Undertake a unique journey of conservation and transformation, working closely with experts to maintain Galapagos’ ecosystem.
Take part in a unique conservation internship on Isabela Island, Galapagos, and contribute to protecting one of the world’s most iconic and biodiverse ecosystems. This Conservation Internship places you within a committed local organization working closely with conservation experts, community members, and authorities to preserve the island’s wildlife and natural habitats.
Your role will involve a variety of hands-on conservation activities, which may include caring for Giant Tortoises, monitoring Green Sea Turtle nesting, assisting park rangers, and supporting habitat maintenance. You’ll also help raise awareness about the importance of conservation through educational outreach and the creation of informative materials for visitors.
In addition to wildlife care and environmental monitoring, you’ll participate in broader initiatives such as beach cleanups, visitor education, and sustainable tourism efforts. This Conservation Internship offers a meaningful opportunity to gain practical experience in conservation while contributing to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands.
Learning Objectives
Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) works with local authorities in the Galapagos National Park, schools, universities, and other international nonprofits to ensure that all its efforts are consistent with the needs of the local habitats and community. Collaboration and contribution are built into the ethos of the organization and by working together, they are ensuring that the wild and beautiful landscape of the Galapagos remains protected and thriving for centuries to come.
One of the many avenues through which they nurture ecological sustainability and social stability is by offering volunteer opportunities in various fields, offering study abroad programs in which students spend up to three months studying the local environment and learning the local culture, and by developing and implementing outreach projects with local institutions that address pressing conservation, education, and social development needs via fundraising and grants.
Your internship will start with a six week period with a focus on onboarding and skill development (such as management, leadership, operations, first response, safety) while working on the projects at the same time. During this period you will be introduced to the organization, their long term sustainability strategy, and projects. After the initial six weeks period you will work more independently with the host organization and/or one of their project partners on one of the projects depending on your interests and skills, and the needs of the projects or within the community at the time.
Interns with IOI are required to complete First Aid, Leadership, and Off-Site Safety Management courses within the first 6 weeks of their programs. These courses are essential due to the nature of IOI’s work, and ensures that interns are well-prepared to contribute effectively to IOI’s mission.
Tortoise Conservation:
Ecotourism Management:
Sea Turtle Conservation (Jan through May is nesting and hatching season):
Your accommodation in Isabela Island has been thoughtfully arranged with one of the organization’s carefully selected host families. You will share breakfast and dinner with your host family, while lunch will be provided by the organization’s partner restaurants. Also, at your host family’s house you will be provided with a private bedroom and bathroom with a fan, hot water, dresser or closet, and potable water.
Your host family’s warmth and hospitality will be the cornerstone of your experience as they share their traditions, stories, and a genuine connection that bridges cultures. Their insights into the island’s history, customs, and local stories will undoubtedly be one of the best parts of your internship experience!
The Galapagos islands are a safe destination, but as always look after your valuables and belongings.
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. There are no reports of Malaria at Galapagos.
There is a reliable Wifi connect at the project where you can do video calls. It’s recommended to also buy a local SIM card.
Meals are included in the fee. You will have breakfast and dinner with your family. For lunch you are able to choose from a list of 10+ restaurants in town offering meals in partnership with the host organization. You sign for your meal and your host organization will pay for the bill.
During your stay, you will find yourself on Isabela Island, the largest of the Galapagos Islands, where every day promises you a new and exciting adventure. This island is located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador and is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, including the Sierra Negra volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the archipelago. The island’s diverse wildlife, including Galapagos penguins, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas, make it a popular destination for everyone who truly enjoys and values nature.
You can start this internship every first Monday of the month.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
8 weeks USD 5,100
9 weeks USD 5,400
10 weeks USD 5,700
11 weeks USD 6,000
12 weeks USD 6,300
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs 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.
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).
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.
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!
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!
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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.TEST
CONTACT
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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
