If you are interested in environmental studies, an internship is the best way to gain experience in the field. Working in areas such as research, data collection, and community initiatives will allow you to boost your resume and make a positive impact on the environmental field.
As we face an international climate emergency, the environmental studies field is becoming increasingly important. Whether you want to work with wildlife in Costa Rica, save sea turtles in Ecuador, or work on environmental conservation in Ireland, there are plenty of internships to choose from. This article will tell you everything you need to know about why you should consider an internship abroad and the best places for environmental studies internships around the world.
Why get an environmental studies internship?
You’ll gain firsthand experience and launch your career when you go for an environmental studies internship abroad.
Before we dive into where to find environmental studies internships, check out the benefits an internship provides. An environmental studies internship lets you:
- Add experience to your resume: When applying for jobs in the environmental studies sector, an internship will help you stand out from the crowd. With relevant experience under your belt, you will attract potential employers and find it easier to secure a job.
- Make a positive difference for the environment: Another benefit of doing an environmental studies internship is the positive impact you will have on the environment. Many internships include conservation efforts and important research, allowing you to make a real difference during your experience abroad.
- Learn about the environmental challenges faced by a particular location: By interning in a new country, you will be in a unique position to learn about the environmental issues being faced by that location. This will equip you with a more well-rounded understanding of the climate crisis.
- Gain hands-on experience: Finally, participating in an environmental studies internship will allow you to apply what you have learned in the classroom to the real world. This hands-on experience will be invaluable when beginning a career in the environmental field.
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9 best places for environmental studies internships
Now that you know why you should do an environmental studies internship, you may be wondering where to find environmental studies internships. Luckily, there is no shortage of destinations you can choose. Whether you choose a country for its impressive environmental research or interesting ecosystem, here are the nine best places for environmental studies internships around the world:
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the best places to explore a career in environmental science. With its diverse ecosystem and stunning landscapes, you will be lucky to land an environmental studies internship in this Central American paradise. The government has implemented progressive environmental protection policies, making Costa Rica a great place to learn about solutions to climate change.
- Recommended program: Intern in Costa Rica with World Endeavors
2. South Africa
If you’re into wildlife and conservation, South Africa could be the destination for you.
South Africa is another country making strides in environmental policy. If you want to participate in an environmental studies internship while rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s rarest wildlife, this is the place for you. Whether you are interested in learning about sustainable economic policies, protecting endangered wildlife, or how organizations are confronting various environmental issues faced by the country, South Africa has an internship for you.
- Recommended program: VA Corps Professional Internship Program
3. Peru
Have you ever wanted to intern in the depths of the Peruvian Amazon, the peaks of the Andes mountains, or the dunes of the Huacachina desert? Peru is truly one of a kind when it comes to diverse natural landscapes and unique environmental discoveries. As the country faces increasing deforestation, it is important to understand how we can save the country from the effects of climate change and protect the Amazon rainforest.
- Recommended program: Projects Abroad in Peru
4. Greece
Greece made world news for the wildfires that spread throughout the country. These fires became one of the many examples of how climate change is affecting us in real time.
Spend your internship enjoying this Mediterranean gem while also receiving a crucial education on Greece’s unique environmental struggles. Some internship areas may include marine science, turtle conservation, and ecotourism.
- Recommended program: Most Affordable Internships in Greece | Intern Abroad HQ
5. Ireland
Ireland is likely to bring to mind images of the pristine countryside and sprawling green fields. With beautiful coastal towns, mountain ranges, and rural paradises, you are sure to have an enriching environmental studies internship in Ireland.
In 2021, Ireland agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by the year 2030. Learn more about what the country is doing to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect Ireland’s environment.
- Recommended program: Intern in Ireland with World Endeavors
6. Ecuador
We’ll bet it’s no surprise that somewhere known for its unique plants and animals is one of the best places for environmental studies internships!
Ecuador is the perfect country for anyone interested in environmental studies. As the Galapagos Islands were the birthplace of our modern understanding of evolution, you will be following in the footsteps of some of science’s greatest minds.
Beyond the islands, Ecuador boasts nine national parks and the tallest active volcano in the world. Come to this South American country to learn about a variety of wildlife species, flora and fauna, and conservation efforts.
- Recommended program: Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring and Conservation in Galapagos
7. Argentina
Argentina is home to several different ecosystems, which means spending time in this country will provide you with a wealth of information about environmental science. Like many South American countries, Argentina is facing issues with deforestation and climate change. Participating in an environmental studies internship here will equip you with knowledge about these crucial problems and diversify your understanding of ecology.
- Recommended program: Tailor-made Internship in Buenos Aires
8. Australia
Australia ranks seventh in the world for environmental sciences research. When you’re not surfing on one of Australia’s famous beaches or attending the Sydney Opera House, you’ll learn about their innovative field of environmental studies.
Australia has also been significantly affected by climate change and other environmental issues, including shifts in ecosystems, overgrazing, and overfishing. From the coasts to the outback, Australia will provide you with an enriching internship in environmental sciences.
- Recommended program: Internships in Australia | Intern OZ
9. Indonesia
Indonesia is a fascinating place to learn about the environment. Indigenous communities in Indonesia have a deep connection to nature, meaning that protecting the environment is an integral aspect of protecting indigenous identities.
The country also has a wealth of biodiversity, marine life, and natural resources. Venture beyond beach parties in Bali and find an amazing place to do your environmental studies internship.
- Recommended program: Indonesia Project- Dive Master & Research Diver Internship
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Your environmental studies internship can provide the experience and guidance you need!
An internship is the first step to playing your part to protect the environment and all of its creatures.
The environmental studies field is continuing to grow as climate change becomes a greater threat throughout the world. Now that you know the best places for environmental studies internships, you can be part of the effort to reduce the destruction of climate change and protect our environment for generations to come. Wherever you choose to go, an internship will surely kickstart your career in environmental studies.
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