from 1,447€

Outstanding 4.9rating (15)

Research Internship (In-person)

location
2 - 26 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Work on your own undergraduate or graduate research thesis/dissertation with us and carry out primary research in the field!
  • Receive ongoing guidance throughout the research process from our experienced team; from before you set off, during your volunteer internship with us and when you get back to university afterwards.
  • Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience managing sustainable projects in an international development NGO, having a real and positive impact on a vulnerable community.
  • Carry out a successful and impactful research project work alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Come to northern Peru to carry out your undergraduate/postgraduate research or support us in our ongoing research projects!

EcoSwell is a surfing-inspired sustainable development non-profit (NGO) driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of sustainability. We develop environmental, educational, infrastructure and socio-economic projects working hand in hand with local communities and ...

About the program

EcoSwell is a surfing-inspired sustainable development non-profit (NGO) driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of sustainability. We develop environmental, educational, infrastructure and socio-economic projects working hand in hand with local communities and international volunteer interns.

As a multidisciplinary academic team, we not only carry out our own social and scientific projects that we constantly need support with, but we also welcome interns from universities around the world to come and carry out their own bachelors/masters/PhD research with us in Lobitos. Volunteer interns are welcomed to develop their own research project as part of their application if it can be aligned with EcoSwell’s work and focus. Keep reading for more information on this volunteer internship!








Typical day

As a research volunteer intern at EcoSwell, you will be given ownership of the research projects, working alongside members of the community and the EcoSwell team. The daily activities will vary depending on whether you are conducting your own research or supporting EcoSwell with a current project. ..

Typical day

As a research volunteer intern at EcoSwell, you will be given ownership of the research projects, working alongside members of the community and the EcoSwell team. The daily activities will vary depending on whether you are conducting your own research or supporting EcoSwell with a current project. This may include but is not limited to:

  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Impact Research

This research project aims to quantify the impact that EcoSwell has on the local community in relation to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Interns are needed to help conceptualise the methodology and carry out data collection via surveys with members of the local community.

  • Surfonomics

As a surfing paradise with world-class waves, Lobitos attracts beginner to advanced surfers from all over the world. As a result, the tourism industry is growing rapidly and will need to be effectively managed in the future. As a result, Surfonomics studies work to determine the economic value of waves to coastal communities, so that these communities can make beneficial, informed decisions regarding coastal protection. Analyzing this data will allow EcoSwell and its affiliates to put a quantitative value to the waves of Lobitos, which will better enable their protection and potentially have Lobitos be declared a World Surfing Reserve. Volunteer interns may be required to carry out data analysis using SPSS statistical software and report writing based on surveys conducted with tourists and surfers in 2018/2019.

  • Groundwater research

After winning a research grant from the Royal Academy of Engineering-UK (RAEng) by the UK’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), EcoSwell has been conducting groundwater research in Lobitos in partnership with UK universities. This study aims to investigate the extent & quality of groundwater resources in the region that could potentially be sustainably tapped into, managed and used for reforestation irrigation or potentially human consumption by local communities. Interns are needed to support the EcoSwell team in fieldwork, community workshops, analysis of qualitative and quantitative data that has been collected and report writing.

  • Business Plans / Market Research

Project 1:

Developing a business plan for bird watching ecotourism in the equatorial dry forest, one of the most endangered forests in the world. The long-term goal is to provide an economic alternative to illegal logging of a poor settlement located in EcoSwell’s zone of influence. The students would develop a business plan alongside the local community who are striving for greater equality and therefore lead the reforestation projects. This project will have a huge impact on the lives of the locals, the species that will be saved in preserving the forest and will help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Project 2:

Provide entrepreneurial and creative knowledge to local farmers running small farms and cheese production businesses. Volunteer interns will assist locals to consolidate ideas and create a business plan.

Project 3:

Conduct market research into how local fisherman can increase the productivity of their catch. Local fishermen use lines and nets so they don’t harm the environment but are at threat from trawlers and illegal fishing.

  • Your own research: Dissertations (Bachelors, Masters, PhD)

Create an appropriate research methodology for your own academic research as a part of your university studies which would be applicable to Lobitos and the work that we do. We have received many interns from various world class universities who have carried out successful socio-economic and scientific fieldwork projects as part of their degrees with us.

Depending on the nature of your research, you may be required to bring certain equipment and resources to aid in data collection.


The financial contribution you make as an volunteer intern helps us plant a tree with community families in Lobitos with the volunteers at EcoSwell and the families engaging as well. 



