Environmental Research Internship
Coordinator | Miguel
Coordinator | Miguel
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Break free from the 9 to 5 and hone your work ethic on a project that gives interns the freedom to be creative in their own light.
Work alongside a team of experts, incredibly knowledgable locals, and wonderful wildlife.
Strengthen your resume with hands-on experience in reforestation, sustainable agriculture, wildlife conservation, research, and more!
Make memories you'll never forget on weekend excursions around Pai and the beautiful villages in Northern Thailand.
Embark on awesome field trips along with staff and interns as we expand our project and reach new heights!
We are currently recruiting interns to conduct valuable and hands-on research at Conserve Natural Forests.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
Do you want to gain hands-on, practical experience in conservation while enjoying the lively and unique town of Pai? We are a small organization with big goals, and we’re looking for incredible interns to help us achieve them!
Research Internship Description
Conserve Natural Forests is the perfect base for conducting your individual- or group research projects in the environmental-, biological- and earth sciences. We are also happy to cater to faculty-led groups or citizen science initiatives– please contact us to discuss the opportunities. Additionally, we have numerous projects in the works that require assistance with preliminary research, including watershed management and eco-corridor development.
Conserve Natural Forests is the perfect base for conducting your individual- or group research projects in the environmental-, biological- and earth sciences. We are also happy to cater to faculty-led groups or citizen science initiatives– please contact us to discuss the opportunities. Additionally, we have numerous projects in the works that require assistance with preliminary research, including watershed management and eco-corridor development.
- Recent Undergraduate and Graduate Thesis Research:
- A holistic approach of the factors contributing to the decline of the Asian Elephant in Thailand- Maddy Zimmerman, Yale University 2017.
- A study on intervention activities of external agents in forest dependent communities and their effects on livelihoods and the state of the forest in Northern Thailand- Lenore Sturm, Utrecht University 2017.
- Recent Intern Research Projects
- Learning and implementing the Framework Species Method to encourage reforestation on garlic and soy bean fields, Wesley Snell 2017.
- Exploring the Thai and Karen people’s relationship to their land while examining the feasibility of sustainable development in a globalized economy, Casey Trautwein 2017.
- Requirements:
- A degree or relevant experience in Biology, Wildlife Biology or Management, Environmental Studies, Conservation, or other related fields.
- Ability to live and work in a communal environment, communicate effectively, and approach issues with a problem-solver attitude.
- A driven, self-starter work ethic and motivation to tackle independent projects.
- Must be positive and professional.
Why Intern With Conserve Natural Forests?
CNF stands out amongst other international internships because it allows for each intern to find their niche while working and living in Thailand. Unlike traditional internships that stress a 9-5 lifestyle in an office setting and give little room for creative thought and flexibility, CNF gives interns the freedom to be creative in their own light, thus benefiting the organization while also developing their own personal skillset.
There is a range of experts on the team that can act as either supervisors or mentors. We emphasize teamwork, effective communication, and collaboration. Due to the small nature of our organization, these skills are critical for the success of the operation and making sure things move along smoothly. If you are interested in wildlife and environmental sustainability projects while also exploring and discovering a new culture and way of life, please apply for one of these internship options! If you are interested in making a difference on an international scale, and connecting with other young, spirited individuals from around the globe, then look no further!
Typical day
Daily activities will vary depending on your internship focus area, season, local events, and other factors. A typical day for an environmental conservation intern might look like:
- 8:00-9:00 am- Eat a delicious breakfast prepared by our Thai staff and enjoy a beautiful 10-minute drive to the project site (motorbike provided).
- 9:00-10:00 am- Meet with staff and discuss daily activities, necessary support, or anything else interns need to tackle their projects!
- 10:00 am-12:00 pm- Work on individual or group projects, which might include maintaining the nursery, collecting materials for building projects, collecting data for research, and more.
- 12:00-1:00 pm- Enjoy another delectable meal of Thai delicacies prepared by our on-site chefs while the whole team rests and takes a well-deserved break.
