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Research and Nature Conservation Internship in Brazil
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Gain practical research experience protecting biodiversity and creating sustainable change in a coastal community in Brazil
This is an incredible opportunity for those with a background in ecology and biology to gain research experience, develop their data collection skills, and even get work published.
Travel to the Itacaré region of Brazil and study the regional populations of the mangrove tree, encompassing study objectives including: ecology, carbon dynamics, pollution, water quality, climate change, productivity, physiology and many others. As a Mangrove Research and Conservation intern, you’ll work closely with the organization’s biologist and mangrove specialist, along with the local community and partners, you’ll map habitats, catalog species, and monitor the area’s rich biodiversity.
During this Research & Nature Conservation Internship, not only will you help to bolster the region’s unique flora and fauna, you’ll protect the livelihoods of local communities that rely on fishing and subsistence agriculture. Alongside your conservation work, you’ll have the chance to participate in environmental education programs that aim to foster a new generation of environmental leaders in the local community. On top of all this, you’ll live and work in an area of unparalleled natural beauty situated between the Atlantic Rainforest and the Atlantic Ocean, featuring secluded beaches, picturesque rivers, and gorgeous waterfalls.
Learning Objectives:
- Practical experience of ecological data collection, habitat monitoring, and scientific research
- An understanding of how sustainable and environmental conservation can work best in unison with local community development and education
- A knowledge of community uplift and youth development
- Insight into international nonprofit work and community development
ORGANIZATION
ETIV do Brasil is a nonprofit NGO operating in the Itacaré region of Bahia, Brazil since 2015. With an emphasis on youth development, they aim to advance social justice, ecological conservation, and sustainable development through a range of projects in the region. They also place a high priority on offering professional and personal development for their interns through hands-on experience working with local communities in international settings.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
As a Mangrove Research and Nature Conservation intern, you’ll work closely with a biologist and mangrove specialist to research the region’s various habitats and monitor biodiversity. You’ll also play a role in devising and facilitating educational programs for the local community to help act on your scientific findings.
Responsibilities
- Monitoring regional populations of the mangrove tree
- Habitat mapping
- Mangrove planting and nursery management
- Data collection, analysis, and reporting
- Cataloging species of flora and fauna
- Making an inventory of and monitoring biodiversity in the area
- Participating in educational programs to raise awareness among local communities of the importance of conservation
- Taking part in the organization of reforestation programs, beach clean-ups, and other community-based conservation events and activities
- Possibilities for interns that are keen to publish and/or need to do research/write a thesis as part of their university degree
Requirements
- Education or background in Biology, Ecology, Conservation or related field
- Passion for environmental conservation
- An interest in community development and education
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- If you want to also get involved with community outreach programs, then basic Portuguese is required – for the research itself, English is sufficient
- Bring your own laptop
- Must be over 18 years of age
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Interns stay in private apartment within the community that the organization serves. Each has a well-equipped kitchen, electricity, Wifi, filtered drinking water, and sheets, towels, & a mosquito net are provided. A dedicated office space is available to interns on the project site. The neighbors have cats and dogs that freely roam around the neighborhood, so you’re likely to make some furry friends. Located in the Passagem neighborhood of Itacaré, the intern accommodation is a short walk from the historic downtown area and the closest beach, Praia Concha. The organization has bicycles that interns can use to get around and explore.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
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. Mosquito borne viruses including Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika do pose a threat in Bahia, so be sure to bring quality mosquito repellent and long/loose fitting clothing for night time. You will be provided with a mosquito net for your bed at the accommodation.
Communication
Communication
Free Wifi is available at the accommodation for staying in touch with loved ones through WhatsApp, Facetime, etc. If you’d like to purchase a local SIM card to stay connected wherever you are, be sure that your mobile phone is unlocked for international carriers.
Meals
Meals
There is a well-equipped kitchen at your accommodation, where you can prepare your own meals. The shops in town are a short walk from the neighborhood and there are plenty of local food options to try out.
Location details
Location details
Itacaré is a quaint surf town located in the northeastern part of Brazil along the Cocoa Coast (so called for its vast cocoa plantations). It’s situated right between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mata Atlantica Rainforest, so you can expect stunning scenery with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, jungles, and coconut trees.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship with this organization are available from March to November. Start and end dates of the internship are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
1 month USD 1,648
2 months USD 2,472
3 months USD 3,358
4 months USD 4,244
5 months USD 5,129
6 months USD 6,015
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, self-catering apartment
- Transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Itacaré (approx. 1.5 hours)
- Wifi access
- Ecological and city tours
- Cultural immersion activities (Brazilian food, movies, samba, capoeira)
- Portuguese language audiobook
- T-shirt
- 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 Ilheus Jorge Amado Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals
- Transfer to the airport upon departure
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
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 one month, 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
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of meaningful connections. These relationships bring purpose and motivation to life, while also providing essential support during challenging times. This internship will allow me to contribute productively in plant nursery settings, drawing on my understanding of the value of a positive and functional work environment. It will also strengthen my resume and support my future scientific endeavors, including research, publications, and experimental work.
Zachary, American – Brigham Young University
Environmental Research & Conservation Internship, Brazil
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Bahia, Brazil
PROGRAM FOCUS: Education and Conservation NGO
TASK FOCUS: Research, Monitoring, Data Analysis, Reporting, Education
LENGTH: Min. 1 Month
COST: From USD 1,648
FEATURED REVIEW
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of meaningful connections. These relationships bring purpose and motivation to life, while also providing essential support during challenging times. This internship will allow me to contribute productively in plant nursery settings, drawing on my understanding of the value of a positive and functional work environment. It will also strengthen my resume and support my future scientific endeavors, including research, publications, and experimental work.
Zachary, American – Brigham Young University
Environmental Research & Conservation Internship, Brazil
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain practical field experience in scientific research, data collection, and ecological conservation
- Benefit from the expert mentorship of a mangrove specialist and biologist
- Make a positive impact on the local community, environment, and youth
- Travel to the stunning Cocoa Coast of Brazil and enjoy the stunning natural beauty and the bounty of activities available
- Immerse yourself in the unique, rich, Afro-Brazilian, Bahian culture
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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