Internships in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Giant Tortoise is an iconic animal, and native to the region. It often grows to over 6 feet long and can weigh up to 800 pounds, and therefore stands as one of the biggest tortoises and reptiles on the planet. This project has been instrumental in the conservation of these ancient animals that were very close to extinction. At one time, a quarter million of these giants roamed the islands. However, this number diminished to around 3,000. Several factors were responsible for the decline, beginning with sailors and settlers hunting them for food. Volunteers participating during the months of December to May must choose to work at either the tortoise breeding center (as described above) or with sea turtles. Sea turtle nest monitoring tasks include walking the beach while looking for nests, turtles, and hatchlings. Actual sightings may be rare.

Intern abroad with IGS, choosing from placements across diverse areas of technology – processes, computer software, computer hardware, and data constructs. Previous participants have worked with top IT companies around the world. Our last placement was with a robotics firm that needed software support. The Institute for Global Studies IT internships have two tracks. Track One: Work with a leading information technology company catering to businesses or with a major department within a large business to fulfill their IT needs and functions. Track Two: Work for a smaller professional organization, typically in ecotourism, social media, environmental conservation, social services, or a topic of interest. Qualifications * 18 years old or older * We accept gap year students and college graduates * Positive attitude * 20 - 40 hours commitment per week In your brief letter of intent on the IGS Application form, please indicate the source of your interest in this position, what you hope to contribute, and what you hope to learn or experience. The letter will be distributed to internship providers. Plus, submit a resume indicating any relevant knowledge or skills.

Prepare to go on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that encourages you to become an integral part of the ongoing mission to safeguard the unparalleled ecosystems and rare species on the Isabela Island in the Galapagos. This remarkable opportunity promises to be transformative, not only for you but also for the natural world itself, setting the stage for a profound impact that will resonate for many years. At the heart of your internship lies the organization that you will be working for, which is deeply committed to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. By joining this organization, you are entering into a dynamic network of passionate individuals, including local stakeholders, renowned experts, governmental authorities, and people with a passion for making a positive impact on the Galapagos. Intern's tasks may vary depending on the role and personal preferences, mainly focusing on environmental conservation and wildlife preservation. Contribute to activities designed to nurture and protect the island's unique ecosystems and its rare species, as well as diverse initiatives aimed at the care and protection of Isabela's natural wonders, ensuring that they continue to shine.

This internship placement is based on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, where a community conservation and advocacy project comes together with an eco-lodge and organic farm to protect the island’s precious biodiversity. This blended community initiative and social enterprise draws on social action, ethical ecotourism, and conservation tactics to demonstrate how tourism in a high-traffic destination can be done respectfully. As an intern, you’ll live with a local host family and participate in a variety of activities between the advocacy group, the eco-tourism lodge, and the regenerative farm. Such activities might include harvesting organic fruits and vegetables or maintaining native plant gardens used to attract tortoises. You may assist with marketing and sustainability documentation for the eco-lodge, prepare materials for youth workshops, or participate in communal beach clean-ups with the advocacy group. You’ll become part of a movement that explores how advocacy, hospitality, and communities that come together can support biodiversity, empower local people, and finance innovative conservation efforts.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 140,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will help you to step out of your comfort zone and build your confidence alongside new friends from across the globe. You’ll work alongside local communities on sustainable initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We provide a level of support and security that is second to none. You’ll receive 24/7 assistance from our trained teams, plus best-in-class safety planning, so you can focus on your journey. Choose a programme you’re passionate about. We offer several ways to get involved, including: → Medical Internships: gain clinical experience in professional settings. → Childcare & Community: support local education and development. → Conservation: protect unique ecosystems and wildlife. We offer programs starting from one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Europe, Latin America & The Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

ELEP is an experiential learning and training programs provider specializing in high-quality, customized international internships. We also offer rewarding and meaningful volunteer experiences, as well as intensive language courses, to study, learn, or improve your Spanish language skills in Ecuador. Our programs are open to students, recent graduates, and young professionals from around the world. ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs collaborates with Career Services Centers of international universities to help students with their career goals through training across a well-organized internship or volunteer program. We offer numerous internship placements, covering almost every field of study. Additionally, our team continually seeks new internship opportunities that align with the interests and needs of our participants. Internship lengths vary depending on the field and placement, ranging from a minimum of 4 weeks to a maximum of 24 weeks.