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Summer Ecuador: Environmental Science and Conservation Track

by: Kaya Responsible Travel

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This program is for students aspiring to become conservationists and environmental scientists. Spend your summer immersed in the Ecuador Study Abroad and Intern – Environmental Science and Conservation Track. It involves studying in Cuenca for eight weeks and an optional internship for 2 or 4 weeks. The placement is at a rescue and conservation center in the Amazon, and you can join before or after your studies. The host university is Universidad de Cuenca, where you can take one Spanish class based on your level and another course from these options: - Natural Heritage of Ecuador - World Agriculture and Food Problems - Structure and Functions of Plants, Forestry, and Society Be at the front lines of environment and wildlife conservation in this summer study program. Feel free to visit our website or send an inquiry for more details.

Program Highlights

Discover Ecuador’s wildlife while interning at a rescue center near Puyo.

Earn credits towards your degree while immersing yourself in a new culture.

Improve your Spanish through language lessons and a homestay with a local host family.

Learn about environmental science and conservation in a biodiversity hotspot.

Explore Cuenca during a city tour and other pre-organized activities.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Cuenca, Ecuador
Availability
Intern Duration:
  • 1-3 Months
Age Requirement: 18-30
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Agriculture
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Culture
  • Environmental Studies
  • Forestry
  • Spanish
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Fields:
  • Environmental Studies
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh
See all program details
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Awards

Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Cuenca, Ecuador

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Agriculture
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Culture
  • Environmental Studies
  • Forestry
  • Spanish
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
  • Fields
  • Environmental Studies
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Availability

Intern Duration:
  • 1-3 Months
Terms Available:
  • Summer

Age Requirement

18-30

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Some Program Activity Costs
  • Wifi Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • Domestic Airfare
  • Internship Placement
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
  • Transcript Fees
  • In-Country Orientation

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application
    • Letters of Reference
    • Transcript

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is included in this environmental science and conservation track?

    The track involves 2 months of studying at Ecuador’s Universidad de Cuenca, where you will take 2 classes and earn up to 6 credits. You will take one Spanish class and one of the following; the natural heritage of Ecuador, world agriculture and food problems, or the structure and functions of plants, forestry, and society. After studying, you can choose to continue your time abroad and complete an internship at a wildlife rescue center.

    What support is provided on environmental science and conservation?

    All students are supported whilst they study in university through to the internship by on-the-ground project management and will have 24/7 support from Kaya program advisors online. If you have any questions regarding support, contact our advisors!

    Are participants required to speak Spanish?

    All participants are required to take a language test that will determine their proficiency in Spanish and will be placed in a class that will match their level. You will be able to learn the language rapidly by being surrounded by the culture and language.

    Is Ecuador a safe place to intern and study?

    Yes! Kaya has helped many students study and intern in Ecuador and have received amazing feedback! We understand that you might have some safety concerns about studying abroad, be sure to check out our safety blog or reach out to one of our advisors to get your questions answered.

    How do I apply for this program?

    You can apply for this program by following these steps:

    1. Prepare an academic reference, personal statement and transcript
    2. Submit your application via the Kaya website
    3. Once your application is received, an advisor will contact you to arrange an interview.
    4. After the interview and acceptance, you’ll have to pay the remaining balance.
    5. Finally, you’ll receive the pre-departure brochure and get prepared for your trip!

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    Ready to Learn More?

    This program is for students aspiring to become conservationists and environmental scientists. Spend your summer immersed in the Ecuador Study Abroad and Intern – Environmental Science and Conservation Track. It involves studying in Cuenca for eight weeks and an optional internship for 2 or 4 weeks. The placement is at a rescue and conservation center in the Amazon, and you can join before or after your studies. The host university is Universidad de Cuenca, where you can take one Spanish class based on your level and another course from these options: - Natural Heritage of Ecuador - World Agriculture and Food Problems - Structure and Functions of Plants, Forestry, and Society Be at the front lines of environment and wildlife conservation in this summer study program. Feel free to ...

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