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International Internships in Environment & Sustainability

Environment and sustainability internships abroad offer a unique and impactful opportunity for individuals passionate about addressing global ecological challenges and promoting responsible resource management. These internships provide hands-on experience in diverse environmental projects, conservation efforts and sustainable development initiatives in different cultural contexts. Interns collaborate with local organizations, research institutions and governmental bodies, contributing to areas such as biodiversity preservation, renewable energy implementation, waste reduction, climate adaptation, and more. By engaging in meaningful work abroad, participants deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness between environmental health and social well-being, while also developing practical skills to create lasting positive change.

During these internships, individuals may be involved in field research, data collection, community outreach, policy analysis, or environmental education programs. This hands-on involvement equips interns with a comprehensive skill set, including project management, stakeholder engagement, and a holistic understanding of sustainable practices. The exposure to diverse ecological landscapes and cultural perspectives nurtures a global mindset, inspiring interns to devise innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues and contribute to a more sustainable future. Ultimately, environment and sustainability internships abroad empower participants to become environmentally conscious leaders, capable of effecting meaningful change on a local and global scale.

Every World Endeavors Internship Program Includes

Our internships are as unique as the countries that host them, but there are program features that unify all of our internship experiences.

YOUR INTERNSHIP

  • Professional customized internship placement
  • Year-round program availability
  • Flexible durations from 1 to 6 months, depending on the destination

CAREER READINESS PROGRAM

  • Resume clinic and interview skills workshop
  • One-on-one coaching
  • Professional competencies development

ACCOMMODATION

  • Housing vetted and selected with quality, safety and proximity to your placement in mind

CAREER AND ACADEMIC INTEGRATION

  • Re-entry handbook and support
  • Academic credit facilitation
  • Post-program assistance with resume updates and completion certificate
  • World Endeavors Alumni Network

TEAM OF EXPERTS

  • Dedicated one-on-one advisor
  • Local on-site coordinator
  • Internship placement supervisor

PEACE OF MIND

  • Comprehensive travel medical insurance (not included with internships in the UK)
  • Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance (not included with internships in the UK)
  • Professional liability insurance

Our Top Intern Abroad Destinations

World Endeavors volunteers support communities in several destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Our programs are located in a variety of sites, including urban and rural, economically developed and developing, and English-speaking and non-English speaking.

How to choose the best Internship program

Choosing your internship program is easy when you evaluate your priorities. Follow these steps to guide you toward your ideal program.

Explore a New Career

Interning abroad offers a great opportunity to explore your professional and personal interests, and help define your career path. Peruse our internship fields and past examples to find the best fit.

Choose Your Dream Destination

Finding a meaningful way to combine interning and travel to your dream location is a big incentive. Carefully consider which destinations suit your interests and international internship goals.

Improve Language Skills

Immersing yourself in a language-rich environment is the ultimate method for developing fluency. If language-learning is your goal, favor destinations that use your language of choice.

Fit your budget

Explore scholarships and financial aid to determine if these may impact your destination options. Consider the overall cost of the program and cost of living in-country to identify the optimal match.

Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.

SEARCH

All our Environment & Sustainability Internships

Explore our diverse range of internship options and embark on a transformative journey that allows you to make a real difference in the field of environment and sustainability. If you would like to refine your search further then please use our Program Finder tool.

Career Break Group of Interns posing for a photo.
Costa Rica

Marine and Environmental Conservation Cohort Internship in Costa Rica

Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's rich biodiversity and make a direct impact on marine and environmental conservation efforts through this hands-on, 4-week internship. You’ll work alongside local communities, participate in critical research, and help preserve some of the world’s most precious ecosystems.

Marine and Environmental Conservation Cohort Internship in Costa Rica

Experience Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity through hands-on conservation work and cultural immersion. Begin in San José with a welcome dinner and a tour of local environmental initiatives, then head to Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge for activities like wetland tours, bird counts, and environmental education with locals.

Along the coast, intern in Cuajiniquil to support coral reef conservation and sea turtle protection, and in Camaronal, assist with data collection and beach patrols for endangered sea turtles. Wrap up in Uvita, contributing to coral restoration and beach clean-ups before a final gathering in San José. This immersive program offers invaluable experience and a lasting impact on Cost

Intern Abroad A man walking on the street, wearing headphones and carrying a backpack.
Scotland

Intern Abroad in Glasgow

Intern abroad in Glasgow, Scotland and advance your career in a global environment while exploring this beautiful country full of medieval gems and magnificent landscapes.

Intern Abroad in Glasgow

Our internships in Scotland are fully supported by an advising team and the organizations that we partner with for internship placements. We currently have the following internship fields available:
  • Tourism and culture [includes visits to top attractions]
  • Marketing and Business Administration
  • Working with children and young people [IE: sports, arts, after school care]
  • Community Development
  • Social Care
  • Education
  • Construction

Our advising team will work closely with you to ensure that you land the ideal internship you’ve been searching for. Our internships are typically at least 1 month and can be extended all the way to a year in some circumstances, but generally speakin

Environment & Sustainability FAQs

What’s the best way for me to find internships in environmental studies?

The best way to find internships in environmental studies is to start by thinking about the type of work you’re most interested in, whether that’s conservation, research, education, or sustainable development. Once you apply through World Endeavors, we’ll help you explore placements that align with your goals and background. Our programs are designed to connect you with meaningful projects around the world, so you can gain hands-on experience while contributing to environmental efforts in a real-world context.

What types of internships are available in environment and sustainability?

Internships in environment and sustainability cover a wide range of focus areas, depending on your interests and academic background. You might work on projects related to conservation, environmental education, sustainable agriculture, research, or policy. World Endeavors offers placements with organizations that focus on real-world environmental challenges, giving you the chance to contribute to ongoing efforts while building practical experience in the field.

When should I apply for sustainability internships?

It’s a good idea to apply for sustainability internships with World Endeavors as early as possible, especially if you have a specific timeline or destination in mind. Some placements take additional time to coordinate due to technical details or visa requirements. That said, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so even if your timeline is tight, it’s still worth reaching out. The sooner you apply, the more options you’ll have available.

Where can I get a sustainability internship?

Internships focused on the environment and sustainability are available in top destinations, such as Costa Rica, Scotland, and Argentina, among others.

Who is eligible for an environment and sustainability internship?

Environment and sustainability internships are open to students, recent graduates, and others who are passionate about environmental work. You don’t need a specific major or background, but an interest in sustainability and a willingness to engage with real-world challenges are important. If you’re motivated to learn and contribute, you’re encouraged to apply.

Please note: World Endeavors interns should be 18 years or older and should have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the start of their program.

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How to apply for an Internship Abroad

You’ve decided to intern abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. Get ready to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!

STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK

Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.

STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.

STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE

Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!

STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!

You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready to gain skills and grow your network abroad!