Reforestation and Conservation Internship in Portugal

This is a wonderful opportunity for anybody with a background in or keen passion for forestry, biology, nature conservation or environmental science.

This is one of the organization’s newer projects. The main goal is to reforest 27 hectares of land surrounding the sanctuary to help create a thriving biodiversity that will be home to a range of indigenous plants and trees, as well as many different animal species, including horses, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, turtle doves, chinchillas, rabbits and others. As a reforestation and conservation intern, you’ll take a leading role in maintaining and monitoring the forest, planning and strategizing ways to improve the land so as to attract more native species to exist and flourish there. You’ll also do key research that will feature in the organization’s communications and television show.

Learning objectives:

• Build skills and expertise in reforestation and conservation, learning about the fauna and flora native to the region
• Help drive the organization’s initiatives in creating a thriving and diverse natural environment
• Understand how to carry out data collection to aid research and content for communications
• Gain experience working in an international setting

SOS Animal is driven to improve animal welfare throughout Portugal and beyond. They have a main office, as well as a veterinary hospital in Lisbon which are open to the public and members of SOS Animal. They have recently set up an animal sanctuary in the Santarém region of Portugal, which will be home to a rich variety of native animals and plant species.

The organization offers free veterinary care to animals from low-income and vulnerable households and has set up a successful animal sterilization program whereby they have performed over 3000 sterilizations. They have also found new homes for over 600 rescued animals and have given almost 10,000 free veterinary consultations to families in need.

Alongside providing medical treatment and care to animals, the organization aims to share important information relating to animal welfare and environmental issues impacting flora and fauna more widely. They do this through the dissemination of studies, running clarification sessions and hosting lectures and other educational activities. This nonprofit also contributes scientific research and data to help manage communities of stray animals, and promote initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare across the public and private sectors.

What you’ll pay (2024 fees)

4 weeks EUR 1,318
8 weeks EUR 2,035
12 weeks EUR 2,751
16 weeks EUR 3,468
20 weeks EUR 4,185
26 weeks EUR 5,261

What you are paying for:

• 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 based on a shared room. Please contact us if you are interested in an upgrade to a single room.
• Wifi access
• Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
• An orientation program with your supervisor
• Supervision and support during your stay
• Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
• Troubleshooting if needed
• A reference letter at the end of your internship

Excludes:

• Flights to Lisbon airport
• Transfer from the airport to your accommodation (less than one hour by car)
• Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
• Meals, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
• Costs for additional excursions or activities