What to Expect From an Environmental Conservation Internship in Brazil
"I have learned that it is never too late to do what you love. I have also learned, or at least been reminded, just how much of a difference can…
RAINFOREST CONSERVATION RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN BRAZIL
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
TRAVEL TO BRAZIL AND STUDY THE FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE ATLANTIC RAINFOREST
Travel to one of the world’s most biodiverse locations, the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil, and gain incredible in-field research experience. There are so many possibilities for the young conservationist and wildlife researchers to make a difference with this versatile research internship.
This program places you on the frontline of biodiversity and rainforest conservation. You’ll work with a nonprofit working to restore the Atlantic Rainforest and learn from the valuable flora, fauna, and ecosystems there. They operate on a number of levels, working with local communities to promote sustainable lifestyles in the region whilst conducting independent research to add to global knowledge of conservation science.
This is an exciting opportunity for the young conservationist to learn what it takes to conduct research in a nonprofit context. The organization has a range of innovative ongoing research projects. As an intern, you’ll help maintain and develop these projects. You’ll have the choice of specializing in agroforestry, reforestation, medicinal plants, or monitoring ecosystems and wildlife. You’ll also have the chance to devise and execute your own research projects.
ORGANIZATION
Founded in 1999, this nonprofit is an accomplished conservation and sustainability focused organization located in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions: the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Their mission is to help reverse the effects of the climate crisis by restoring the rainforest.
They take a multi-faceted approach to this mission. Not only do they proactively plant their trees, they also work with local communities to create a paradigm shift by which the preservation and sustainable use of the forest is more attractive than its destruction. Among their projects are research into medicinal plants, huge-scale reforestation, and educational programs in local schools and communities. They’ve also hosted thousands of researchers, volunteers and interns and their alumni can be found in academia, business, the arts, and government across the world
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
The work during your Rainforest Conversation Internship can be tailored to your interests and expertise. You’ll have the chance to be involved in a range of areas of conservation with various research methods or develop a specific project to focus on during your time. In any case, you’ll get to work closely with the flora and fauna of the Atlantic Rainforest as you develop a broad set of in-field research skills and valuable experience.
Responsibilities
- Conduct surveys of flora and fauna in the region to build and update organization’s database
- Measure species richness, abundance and population dynamics using in-field research methods such as Camera traps
- Analyze data gathered for useful insights to improve conservation and habitat connectivity
- Write reports and environmental guidelines to be issued to other organizations and communities
- Research current and potential land-use strategies, aiming to protect ecosystems, habitats, water streams, and species reservoirs in the area
- Participate in outreach and collaboration with communities to identify critical areas to implement environmental sustainability management and create ecologically sustainable methods of income generation
- Assist with reforestation projects and maintenance of restoration areas
- Devise, pitch, and execute your own research projects and experiments (must align with the organization’s projects/goals/mission)
- Content Creation: you can assist the organization with their marketing, communication, and fundraising needs by gathering content in the field from your project work and general internship daily life. You can also help edit & curate the content for various purposes. If you’re keen to get involved with any kind of content creation, be sure to let your supervisor know.
Requirements
- Studying towards or have completed a degree in biology, conservation, or related field
- Ideally, prior research or data-analysis experience
- Excellent English communication skills (written & verbal); Portuguese isn’t required but is a bonus
- Innovative and enterprising
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Able and willing to do physical labor in the challenging conditions of the rainforest
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll stay at the Research Center, located in the outskirts of the Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, 12 kilometers from the nearest town, Rosário da Limeria. This is a fully immersive experience, so you’ll need to be keen to spend the majority of your time in the forest. Facilities at the center include accommodation for researchers, interns, and visitors, a computer lab, field laboratory, their multi-use Forest House, forest nursery, and systems of forest trails. You’ll stay either in the main house or in one of the cabins and take all your meals at the on-site restaurant with other volunteers & interns.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Far from the big cities, it is extremely safe so you can relax and enjoy the the natural beauty on all sides. 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. The organization is not located in a malarial area, but if you plan to travel to other parts of Brazil, such as the Pantanal or the Amazon, you will need a suitable prophylactic, which you can find in Brazil. Your doctor may also suggest Hepatitis B and Rabies, but you are unlikely to need them.