Free-time activities

Volunteer interns work between 9am to 5pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. For those joining our in-person placement, the northern coast of Peru has amazing waves, beaches and towns to go visit, with lots of different activities on offer such as:

  • Surf ...

Free-time activities

Volunteer interns work between 9am to 5pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. For those joining our in-person placement, the northern coast of Peru has amazing waves, beaches and towns to go visit, with lots of different activities on offer such as:

  • Surf lessons with local instructors in Lobitos. Alternatively, rent one of our EcoSwell surfboards and head out to the waves by yourself.

  • Yoga classes

  • Swimming with turtles 

  • Fishing, sea-lion and whale watching trips with local fishermen

  • Trekking and birdwatching in the native Dry Forest ecosystem

  • Eat traditional Peruvian food at local restaurants 

  • Visits to other nearby beaches and towns within hours of Lobitos to explore more Peruvian landscapes, culture & history.

Please note that these activities are separate and are not included in the financial contribution you make as part of the volunteer internship. 



Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level) or Spanish (basic level)

Education Requirements

Environmental issues / renewable energy, engineering, economic development, business consulting / entrepreneurship, land, wildlife and natural resource management / conservation, operational management, program design and evaluation, research / community studies at University level

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

This volunteer internship is open to all disciplines, but is most suited for those interested in/have experience in data analysis, research and sustainable development. Undergraduates, postgraduates, PhDs and/or professionals are all welcome. However, we do ask for: - Experience/motivation to work as part of a team away from home. - Open mind, positive attitude and will to learn!

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by EcoSwell

You can volunteer at the project site in Lobitos between 2 weeks and 14 weeks. EcoSwell will let you know about the final price during your application process.

Airport pickup and drop off, accommodation and food & drink are included in the fees.

Deposit (18%)
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment (82%)
Your final payment will be agreed with EcoSwell during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

The financial contribution you make as a volunteer intern helps funds our community projects and operations, it funds our impact. For every volunteer intern that joins our program, we also plant a tree with local families to help restore the degraded forest ecosystem found in our region.

Crowdfunding Service
Generally, volunteering abroad involves certain costs. In case you need financial support, we will assist you to fundraise your volunteer program in Peru.

Airport Pickup at Captain FAP Victor Montes Arias Airport

We will pick you up from Talara, the closest airport to Lobitos and drive you to the EcoSwell house by car.

Accommodation

In-person placement: During your volunteer internship with us, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in the EcoSwell House, including all meals (healthy and mostly vegetarian) and airport pickup/dropoff. This is included in your financial contribution. Volunteer interns sleep in shared dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and access to a shared living room, office space, kitchen, internet connection, clean water and a garden.

Food & Beverages

Peruvian food is categorised as some of the best in world. You’ll get all your meals included within the EcoSwell house as part of your contribution. The food that we cook is usually all vegetarian, although sometimes we by fresh fish from the fishermen. We keep our shared kitchen stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, coffee… you name it we have it, and more (as you’ll probably try new fruits you didn’t know existed). All food is bought weekly in the nearest city of Talara fresh from the markets and supermarkets. You will also get a chance to try out local cuisine in some of the restaurants in Lobitos.

We share a cooking and cleaning rota during lunch times on week days. Feel free to help yourself to anything for breakfast and dinner and cook with your fellow interns!

Of course, we are also able to provide for people with dietary requirements such as vegetarians, vegans and those with lactose intolerance, for example.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Captain FAP Victor Montes Arias Airport (TYL) in Talara. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

This research internship is available all year round and you can join us any time. However, we do ask that you stay with us for a minimum of 2 weeks in order to have enough time to conduct sufficient research,  make an impact and get the most out of the experience. 

It’s easy to get to Lobitos! There are daily flights from Lima to Talara where you will be met at the airport and driven directly to Lobitos.


Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,447€
3 weeks 2,131€
4 weeks 2,767€
5 weeks 3,366€
9 weeks 5,785€
26 weeks (max. stay) 16,714€
Average fees 682€/week

Program fees

682€ per week 2 - 26 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 26 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with EcoSwell during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

EcoSwell

Outstanding 4.9 rating (15 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2013

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Michael

About the project

Sustainable development NGO driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of sustainability, improving the lives of the local population.

Meet your organization

What we do

EcoSwell is a sustainable development non-profit (NGO) driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of sustainability, improving the quality of life of their inhabitants.

As an NGO we develop educational, infrastructure, environmental, social and economic productivity programs working hand in hand with local communities and with international volunteers/interns. We take a “shared value” approach, working with the private, public, academic sectors and other NGO’s, to come up with relevant and lasting sustainable solutions. 

