Galapagos Conservation Internship in Ecuador

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

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

  • Engage directly in conservation activities such as habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring
  • Acquire practical skills and experiences that will set you on a path for a successful career in conservation, environmental science, or related fields
  • Share your passion for nature and conservation with the local community
  • Embrace the rich culture and traditions of the Galapagos Islands

ORGANIZATION

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.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

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.

Responsibilities

Tortoise Conservation:

  • Feeding and caring for the tortoises as well as maintaining their enclosures.
  • Assisting the park rangers with zoo-keeping type activities.
  • Assisting in educating visitors about Giant Tortoises and about the rules and regulations keeping the tortoises safe and the habitats intact.

Ecotourism Management:

  • Managing and monitoring the visitors and visitor sites near Puerto Villamil
  • Registering tourism related information, as well as generating statistical databases from your own surveys
  • Designing promotional and educational material
  • Running a satisfactory survey to visitors from different nationalities: the information collected will help to make decisions around tourism management
  • In case you have graphic design skills: design of maps, canvas, signs, etc.

Sea Turtle Conservation (Jan through May is nesting and hatching season):

  • Nest monitoring (early morning and/or at night):
    • determining nesting patterns of the Green Sea Turtle (the species that nests on Isabela beaches) and marking off laid nests
  • Observing and taking data on nest sizes
  • Beach clean-ups
  • Removing invasive plant species (kikuyo)
  • Beach profiling: once a month data are collected to measure the beach erosion

Requirements

  • Strong interest and ideally an education background in nature and wildlife conservation
  • Excellent English communication skills
  • Basic conversational Spanish-speaking skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team
  • Flexible schedule that accounts for the day-to-day needs of working with a local institution
  • Physical ability to work outdoors with potentially high sun, element, and temperature exposure

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

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!

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

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.

Communication

Communication

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

Meals

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.

Location details

Location details

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.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

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

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 private room with a local host family
  • Three meals a day
  • Local ferry transport from Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz to Isabela (and return)
  • Work permits and Galapagos visa (waiving the USD 100 National Park Entrance fee)
  • Courses: First Aid, Leadership, Off-site Safety Management
  • Local coordination, course training, and certificates
  • Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • 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 Baltra (via Quito/Guayaquil)
  • Transfers from Baltra to Puerto Ayora
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Obligatory USD 20 Galapagos tourist entry fee (cash at airport)
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

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

Doing an internship in the Galapagos meant that I could learn lots of new things whilst being in such an incredible location! Staying with a host family meant that I was immersed into the culture of the island and was able to practice my Spanish everyday. Almost everything I did was new to me. Through the weekly inductions and holding volunteer meetings, my confidence has grown a lot in giving presentations and speaking in front of big groups.

Sienna, British – University of Bristol

Galapagos Conservation Internship, Ecuador

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Galapagos, Ecuador
PROGRAM FOCUS: Community Development & Conservation NGO
TASK FOCUS: Turtle/Tortoise Conservation, Eco Tourism, Monitoring
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 5,100

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Make a difference in preserving unique species working with world-recognized conservation authorities
  • Develop leadership and project management skills
  • Be part of a conservation effort at a grassroots level
  • Enhance your Spanish language skills
  • Live and work in the Galapagos Islands
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 (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

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.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

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