Research rainforest biodiversity and gain experience and qualifications in the Amazon
Program Overview
Travel to the incredible and unique Ecuadorian Amazon and join with the GVI team to contribute in conserving this diverse part of our world.
During this internship, you will gain a broad understanding of the rainforest and the research techniques used to collect vital data to preserve the extraordinary diversity of plants and animals. You will also work towards an internationally recognised qualification in Biological Survey Techniques, as well as taking 2 weeks of Spanish language classes.
After participating on the initial expedition phase, you will move on to working with a local partner organisation or at the GVI base camp in order to further your knowledge, skills and career development.
Life on the Program
You will progress through various phases on your internship. On the initial expedition phase, you will spend your time trekking in primary and secondary rainforest, undergoing training and surveying animal groups such as mammals, butterflies, birds and amphibians.
You will then explore a bit more of the country while based in the Andean town of Otavalo, attending 2 weeks of 1-on-1 Spanish lessons.
After successful completion of the first 12 weeks, you will undertake a work placement with GVI or a partner organisation within conservation or community development in order to fully take advantage of your new skills and put your learning into practice.
Program Details
Through your training and experience, you will contribute to the following GVI field research and community program aims:
- 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
Our long term goal is to manage a permanent, full-time biological field station, expanding our extensive species list and providing conservation and biodiversity data for use by the Ecuador Ministry of Environment and our partners, the Yachana Reserve. On your internship, you will help us work towards establishing strong relationships with leading scientific and development agencies and universities, all over the world.
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.
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 recognised qualification in Biological Survey Techniques
- An internationally recognised qualification in Team Leading
- Transfer to rainforest location
- First Aid & CPR training and certification
- GPS training
- VHF 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 (if successful on training period)
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
