More photos of this internship may be found here.
IE3 Global collaborates with New Zealand Internships (NZI) to provide high-quality, personalized internship opportunities for students interested in animal/wildlife science and conservation in New Zealand. Students can work in one or multiple fields, including animal/wildlife science, animal nutrition, avian science, veterinary science, husbandry, zoo management, education, rehabilitation, wildlife ecology, habitat restoration, and conservation.
NZI matches students to internships based on industry interest, professional and academic experience, and personal goals. Interns should consider the local season, diverse environments, species, types of organizations, and desired professional duties at the time of application to facilitate the identification of a relevant opportunity.
New Zealand Internships (NZI) has been coordinating internships with a focus on exceptional service and a well-rounded experience for each intern since 2007. By working with students personally, the NZI team tailors internships and services to each individual. Based in Auckland, NZI places students across the country in 3 or 6-month internships. In addition to a varied internship portfolio, NZI provides additional support for participants on-site, including travel and social activities.
New Zealand Internships works with a variety of host organizations that offer internships working with animals. Some may have a specific focus, while others may provide exposure to many different areas of study. Some typical tasks include:
Interns working with wildlife or in environmental placements should consider the best season for application. Many field-based wildlife placements or visitor centers/tourist facilities will be busiest during the local summer season (winter in the US).
*Fee amounts are calculated with an exchange rate from New Zealand dollars at the time of posting.
Interns may arrange their own housing if they do not choose NZI-Assisted housing.
Learn more about past interns' experiences below:
“I have enjoyed all of the internship, it has been tremendously informative and has provided me with the hands on work I had been craving to experience. I have most enjoyed being in close proximity to the animals on a daily basis, spending enough time with them to start to notice their nuances. I have really enjoyed talking with my supervisor and other keepers about their experiences in the zoo business and what their views are on relevant issues. I have learned so much about animal husbandry, enclosure design and maintenance, and how a zoo functions as a business. I look forward to work every day and start to miss the animals towards the end of my weekends…
Being abroad has strengthened my confidence in myself; I have grown much more independent and willingly mobile to seek out the things that interest me. Traveling solo has taught me a lot about myself, I have learned to listen more closely to my needs. In regards to the internship, I have increased confidence in the workplace. I learned that I can handle a vast amount of responsibility, complete tasks to a high standard, and openly communicate with professionals in my field. I would highly recommend interning abroad!
– Kaitlin, Portland State University
“Having lived on-site for the entirety of my internship in a rural area with no transport into town but the bus, I quickly realized the best way for me to get as much as I wanted out of this internship was to fully commit my time and energy to what was happening at [the site]…
To any interns who may come in the future, I say, be open minded and willing to try. If an opportunity arises that isn’t your greatest interest, just try because you may turn out to love it. Also, if you end up as a part of the kiwi team specifically and get pooped on, just know it just means you are now officially part of the gang, your initiation is complete.”
-Sage, Oregon State University
Summer: January 25
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 1
Spring: November 15
- Prior academic and/or professional experience with animals preferred
- Sense of professionalism and strong work ethic
- Must be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa