Internship on Environmental Programs in the Ecuadorian Amazon

I found GVI while google searching and signed up 20 days before leaving for a 6 month program. GVI did an amazing job at making sure I fully prepared for my expedition in the short amount of time, advising me on my packing list, answering questions about what to expect, and making sure my medical forms were completed. Because I was staying so long, I needed to get to the country a few days early and take care of some visa things- during that time I felt a little unsure if I was doing things right- but all it took me was emailing the country director, and she immediately got back to me. The program did an excellent job of teaching volunteers of all ages and professional backgrounds how to do the research projects we were conducting, and it was meaningful research as the information helps the reserve remain protected and any new species we discovered in the area went to a university partnered museum in Quito. The program is great because it mixes conservation with community interaction. We would go to the local village a couple times a week and do TEFL classes in the primary school, and the kids are beyond adorable and appreciative.
Honestly, the program is demanding, the terrain is hilly and you are in the tropics. You will be walking a lot and have early mornings. But, it is definitely worth it. The program does a great job of balancing different types of service as well as allowing downtime in the hammocks. The staff is qualified and very familiar with the area and species.
The program is adventurous, but not white water rafting type of adventurous. Our base camp is located in the Amazon Basin. The nearest human contact is at least a 30minute walk. There is no electricity. You can see opossums, snakes, or agoutis on the path from the bunk house to the dinning area. We normally walk on marked trails in the jungle and are ALWAYS with a staff member but are sometimes required to navigate using a map and compass (which you are taught how to do), or GPS. It is challenging but rewarding, and simply fascinating.
As an internship program, I was very impressed at the weekly meetings, feedback, and extra responsibility you get from staff. The three month work placement can be done at a few locations, but the staff consider your preference and your skills when making a decision on where to place you. Contact is maintained throughout your work placement and at the end, you are expected to turn in a presentation of work completed while on work placement. The typical opportunities involve conducting conservation research in other reserves or doing community work.
I had the time of my life, and gained a lot from the experience personally and professionally. I highly recommend this program to anyone who may be interested.