Explore the Amazon while researching rainforest biodiversity and gaining universally-recognized qualifications
Program Overview
Embark on an adventure into the depths of the Ecuadorian Amazon to join the GVI team in conserving some of the most beautiful landscapes and colorful creatures in the world.
Throughout your role as intern you will be awarded with a knowledge base second-to-none and a set of tools and techniques that will allow you to conduct the research needed to preserve the plants and animals of the region. While here, you will have the opportunity to put your efforts towards an internationally recognized qualification in Biological Survey Techniques, as well as improving your Spanish skills with two weeks of classes.
Once you have completed the initial expedition phase, you will be placed with a local partner or at the GVI base camp to put your knowledge and skills to use.
Life on the Program
There will be several phases to your placement. During the first phase you will trek throughout the primary and secondary rainforest as you undergo training and practice surveying animal groups such as mammals, butterflies, birds and amphibians.
Once you have completed the first phase you will attend a two-week, one-on-one Spanish class based in the Andean town of Otavalo.
Upon successful completion of your initial 12 weeks you will be placed with a local GVI partner organization focusing on conservation or community development to allow you to put your new skills and knowledge to use.
Program Details
During your training and placement phases you will lend a hand to the following aims set by the GVI research team and community programs:
- Identifying and cataloging bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian, butterfly and plant species
- Provide support and advice in conservation, ecotourism, education and community development
- Facilitate learning of English through TEFL-based (Teach English as a Foreign Language) instruction
- Support small scale infrastructure development projects
In the long term GVI will manage a permanent and full-time biological field station which will increase our ever-growing species list and continue to provide conservation and biodiversity data for the Ecuador Ministry of Environment and our partners, the Yachana Reserve to use. While you are in your placement you will assist in establishing respected relationships with leading scientific and development agencies and universities across the globe.
Volunteer Testimonials
It is an understatement to say that it’s been special. I really didn’t appreciate the immense scale and complexity of the Amazon rainforest and the incredible diversity of species here, nor the science behind conservation or the challenges in trying to protect this precious habitat.
I think “privilege” is the word I would use to sum-up my time here at GVI, because in addition to all the unforgettable experiences I’ve had along the way, I’ve also met some fantastic people and made some great friends, making the trip that little bit more special.
Latest from the Base...
Program Details
Build Your Program
What's Included
- Pre-departure support and discounted services
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- Arrival orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
- Welcome meeting
- Location orientation
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- 24-hour in-country support
- An internationally recognized qualification in Biological Survey Techniques
- An internationally recognized qualification in Team Leading
- Transfer to rainforest location
- First Aid & CPR training and certification
- GPS training
- Marine radio and camera trap use
- Wildlife identification skills
- Tropical forest ecology
- Scientific techniques in collection of transect work, incidental observation, camera trapping and track identification
- Weekly evaulation with your mentor
- Final evaluation
- Certification and summary of training and experience received
- Confidential professional reference
- Work placement
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Personal kit
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- International and domestic airport taxes