Our approach towards sustainability consists of three pillars:

  • Nature conservation
  • Social justice
  • Economic well-being for all

Where we operate

We at EcoSwell currently operate in Lobitos, a Peruvian coastal northern town and surfing hotspot, which has seen an increase in uncontrolled tourism over the last 15 years. As a result of the town’s lack of infrastructure, lack of communication between stakeholders and lack of integrated development programs, this tourism is giving rise to various environmental, social and economic risks to the town’s long-term sustainability and wellbeing. Further to this Lobitos is a small town of approx 1,650 people where approximately 27% of the population live in poverty and 14% live in extreme poverty, that means less than 90 cents a day for all their needs.

We are working to change this through a variety of programs from distinct disciplines to come up with innovative solutions.

Our vision and long term objective

The issues that we at EcoSwell see in Lobitos are not exclusive to the town, or to the north of Peru. They are global issues which are impacting various communities around the world. As such, by 2021, our vision is to make Lobitos a success story of coastal sustainability, where a respectful tourism industry can co-exist with the local community and the industries found within Lobitos. The long term objective of the organisation is to develop a sustainability framework which could be applied in other Peruvian coastal communities, based on our experience gained in Lobitos, and to communities around the world. 

Who we are

We believe that diversity breeds change, a positive one at that. As such EcoSwell is made up by a network of young professionals from a wide range of different professional disciplines, from environmentalists, to social scientists, engineers, lawyers, economists, athletes, language specialists and others. We believe that only through the wide perspectives all these different professions bring to the table, is the concept of sustainability attainable in the real world. We share and learn from each other and apply all of our expertise into coming up with relevant, realistic and applicable solutions to help us drive sustainability forwards and improve the lives of our beneficiaries.

We have a team based in Lobitos permanently and a team based in the UK who provide technical and financial resources to our team on the ground. Our contributors and members are based all over the world.

EcoSwell's story

It all started with friendships and a surf trip. Four lifelong friends (our co-founders) travelled along the Peruvian coast in search of waves. One of the locations they went to, was the off the beaten track town of Lobitos. Whilst there they caught some of the best waves of their lives, met some of the kindest people imaginable and were exposed to breath-taking natural beauty and wildlife. Jacques Cousteau once said: "people conserve what they love" and the group of friends had fallen for Lobitos. Seeing the environmental and social constraints the town was enduring though, contrasting with the natural beauty of the locality made them realised that if nothing was done, Lobitos' essence would not endure for long. EcoSwell is the manifestation of this call to action. Since then, the EcoSwell family has grown from 4 members to nearly 20 from various nationalities, with operations expanding beyond Lobitos, to other surrounding towns. And to think that this is the beginning of our story... there is so much more to come.

15 reviews · rating4.9

I spent two weeks with EcoSwell in Lobitos, a lovely little untouched town. The work allowed me to get involved with the community. The EcoSwell team are well established in the locality and have a great relationship with the fishermen of the town. I honestly couldn't have chosen a better place to ...
I packaged my Master's learning and travelled to Lobitos to carry out my thesis research, which created a comparative tool to analyse the extent and nature of opportunity identification within multidisciplinary teams. Outside of this purpose I identified an opportunity to help Ecoswell after ...
Ellen Jones rating5

2016 at Research Internship (In-person)

In August 2016 I spent three weeks volunteering with EcoSwell in Lobitos conducting my Geography dissertation research. As part of my qualitative research, I investigated aspects of Lobitos Verde, EcoSwell's reforestation project. The project works with women and their families in the local ...
Arthur Gallois rating4.4

2023 at Renewable Energy Internship (in-person)

My experience with Ecoswell was exactly what I was hoping it would be, I learned so much in only one month, with amazing people. Plus, the work we were doing had a clear and concrete impact on the community, I definitely recommend ...
Sten Lengsfeld rating5

2021 at Renewable Energy Internship (in-person)

My name is Sten Lengsfeld, I‘m from Zürich Switzerland and I was 19 during my internship at EcoSwell. I applied for a renewable energy internship, so I got to work on the development of a solar distiller together with other interns and the directors. But I got to work on various different ...
Frances Ramsay rating5

2019 at Renewable Energy Internship (in-person)

Upon reflection on my experience volunteering at EcoSwell, I think one of the most important things I learned that the way to create change is through sustainable maintenance of projects. Many NGOs in developing countries is that they tend to start projects, when volunteers come, and discontinue ...

Location

Americas > South America > Peru > Lobitos

You might also be interested in

Contact Michael
  Good response rate

Most volunteers ask about


Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Michael
Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy