Wildlife Research (Virtual) | Virtual, Paraguay

More photos of this internship may be found here.

Nestled between Brazil and Argentina is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world—Paraguay. Relatively off the beaten track, this country is home to habitats that host an impressive array of wildlife, many of which are only just beginning to be studied. However, these habitats are fragile and need protection. This host site aims to do just that in a sustainable way, by supporting scientific investigation and participating in community engagement efforts. One of their goals is for interns’ scientific findings to eventually be published, thereby helping interns build their careers in the field of science while simultaneously bringing increased awareness and protection to the ecology of Paraguay.

The host organization is based out of the town of Pilar, with fieldwork conducted at field sites around the country. Much research is in the Ñeembucú Wetlands, among other habitats. Examples of the types of wildlife studied at this site are provided in the photo album, and include insects, arachnids, reptiles, amphibians, primates, mammals, fish, and birds.

This internship program is designed for a part-time, virtual format, adapted from the full-time, in-person Wildlife Research program. In the virtual format, interns choose an area of focus for their internship from among the following: data analysis, habitat management and conservation, and environmental education (see Job Description, below).

INTERNSHIP START DATES:

Flexible start dates at the beginning of each academic term.

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP:

Between 150 and 250 hours spread over 8-12 weeks.

About The Organization

Based in Paraguay, this small independent research NGO has hosted over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate interns from universities around the world. Their mission is to conserve fragile habitats in Paraguay, namely the Ñeembucú Wetlands, and to inspire and motivate passionate students to pursue careers in environmental conservation. The organization manages multiple research stations across Paraguay, runs a nation-wide environmental education program, and works with communities to promote conservation projects.

Interns contribute to the mission of this organization by helping them do far more research than they would otherwise be able to do. Many research findings from past interns have succeeded in getting published, and in so doing, have brought increased awareness to the ecology and wildlife of Paraguay.

Job Description

Interns will focus on one of the following areas:

Data analysis: Interns are presented specific ecological data-sets that are connected to a predetermined research question. The intern is tasked with conducting an extensive literature review, analyzing the data, and preparing a manuscript of the results. As the data that is shared is unique and has not been published before, interns can potentially publish their manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal.

Habitat Management and Conservation: Alongside their supervisor, interns will be tasked with identifying an area of study that connects the interns interests and expertise with the on-the-ground work of the host organization. The program will culminate with a presentation of the intern’s findings to the organization’s Directive Team. A wide variety of projects are available including: Best practices in community-based conservation, communication strategies for wetland conservation, or approaches to Atlantic Forest conservation through flagship species.

Environmental Education: The host organization’s award-winning education program reaches hundreds of children across nearly 40 different communities. The need for interactive and participatory education programming has never been higher. Interns are invited to join the team to help expand programming and prepare their network of clubs to maximize their impact.

Qualifications/Requirements

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND:

Major or minor in a life science or other relevant field.

SKILLS / EXPERIENCE:

Previous research is experience is not required. Interns who do have such experience and skills are better prepared to take on more independent research projects and tasks.
Experience completing collaborative academic or professional work remotely

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:

For interns focusing on data analysis or habitat management and conservation, Spanish skills recommended but not required. Work supervisors are proficient in English.
Interns focusing on environmental education will need advanced Spanish skills, as the local community does not speak English.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Tech skills and reliable access to computer and internet.
Ability to work independently and manage time well on a day-to-day basis in a virtual environment.
High level of: Maturity, personal responsibility, cultural sensitivity, professionalism, independence, demonstrated initiative, independent problem-solving skills, adaptability, and patience.

Program Costs

The program fee is based on the in the total number of work hours and academic credits. During the application review phase, your Program Coordinator will provide you with an estimated program budget, based on your specific circumstances and internship program. See examples of estimated program fees below.

This internship program ranges from about 150-250 hours over a 8-12 week period.

Quarter Schools

1 undergrad academic credit = 30 total work hours

5 credit internship (150 work hours): $1,590
6 credit internship (180 work hours): $1,908
7 credit internship (210 work hours): $2,226
8 credit internship (240 work hours): $2,544
9 credit internship (270 work hours): $2,862

Semester Schools

1 undergrad academic credit = 45 total work hours

4 credit internship (180 work hours): $1,908
5 credit internship (225 work hours): $2,226
6 credit internship (270 work hours): $2,862*

NOTE:

Internship sites vary in their availability of work hours per week. Most internships can offer between 10-20 hours per weekand most students prefer to stay within this range of hours.
For internships that falls in between the academic credits/work hours model outlined above, the cost will default to the next highest program fee. For example, for a quarter school, an internship totaling 135 work hours will default to the higher cost of a 150 hour internship, $1,590.

*While estimated pricing for 270 work hours is provided above, prospective interns should plan on a maximum of 250 hours.

Past Participant Stories

Check out pictures this internship site.

Apply Now

Terms

Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer

Application Deadline

Summer: January 25
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 1
Spring: November 15

Basic Requirements

- See Qualifications/Requirements section