Galapagos Development Internship in Ecuador

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Dive into a transformative journey at the heart of Isabela Island where you will be actively contributing in making a meaningful impact on the island’s community.

Are you a passionate and creative individual with a strong desire to make a positive impact in the lives of the locals residing on Isabela Island? If you are, consider yourself fortunate because there is an exceptional opportunity waiting just for you!

As an intern within the organization, you will embark on a transformative journey, immersing yourself in the heart of the island community. Your mission will be to actively contribute to the betterment of the lives of the islanders through your dedicated work in various areas, including education and social development.

During this experience you will gain a profound sense of fulfillment that comes from fostering educational growth and nurturing social progress within a community that values and treasures your contributions. As an intern, you will have the unique opportunity to be an integral part of this transformative process, leaving an impactful mark on the people of Isabela Island and the island itself.

Learning objectives

  • Learn how a small NGO operates its projects and how they manage logistics.
  • Learn about the organization’s long term sustainability strategy and projects.
  • Learn how to develop global competence and awareness.

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.

Other internships with this organization

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Your internship will start with a six weeks period with a focus on onboarding and skill development 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. You will develop skills in leadership, management, operations, safety and first response. After the initial six weeks period you will work more independently on one of the projects that you are assigned to.

Interns 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 the organization’s work, and ensures that interns are well-prepared to contribute effectively to their mission.

Responsibilities

Ecotourism Management
To support the activities carried out by the Galapagos National Park to maintain and improve the Public Use facilities on Isabela Island.

  • Support visitor management & site monitoring: observing visitor flows, ensuring compliance with park regulations, and contributing to the preservation of sensitive ecosystems.
  • Collect & update site data (about trails, infrastructure, and signage using registration forms and photo documentation)
  • Carry out conservation maintenance tasks: f.e. trail adaptation (sign placement, vegetation pruning, demarcation), removal of invasive species, cleaning marine buoys while snorkeling, and maintaining wooden structures and signage through sanding, painting, and lacquering.
  • Engage with visitors & support research: Conduct multilingual visitor satisfaction surveys, record tourism-related data, and contribute to building statistical databases that inform park management decisions.
  • Contribute creative & communication skills: Assist with translating and designing English-language materials, and support the creation or updating of maps, brochures, posters, and educational signage (especially if you have graphic design experience with tools like Adobe Illustrator).

Social Media Management
Your responsibilities depend on your skills and experience, as well as on the needs of the host organization(s) you will be working with.

  • Generating footage (photo and/or film) and text that accurately and meaningfully captures the nature of the main organization or the business and its product(s) if working with local businesses in the community
  • Helping in designing visual aids
  • Assisting in social media strategy and coordination

Requirements

  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team
  • Interest in writing, communications, or digital media
  • Minimal conversational Spanish-speaking skills (to make interacting with community members easier)
  • Excellent English writing and speaking skills
  • Physical ability to work outdoors with potentially high sun, element, and temperature exposure.
  • [Social media focus] Understanding of social media, blogging, Photoshop and design are a plus.
  • [Tourism focus] Experience in or knowledge of data collection is a nice to have
  • Bring your own laptop (in case you do design work: ensure you have a Adobe InDesign license)

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 (2026 rates)

8 weeks USD 5,289

9 weeks USD 5,577

10 weeks USD 5,902

11 weeks USD 6,226

12 weeks USD 6,551

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

It’s hard to put into words just how much the past three months have meant to me. They were, without a doubt, the most incredible months of my life. The island, the people, the NGO, the wildlife—if paradise exists, it’s the Galápagos. I’m deeply grateful to have been part of such a meaningful organization, contributing to the conservation of this magical place. One unforgettable highlight was being trusted to assist in the excavation of a hatched turtle nest. This whole experience boosted my confidence, strengthened my teamwork skills, and affirmed my desire to work with NGOs dedicated to protecting our planet’s beauty.

Lisa, German – University of Passau

Galapagos Conservation Internship, Ecuador

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: Education, Social Media, Conservation
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 5,289

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Join an effort to increase social development in the Galapagos
  • Strengthen your community development skills
  • Enhance your Spanish competency
  • Make a difference in the lives of local people with a unique culture
  • 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 and share your CV with us.

GET STARTED

CONNECT

We’ll set up a call to get to know a bit more about you and your internship goals.

MATCH

If we feel it’s a good match, the placement manager will set up a call between you and the supervisor of the host organization

CONFIRM

If everybody’s happy, we will provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and give you access to our portal where you can find all the information you need.

PREPARE

Once we receive your deposit payment, the placement will be officially confirmed. We’re excited to help you plan and prepare for your international internship!

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