Internships in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The primary and most obvious types of internships in the Galapagos are placements in wildlife science and environmental studies. All of the Galapagos Islands are both a national park and biological marine reserve, providing a flourishing environment for students or recent graduates who are interested in conservation, sustainability, and animal science. The huge number of endemic species makes the Galapagos Islands a haven for natural scientists of all kinds.

The Galapagos Islands are also host to a population of nearly 30,000 people, making them a great destination for interns who are interested in community development. Ecuador is a developing country, and many locals living in small towns lack access to basic resources and social services, which are otherwise widely available on the mainland. Internships in the Galapagos islands in education, social work, and medicine are all examples of additional placements in the realm of community development that are widely available.

Internships in the Galapagos Islands can last anywhere from two to six months, depending on the time of year and each intern’s availability. Although Spanish is the national language of Ecuador, and therefore the most common language spoken throughout the islands, it is also possible to intern in the Galapagos Islands in English-friendly placements. Not to mention, if you aren’t adept in the Spanish language just yet, the Galapagos Islands can be an exceedingly pleasant destination to learn Spanish.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find internships in the Galapagos Islands by browsing trusted program providers like GoAbroad.com for listings in conservation, tourism, and community development programs. Many providers also offer summer internships in Ecuador and specialized internship programs in the Galapagos. Apply early, as spots are limited, especially for paid internships in Ecuador.

Fields include marine biology, eco-tourism, and community development. Internships in the Galapagos Islands are tailored to conservation and sustainability, offering participants a chance to gain hands-on skills while exploring Ecuador’s unique ecosystems.

Some internships in the Galapagos Islands require basic Spanish skills, especially when working with local communities. Others are designed for English speakers. Language lessons are often included to help interns adapt while working and living in Ecuador.

Yes! Some internships often act as stepping stones to jobs in the Galapagos Islands. By working with conservation groups, NGOs, or tourism companies, interns build skills and professional networks. Successful placements may open the door to long-term roles in Ecuador.

Absolutely. Many organizations create programs that combine Galapagos Island tours with internships to allow participants to explore, gain cultural insights, and enhance their professional development with hands-on field experience in Ecuador. Depending on the organization, some internships include Galapagos Island tours in the program fee, while others offer them as an optional extra.

Latest Program Reviews

Valuable Experience

September 24, 2025by: MCProgram: Community Development Internship Abroad

8

The experience was extremely valuable to understand the healthcare system in Zambia. However, there was much less public health work than expected--only working with patients in the mornings with not enough focus on most severe cases and no public health education. Recommend if interested in healthcare and community building vs public health.

Law and Economic Development in Ecuador

August 09, 2025by: lmcdermottProgram: Galapagos Development Internship in Ecuador

9

During my internship, I worked on legal and economic development for El Terreno, an NGO in rural Ecuador. This experience gave me hands-on skills in stakeholder analysis, legal writing, and economic development. The environment was wonderfully supportive, fun, and multicultural. Within a couple of hours, you can reach a capital city, beaches, islands, jungles, and more!