Overview
Ecuadorian Amazon Conservation Internship

Starting with a 10 week expedition in the Amazon, this internship offers you the opportunity to gain an internationally recognized qualification in Biological Survey Techniques, a first aid certification and Introduction to TEFL and to develop your understanding and ability to identify the vast array of flora and fauna found in the neo-tropics. During this time you will learn how to live and work with a research team in a remote environment and have the opportunity to experience working with and alongside members of the local community. The 10 week rainforest training program is followed by a 2 week Spanish language course in the Andes, providing you with the experience essential for your following 3 month work placement with a local partner or at a rainforest lodge, working on habitat or species conservation or a human element of conservation.

At the end of the internship, depending on availability, there may be opportunities for successful applicants to be offered paid or unpaid work with GVI or our partners.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

Yasuní Park was definitely a highlight. Sighting 6 snakes within 20m of camp shows just how much biodiversity there really is. The best way to experience the Rio Napo is floating down the river in our life jackets for over an hour.

Kristie Callahan, Queensland, Australia - GVI Intern

Highlights

Developing individual skills in personnel management, leadership and expedition logistics; Gaining an internationally recognized course in Biological Survey Techniques, first aid and a GVI Introduction to TEFL, Living and working in the lush Amazon rainforest; Surveying and monitoring different habitat types to see how they impact different species; Experience local Amazon culture; Experience teaching children between the ages of 4-13 years old; Working alongside the Yachana Foundation to promote sustainable development and help conserve and protect their rainforest reserve; Learn Spanish; Learn about rainforest ecology and explore different parts of the Amazon, Experience working for another organization or rainforest lodge on a conservation or human impact related project.

Skills And Qualifications Received

• Internationally recognised BTEC Award level 3 in Biological Survey Techniques
• 40 hours of Spanish language lessons
• First aid and CPR qualifications
• Introduction to TEFL
• Research and survey techniques
• Identification skills
• Jungle crafts and Kichwa culture
• Vegetation/habitat mapping
• Interpersonal skills
• Health and safety, risk assessments and emergency evacuation plans
• Leadership skills
• Community relations skills

See Requirements And Training page for more information

Location

As an intern you have the opportunity to experience two distinct regions of Ecuador; the rainforest lowlands and the Andean highlands. The majority of the internship is based in the Yachana Reserve, a small slice of the vast Amazon rainforest on the Rio Napo, between Tena and Coca. To reach the GVI base from Quito it is approximately nine hours by bus, plus 30 minutes in canoe down the Rio Napo. The exception is the two weeks of Spanish School, which is based in the beautiful market town of Otavalo, in the Ecuadorian highlands, two to three hours north of Quito.

See Life on the internship page for more information

Field Conditions

GVI base camp is some 280 steps up from the rivers’ edge, in a small cleared area surrounded by rainforest. Accommodation is in shared dormitories with bunk beds, sleeping 2 or 6 people per room, in basic, open, wooden structures on stilts, with corrugated iron roofs. One communal structure is used for dinning and socialising. There is a shower and toilet area that includes areas for hand washing clothes. Running water is available (but limited). Electricity is extremely limited and priority is given to expedition requirements. During satellite camps or side trips accommodation is in jungle hammocks with next to no running water, no electricity and ‘bush’ toilet facilities.

See Life on the internship page for more information