ISLAND CONSERVATION Internship

Our interns play a crucial role in providing much needed help to the conservation of unique ecosystems and species here on Isabela, Galapagos. As an IOI Island Conservation Intern, you’ll be working directly with local stakeholders and authorities to provide a powerful and meaningful hands-on contribution in environmental conservation on Isabela Island.

An Invaluable Experience

Experience personal growth

Develop global competence and awareness

Develop leadership skills

Enhance your Spanish competency

Strengthen your conservation understanding and skills

Make a difference in preserving unique species working with world-recognized conservation authorities

Join an effort to keep the Galapagos wild and beautiful

Components: weeks 1-6

• Onboarding and skill development over 6 weeks

• Learn about IOI’s long term sustainability strategy and projects

• Learn how a small NGO operates its projects and how we manage logistics

• Our experienced staff will monitor your progress and provide on-going feedback, including weekly meetings with your allocated mentor

• Gain the internationally recognized Emergency First Response certificate, as well as receive Leadership Course and Off-Site Safety Management Training

• Stay with a local homestay family, improve your Spanish, and become an integral part of the Isabela community

• Over a 6-week period, gain hands-on experience at 2 of the 6 main IOI volunteer projects in Isabela, depending on the needs at the time of your internship

  • To learn more about the projects available with this internship, click below:

Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Endemic Plant Species Nursery

Ecotourism Sea Turtle Nest Monitor (seasonal)

Work Placement: weeks 7-12

• If you have chosen this opportunity, following the initial training period described above and depending on your interest, skills, and also the project needs on the ground, you will be assigned to your placement. This placement can last from 2 to 6 weeks in duration and will allow you to develop your skills while placed within the IOI team and our projects or placed with one of our local partners. As mentioned, your skills* and local needs at the time will define where you are best placed.

** Our local partners are Spanish-speaking thus to be considered for a placement with a partner, we will need to see that minimally you have conversational Spanish-speaking skills. You will be able to practice during the 6 weeks onboarding and skill development period. We are also partnered with an accredited pre-arrival online Spanish course if you would like to learn or brush up on your Spanish before arrival (learn more here).

The Work Placement includes:

• We have a range of placements available to fit your needs and interest. Once trained you will be placed in one of our placements to begin to make an impact. Not only will you receive a weekly mentorship follow-up, we will also keep a constant open line of communication with your placement organization to ensure that you are making the most of this opportunity while contributing to their objectives.

• Reference: at the end of your internship you will receive a LinkedIn reference for your professional use.

What areas of internships do we offer?

IOI works with local authorities, 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 IOI and by working together, we’re ensuring that the wild and beautiful landscape of the Galapagos remains protected and thriving for centuries to come.

Internship Accommodation and Fees

Learn more about Puerto Villamil, Isabela, your accommodation, and the internship fee here.