Project Summary

Consolidate your studies while developing field studies and leadership skills on this environmental conservation internship in Peru.  With numerous environmental threats it is vital that we fully understand the complex relationships between human populations, wildlife and the ecosystems in which they live.  This is a skills-based internship placement over 6 months compromising both core and vocation-specific activities.  Participants are supported with mentoring and workshops.

The project believes that through studying animal distribution, ecology and behaviour they can begin to understand the relationship between the forest and wildlife.  The 3 main areas of focus are biodiversity, ecosystem services and socio-economics.  Based in the Manu Biosphere, home to thousands of incredible species, the project runs monitoring programmes focusing on macaws, birds, butterflies, mammals, reptiles and forest regeneration.  The project’s sustainable community initiatives include bio-gardens, agroforestry and education.  By joining our internship programme you will become a member of a dynamic team of like-minded individuals working together towards a sustainable future for the Amazon.

Why choose this project?

If you are a student or looking to consolidate and extend your skills and knowledge of conservation this is the placement for you.  With mentoring and targets, workshops and activities there are plenty of opportunities for you to develop and learn.  Not only will you learn about wildlife, habitats and scientific approaches to research you will also develop leadership and communication skills.  The project benefits by receiving highly motivated and focused interns who assist with data collection and lead research based initiatives.

The Internship

Interns work alongside the project coordinators to carry out essential conservation research. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn from scientists and other experts in the field.  Here is the itinerary:

Weeks 1 -10 – volunteer phase introducing you to all projects, extensive field training, first aid certification. There is an emphasis on the integrated nature of conservation, providing a solid foundation in environmental science as well as the economic and social contexts of our sustainable community programmes. You will be trained to address the challenges of biodiversity conservation in an innovative and holistic manner.  Interns that do not meet the targets set during the first 10 weeks will continue as a volunteer rather than progressing onto the project phase of the internship.  You will receive regular feedback and mentoring to help you to achieve the goals.  

Weeks 11 -12 – Cusco phase – Spanish immersion, homestay and leisure time.

Weeks 13 – 24 – internship phase – you will act as field staff; run your own project either in Conservation Research or Community Development. During this time we focus on developing your theoretical knowledge and practical skills.  The Conservation Research projects can focus on geography, environmental sciences, agricultural practices, zoology, animal behaviour, ecology and or conservation biology, depending both on local needs and your own interests.  Community projects topics include social, economic, and environmental issues and sustainable initiatives. The project is very keen for interns to identify their own project that they wish to explore.   

Please note that seasonal demands may vary your activities so flexibility is required.

Skills Required

Interns should be under or postgraduate students, or career breakers with a good basis in conservation looking to develop specific career skills in environmental research, community development, or non-profit project management. You should have a basic level of Spanish and should have a good level of fitness as you will walk up to 6 miles per day with a daypack. You will be asked to send a CV/resume, letter of motivation and to attend a telephone interview.  Interns should bring a laptop.  You will be asked to prepare a presentation at the end of your placement.

The Location

Cusco is the archaeological capital of the Americas and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. Its legacy as the seat of the Inca Empire is readily apparent. Many of the city streets are lined with original stone walls and crowded with Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas.   You will spend time here for orientation and your mid placement break.

The project itself is located in the UNESCO World Heritage site, Manu Biosphere Reserve situated in the foothills of the Amazon. It is 30 million hectares in size ranging from southern Peru to central Bolivia.  You will stay in accommodation at a top level research centre located in the heart of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, a great base for both hard work and relaxation.  You will work hard and want to spend time chilling out in a hammock or taking a swim in a local pool.  With limited internet access it makes a great get away from it all location  where you can listen to the sounds of the jungle day and night.

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