- 1:00- 1:30 pm- Prepare for afternoon activities. Interns might assist staff with Ecotours to educate visitors about our mission, head to the office to conduct online research for projects, or continue working on site
- 1:30- 5:00 pm- Assist staff with the afternoon Ecotour, where guests come to learn about our reforestation and wildlife conservation work, including following Kamee, our resident Asian elephant, as she roams the project site and forages on her favorite foods. If not helping with the Ecotour, interns can use this time to work on their individual or group projects either on-site or at the office.
- 5:00- 6:00 pm- Enjoy another wonderful meal together with your fellow interns.
- 6:00 pm onward- Make plans to explore the beautiful town of Pai along with interns and friends, from the lively walking street to local venues with live music.
Free-time activities
Pai is known for its vibrant community of locals and ex-pats, a lively walking street with food vendors and crafts, delicious restaurants with Thai and western cuisines, and consistent live music almost every night. Beyond Pai center, the surrounding area is full of fun adventures, like tubing down the Pai river, chasing cascading waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, gorgeous sunset spots, ziplining, mountain biking and ATVs, training traditional Muay Thai Boxing, and more.
Pai is also located along the Mae Hong Son loop, a circular route encapsulating Chiang Mai, Pai, and Mae Hong Son. Many tourists embark on this gorgeous drive via motorbike, with countless opportunities to visit scenic villages and landmarks in Northern Thailand.
Concert/
Music
Music
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
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.
You need to speak English (fluently)
Environmental Science, Environmental Conservation, Forest Management, Permaculture, Wildlife Biology, or other related fields. at University (In progress or completed) level
CV
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Ability to live and work in a communal environment, communicate effectively, and approach issues with a problem-solver attitude.
A driven, self-starter work ethic and motivation to tackle independent projects.
Must be positive and professional.
Specific qualifications are listed under each internship description.
A driven, self-starter work ethic and motivation to tackle independent projects.
Must be positive and professional.
Specific qualifications are listed under each internship description.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
09:00
- 17:00
What's Included
The internship fee is used to cover the cost of:
- Accommodation- Primarily a bungalow with double bed and private bathroom.
- Food- Interns are provided with three meals a day, five days a week, and are welcome to explore the delicious cuisine and restaurants in Pai during the weekends. Our talented chefs are able to accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Transportation- Every two interns will be given a motorbike to share for transportation from the provided houses to the project site.
- Field Trips- Interns will be able to participate in fieldwork and trips around Pai and beyond.
- Visas & Necessary Documents- Our team will organize any necessary documentation for you to apply for a Non-O volunteer visa and any other information you may need during your stay.
Our primary intern housing is located next to the CNF office and boasts beautiful waterfront views. The bungalows are single occupancy with a private bathroom, double bed, and front porch for lounging and relaxing after work.
If intern bungalows are full, comparable rooms will be booked and provided for interns at a nearby guesthouse.
Interns are provided with three meals a day, five days a week, and are welcome to explore the delicious cuisine and restaurants in Pai during the weekends. Our talented chefs are able to accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.
The nearest airport is Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in Chiang Mai. We assist you to find cheap flights to Thailand.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Thailand provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Thailand you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Thailand.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Internships are available year-round, however, responsibilities and internship activities will vary slightly by season. For example, tree plantings can only be done during the rainy season (approximately mid-June through early October). However, there is plenty of work to do regardless of the season!
Once you arrive in Chiang Mai, our staff will be able to help organize transport to Pai through a local minibus service (approximately a three-hour drive). We will pick you up from the Pai bus station and transport you to Intern accommodation and get you settled for the start of your internship.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
4 - 48 weeks
Program fees
4 weeks
(min. stay)
$1,008
5 weeks
$1,238
6 weeks
$1,466
7 weeks
$1,696
11 weeks
$2,612
19 weeks
$4,444
48 weeks
(max. stay)
$11,088
Average fees
$242
/week
The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
Conserve Natural Forests
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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.
Your final payment will be agreed with Conserve Natural Forests during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
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application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Conserve Natural Forests cancels your trip
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Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Conserve Natural Forests.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Environmental Research Internship
We are currently recruiting interns to conduct valuable and hands-on research at Conserve Natural Forests.
$216/week
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