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Galápagos Conservation and Sustainable Tourism
by: Beyond Travels
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.
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.
Program Highlights
Collaborate with local advocacy groups, universities and community members on conservation efforts to protect threatened ecosystems and species.
Contribute to environmental education and youth empowerment intitiatives such as a local radio program, environmental art workshops, and english classes.
Put into practice hands-on regenerative agriculture techniques on the farm and learn about how they connect to local food sovereignity efforts.
Support administration and sustainable practices at the eco-lodge and witness firsthand how responsably-managed tourism can offset the carbon footprint of visitors to the island.
Live with a host family and integrate into the community to explore the Galápagos from the local perspective.
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Quick Details
- Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- 1-3 Months
- Agriculture
- Communications
- Ecology
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Hospitality
- Spanish
- Sustainable Development
- Tourism
- All Nationalities
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Types and Subjects
- Fields
- Agriculture
- Communications
- Ecology
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Hospitality
- Spanish
- Sustainable Development
- Tourism
Availability
- 1-3 Months
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- In-Country Orientation
- Emergency Support
- Internship Placement
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
Accommodation Options
- Home-stays
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Professional degree
- Doctorate degree
- Trade/technical/vocational training
- Some college credit, no degree
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Resume
- Online Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will I be staying during my internship?
Interns live with a host family in Puerto Ayora, the main town on Santa Cruz Island. Puerto Ayora is full of colorful fishing boats, cafés, street food vendors, and the everyday rhythm of island life. Outside of town, the landscape shifts to lush highlands and quiet farming communities. Living conditions with the host families are modest, but interns have access to running water, electricity, internet, and laundry facilities.
What level of Spanish is required to participate in our program?
We accept participants of all levels of Spanish in our programs. However, keep in mind that Spanish will be the primary language used for program activities and within host families. For some internship activities, translation support may be available, but it is not guaranteed. For participants with beginner Spanish, we encourage practicing and taking classes before arrival so you are best able to thrive in this environment.
Will I have time for extra activities during the program?
Interns generally have weekends and evenings free to explore and partake in additional activities.
The Galápagos is a world-class destination for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and viewing unique marine and terrestrial wildlife. Interns can explore these activities in their free time and take ferries to visit other islands. Please note that recreation activities are not included in the program fee and budget accordingly.
What's the climate like in Santa Cruz Island?
Santa Cruz has a subtropical climate with two main seasons. The warm/wet season from January to May features warmer temperatures, heavy rain, and lush vegetation. The cool/dry season from June to December is characterized by cooler temperatures, overcast skies, and mist in the highlands. Daytime temperatures typically range from 22°C to 30°C (72°F–86°F). The sun is strong year-round, so sun protection and hydration are vital.
Program Reviews
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Ready to Learn More?
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 documentatio...
Beyond Travels
Beyond Travels
Ready to Learn More?
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 documentatio...
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