Though the organization takes precautions to ensure the safety of all interns and volunteers, they regret that they are not in a position to accept people with serious medical conditions or physical disabilities.
Communication
Communication
Free Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation for staying in touch with loved ones through WhatsApp, Facetime, etc.
Meals
Meals
All the meals will be prepared and served to you in the on-site restaurant. They also take recommendations for recipes so don’t be shy with sharing ideas and offering suggestions for meals. The kitchen can cater to vegetarians, vegans, and serious allergies. There also is a communal kitchen should you wish you prepare something yourself.
Location details
Location details
The center is located in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil that lies between Rio Grande do Norte and Rio Grande do Sul, stretching from the coast to the inland mountains. At an altitude ranging between 800 to 1300 meters, the forest’s vegetation and biomes have a great diversity including humid tropical forest, semi-deciduous tropical forest, low montane forest, and mangrove swamps.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with your during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
8 weeks USD 2,184
12 weeks USD 3,276
16 weeks USD 4,368
20 weeks USD 5,460
26 weeks USD 7,098
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 the main house or one of the cabins (up to 4 pax)
- Wi-Fi access
- Three meals a da
- 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 Sao Paolo / Rio de Janeiro (recommended)
- Bus & taxi transfers to the research centers
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
GALLERY
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Brazil.
What can I expect from an internship in Brazil?
What you can expect from an internship in Brazil is immense personal growth, as well as professional development. You’ll dive into a vibrant culture and expand your horizons through cross-cultural interactions. You’ll gain hands-on experience in your chosen internship while building a big network of contacts and mentors along the way!
How long can I do an internship for?
The minimum length of an internship in Brazil is two months, but the ideal length is closer to four months, or longer. This ensures you have the time to truly make a tangible impact during your time. However, our programs are customizable in length so you can apply for a summer, remote, hybrid, or gap-year internship!
Do internships in Brazil qualify for university credit?
Yes, but you must confirm with your university supervisor to approve this. It’s also possible to purchase transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.
Will I receive payment of any kind during my internship?
Unfortunately, there is no form of stipend for internships in Brazil. Your internship will be unpaid while working with the nonprofit organization, but there are multiple ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of new knowledge and the opportunities for professional and personal growth are invaluable!
REVIEWS
This internship was the perfect match for me! I gained knowledge and skills surrounding plants in tropical ecosystems, sharpened my observation skills and my understanding of how to raise and care for seedlings, practiced my sampling skills, and learned much more along the way about the science of plants and their interactions with soils. I also learned just how intricate and rich ecological systems are, along with how much attention to detail and foresight is needed to fully understand them. I now have tangible experience that I plan to take with me in a career as a restoration ecologist. Seeing the commitment the team has to helping the environment was deeply inspiring and has emphasized my desire to do the best I can in every aspect of my professional and personal life to protect nature.
Emilya, Canadian – University of Toronto, Scarborough
Biodiversity Conservation Internship, Brazil
I am very pleased with my internship experience in Brazil. I quickly learned that not only do you come to join the organization and the work they are doing, but also to learn a great deal about the culture and the connections between people and the forest. My internship tasks and activities were diverse and very fulfilling, giving me a challenge and helping me think in a different way that I normally do.
Andi, American – Brigham Young University
Biodiversity Conservation Internship, Brazil
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, Brazil
PROJECT FOCUS: Nature Conservation NGO
TASK FOCUS: Research, Data Analysis, Community Outreach, Conservation. Reporting
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 2,184
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain international conservation experience a nonprofit context
- Develop skills in a range of scientific research methods and tools
- Build an expansive knowledge of the Atlantic Forests flora and fauna
- Contribute to biodiversity and rainforest conservation
- Live and work in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest
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.
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?
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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