Research and Nature Conservation Internship in Brazil

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Gain practical research experience protecting biodiversity and creating sustainable change 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. You’ll map habitats, catalog species, and monitor the area’s rich biodiversity. In this, 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. As well as your conservation work, you’ll have the chance to participate in environmental education programs that aim to form 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 Mata Atlantica 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
  • International work experience

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; or Education Through International Volunteering (ETIV)

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

As an intern, you’ll work closely with your supervisors, 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

The key tasks for interns on this program will be:

  • Monitoring regional populations of the mangrove tree
  • Habitat mapping
  • 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 reforestation programs, beach clean-ups, and other community-based conservation events and activities
  • Also possibilities for people that are keen to publish and/or need to do research or write a thesis as part of their university degree

Requirements

  • Education or background in Biology, Ecology, Conservation or related field
  • A 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
  • Must be over 18 years of age
  • Your own laptop

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Interns stay in one of several apartments within the complex of the organization. Each has a well-equipped kitchen, electricity, Wifi, filtered drinking water, and the complex itself has a shared pool and a garden where interns can enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables. A dedicated office space is available to interns as well. There’s also a cat and other pets living there too. Located in the Passagem neighborhood of Itacaré, the accommodation is a short walk from the historic downtown and the closest beach, Praia Concha.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before yor 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 bring repellent and a mosquito net. Every bed has hooks to hang mosquito nets.

Communication

Communication

Free Wifi is available at the accommodation for staying in touch with loved ones through WhatsApp, Facetime, etc.

Meals

Meals

There is a well-equipped kitchen at your accommodation, where you can prepare your own meals.

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

Internships generally take place between March and November. Start and end dates of the internship are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.

What you’ll pay (2024 rates)

3 months USD 2,600

4 months USD 3,350

5 months USD 3,950

6 months USD 4,550

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 shared apartment
  • Taxi transfer from Ilheus airport to your accommodation in Itacare (approx. 1.5 hours)
  • 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
  • A discount on weekend activities, exclusive to Roots Interns

Exclusions

  • Flights
  • Visa, medical and 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
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

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!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Bahia, Brazil
PROGRAM FOCUS: Education and Conservation NGO
TASK FOCUS: Research, Monitoring, Data Analysis, Reporting, Education
LENGTH: Min. 3 Months
COST: From USD 2,600

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.
  • Immerse yourself in the unique, rich, Afro-Brazilian, Bahian culture
  • Travel to the stunning Cocoa Coast of Brazil and enjoy the areas stunning natural beauty and the bounty of activities available
  • Take lessons in portuguese, surfing and/or capoeira during the internship at a small extra fee
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?

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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