecting the preservation of threatened species and protected habitats. Interns will have the opportunity to work in two different reserves, trekking deep into the jungle with a team of porters allowing you to focus entirely on your work.
Interns stay in rural huts right in the heart of the rainforest, surrounded by nature. You’ll have an eco-toilet, shower, and cooking facilities where you can cook for yourself. During free weekends, you can stay in one of the cabins in Puerto Inca. You will also go out on field trips further away from the field camp, where you can spend the night in a tent (bringing your own tent is not a must but recommended). This is very basic accommodation with limited resources, so this program is best suited for interns prepared for a more stripped back way of life.
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before yor internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy.
The village of Puerto Inca has no running water. People use water wells to get water so we recommend bringing a portable water filter to make sure you are drinking clean water, particularly during trips to the jungle.
When you are in Puerto Inca, you will have access to Wifi, but be aware that there is no internet or network access in the field. Please note that the Wifi in the cabin in Puerto Inca can be a bit unreliable, so you can do videocalls but streaming is not really possible. It’s recommended to buy a local SIM card and ensure your phone is unlocked for international carriers.
Breakfast and lunch are included during working days. You will need to cook your own food during the evening and weekends or you can go out for a meal when in Puerto Inca. Generally for a few dollars you can get a nice meal consisting of an appetizer (soup or salad) and a main dish. A soft fruit juice is often part of the menu as well. You can also go fruit picking as there are plenty of fruits around the village for free.
You’ll be based in Puerto Inca in the Huánuco region of Peru. This is an area of stunning natural beauty situated along the Sira Mountains in the Amazon Rainforest and bisected by the Pachitea River. The majority of the population lives off farming but deep within the jungle native communities still upholding their customs and traditions can be found too. As well as its extraordinary biodiversity, the area is famed for a number of geological and archaeological sites that you can visit during your internship.
Internships begin on a Monday and it’s recommended to arrive on weekends, so you can explore Puerto Incas before your official first day. Start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with you during the selection process.
Note: meals & Spanish classes are NOT included after week 12
What you’ll pay (2024 rates)
4 weeks USD 1,833
8 weeks USD 2,491
12 weeks USD 3,150
16 weeks USD 3,150
20 weeks USD 3,150
26 weeks USD 3,150
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Peru.
You can expect to be in bustling cities or a completely remote jungle, depending on your internship of choice. Also, you’ll be collaborating with local professionals and volunteers that will offer you insights into Peruvian work ethics and practices. Beyond your internship, your weekends and free time can be spent discovering the overall breathtaking beauty of the country.
During your internship in Peru, you’ll be able to utilize your professional and personal skills, as well as develop those skills that you feel could use more work. Also, employers may see your CV as more favorable, since it’ll show that you were a part of a meaningful international grassroots project, which shows a variety of transferable qualities. If you want to know more about how doing a nonprofit internship is good for your career, make sure to check this blog out!
Yes, but you must check with your university supervisor that this experience qualifies. You can also buy additional transfer credits to add onto your internship.
Unfortunately, no. You can find other ways to fund your internship as you will not be paid while working with a nonprofit organization. Your internship experience will bring a wealth of new knowledge, along with opportunities for professional and personal growth which are both invaluable!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
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.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
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!
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
