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Internships in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Not many places on earth have influenced the course of human history as strongly as the Galapagos Islands, which is quite bizarre considering these islands were completely uninhabited by humans until just two centuries ago. Yet, this geographical isolation and unique biodiversity are what gave life to Darwin’s theory of evolution, and today the islands remain a fascinating place to visit, and even more so, an incredible place for internships abroad. You don’t need to be a naturalist to find the perfect internship in the Galapagos Islands, all you need is ambition, curiosity, and courage to take the leap.
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23 Internships in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

IOI Galapagos volunteers in tortoise shells

Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

9.41

27

Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring and Conservation in Galapagos

Travel to the island that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evo...

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Roots Interns

9.5

2

Galapagos Conservation Internship in Ecuador

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.

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Institute for Global Studies

9.5

6

Television and Multimedia Internships

IGS works with community news and entertainment stations to arrange television and multimedia internships for participants who are at least 18 years old. These placements allow interns to gain hands-on experience in the news and entertainment industry while working closely with leading producers and on-air talent. We have both on-air and behind-the-scene positions that will maximize your talents and add to your résumé. Job duties include, but aren’t limited to: Backstory research Storyboard creation In-station/field filming Marketing We also offer multimedia opportunities. Some experience in film or editing is helpful for these placements, but we work with stations that will help develop your skills along the way. As a multimedia intern, you’ll have the chance to learn production techniques using the latest editing software and methods.

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

10

2

Giant Tortoise and Sea Turtle Conservation in the Galápagos

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.

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Projects Abroad

9.41

296

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

795

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

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 147,000 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.

ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs

0

0

Career Training – Internships and Volunteering in Ecuador

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.

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A Guide to Interning Abroad in the Galapagos Islands

Internships in the Galapagos Islands

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.

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