GAIN PRACTICAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH EXPERIENCE HELPING TO PROTECT THE CLOUD FOREST
This is a fantastic opportunity for budding young biologists to get ahead whilst making a valuable contribution to the furtherment of cloud forest conservation. Travel to the Cloud Forest and gain scientific research experience studying endemic species of flora and fauna.
This organization conducts important research on ecosystems, flora, and fauna of the Cloud Forest. This research is used to implement conservation strategies, to measure the impact of climate change, find solutions, and inform their community educational programs. They are based in La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve on the western slope of the Ecuadorian Andes, a site of unique significance to conservation science, where two of the five biodiversity regions of South America converge. Their mission is to devise and promote alternative and innovative models of development in Ecuador, whilst expanding global knowledge of rainforest conservation.
As an intern, you’ll play a crucial role in maintaining and developing their ongoing research projects. For instance, they’re running a feline monitoring program where interns are responsible for setting camera traps, retrieving them, then processing and analyzing the data. This is an ideal program for biology students as this data could easily be used towards your own university research. They’re also open to interns proposing their own projects.
The Tangaré Foundation works to protect the Cloud Forest and its wildlife through a combination of research, natural resource management, and environmental education. Based in the La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve on the western slope of the Ecuadorian Andes, they work to promote alternative, sustainable models of development in the area.
They achieve this by researching and monitoring flora and fauna in the region, using their findings to develop sustainable methods of land use and natural resource management, then teaching these practices to local communities.
Active since 2009, the organization has already made a significant impact. Their research has helped to identify and protect important habitats for threatened species, such as the Ecuadorian white-fronted capuchin monkey and felines such as puma, ocelot and oncilla. They’ve reduced deforestation by promoting sustainable agriculture and forest management practices. Their educational programs have trained over 1,000 in environmental education and conservation. They are a valuable asset to Ecuador and the region, and its work is essential to the future of the planet.
This organization runs all kinds of research projects, so the work interns get assigned depends on what’s going on during the time of your internship. At the moment, the organization is conducting long-term research on felines, and capuchins; in the past they have studied amphibians, fungi, and a variety of fauna. As well as this, interns will have the chance to get involved with any number of the sustainability and permaculture projects happening on the reserve.
Interns will assist with ongoing management of existing research projects. Please note that interns will not exclusively conduct their own research projects. If you wish to do so, you will be considered a Researcher and will be responsible for covering your own expenses, which are the same as what is listed on this internship profile.
You’ll stay at a dedicated volunteer house with rooms ranging in size from 2 to 6 people, shared bathrooms, and a selection of communal spaces. Excitingly, this volunteer house is located in the heart of the 800 hectare La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve.
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. As you will be staying on a fairly remote project site, there are no specific safety precautions that need to be taken. When traveling, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and be respectful of the local culture and customs.
There is Wi-Fi available on-site the project that is strong enough for WhatsApp and video calls. You can opt to buy a local SIM card, but the network is not very fast in the area.
Three meals a day are included from Monday to Friday. Over the weekend you can use the kitchen at the accommodation to prepare your own meals.
This is a site of unique importance to the conservation of the Cloud Forest. It is where two of the five biodiversity hotspots in South America converge: the Tropical Andes and the Chocó-Darien. The area has a huge species variety with a large number of endemic species. It is also a site of an array of sustainable farming practices, including: permaculture garlic farms, chocolate production, coffee production, and organic livestock farming.
Internships always start and arrive on a Monday, so no arrival over the weekend, always on Monday.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
3(+) months USD 700
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Ecuador.
You can expect to work on your Spanish language skills while gaining hands-on experience in your preferred field. From exploring diverse ecosystems to engaging with local communities, your stay in Ecuador will provide you with insights into the country’s rich biodiversity, while the challenges and accomplishments that you experience will foster your adaptability and global perspective.
Yes! There is always time to explore the surrounding area. Our nonprofit partners are based around the country (and on the Galapagos Islands) and they can offer recommendations about which places are the best to visit! When you are based on the mainland, some of the highlights of Ecuador are, for example, the city of Cuenca or the Cotopaxi National Park. If you are based on the Galapagos Islands, there are great excursion options on the island(s) including fantastic diving. If you are keen to also explore the mainland of Ecuador, you will need to do so before or after your Galapagos internship because of the distance (and costs of the flight).
Yes, but you must ensure with your university that your supervisor approves this. It is also possible to purchase transfer credits that can be added to your internship.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning. As your internship with the nonprofit organization will be unpaid, you can check out ways to fund your internship here. The wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth throughout your experience are invaluable!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.TEST
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
