Wildlife conservation and community volunteer projects and internships worldwide
November 6th 2025
Whether you’re a university student, recent graduate, or simply passionate about nature, these immersive wildlife & environmental conservation volunteer and internship programmes abroad offer the chance to gain field experience, contribute to real research, and make a lasting impact.
Here are ten of WorkingAbroad’s most inspiring and ethical wildlife conservation internships and volunteer programmes for 2026 – from the Amazon rainforest to the Indian Ocean.
“Learning to use camera traps to study wildlife was life-changing. Waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys made it feel like paradise.” – Dale, USA
Join our long-term Amazon Ecology and Wildlife Rehabilitation teams in the Peruvian rainforest. Volunteers and interns work on biodiversity monitoring, wildlife care, and community education – tackling deforestation and helping protect endangered species in one of Earth’s most vital ecosystems.
Learn more about this project here.
“The best experience of my life…I learned so much.” – Taylor, USA
Work alongside marine biologists studying bottlenose and short-beaked common dolphins in the Ionian Sea. Collect behavioural data, identify individuals, and contribute to long-term marine conservation science – ideal for anyone seeking marine biology fieldwork.
Learn more about this project here.
“It was breathtaking…I truly enjoyed every minute.” – Thomas, UK
Experience behind-the-scenes conservation at a Big Five game reserve. Interns help track lions, elephants and rhinos, monitor ecosystems, and work with local communities to protect South Africa’s wildlife heritage.
Learn more about this project here.
“I fell in love with the wolves, the people, and the landscape.” – Mayté, Belgium
Support rescued Iberian wolves in a peaceful forest sanctuary near Mafra. Volunteers help with enclosure care, behaviour observation and public education, promoting coexistence and predator conservation in Europe.
Learn more about this project here.
“It was the most beautiful place I’ve ever been…full of lush forest and wildlife.” – Kerttu, Finland
Help conserve Ecuador’s cloud forest through reforestation, wildlife monitoring and sustainable farming. Volunteers live within a biodiversity hotspot and learn how sustainable living and conservation science come together.
Learn more about this project here.
“Our family agreed this was the most rewarding part of our trip.” – The Lea Family, UK
Join biologists on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast to monitor sea turtles, crocodiles and mammals, and assist local education programmes. A hands-on opportunity to gain field ecology and conservation research experience.
Learn more about this project here.
“Easily the best month of my life.” – Josh, UK
On Naifaru Island, volunteers support sea turtle rehabilitation and coral reef restoration. Learn to conduct marine surveys, care for rescued turtles and promote sustainable island conservation while living in paradise.
Learn more about this project here.
“A life-changing experience…witnessing these giant turtles up close was incredible.” – Lorraine, UK
Help protect endangered leatherback turtles on the beaches of Grenada. Volunteers patrol nesting sites, collect data and support education programmes that reduce poaching and safeguard marine biodiversity in the Caribbean.
Learn more about this project here.
“An inspiring week…we learned so much about elephants and Sri Lankan culture.” – Volunteer review
Work alongside researchers near Wasgamuwa National Park to study wild elephants and help reduce human-elephant conflict. Volunteers assist with wildlife observation, habitat restoration and community outreach, gaining insight into Asian elephant conservation.
Learn more about this project here.
“Diving every day in the kelp forests confirmed this is what I want to do…it was amazing.” – Amanda, USA
Join marine scientists exploring the world’s only Great African Seaforest off Cape Town. Volunteers survey kelp ecosystems, monitor sharks and fish, and collect marine biodiversity data that supports ocean conservation and climate research.
Learn more about this project here.
Each of these projects offers more than travel – they offer practical fieldwork experience, scientific training and cultural exchange that can help shape your path in environmental science, zoology, marine biology or conservation.
Whether you’re tracking elephants, studying dolphins or planting trees in the cloud forest, you’ll gain skills, confidence and a lifelong connection to nature.
👉 Start your journey into wildlife and environmental conservation today – explore more student internships and volunteer opportunities abroad with WorkingAbroad.
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November 22nd 2025
