from 1,401€

Outstanding 4.9rating (15)

Renewable Energy Internship (in-person)

location
2 - 26 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Moderate response rate

Highlights

  • Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience managing sustainable projects in an international development NGO, having a real positive impact on a vulnerable community.
  • Work alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines & backgrounds.
  • Live and work in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, the land of endless summer.
  • Explore other regions of Peru such as the rainforest, Machu Picchu and Lima.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Work on designing and implementing sustainable renewable energy initiatives to improve the lives of people in Peruvian vulnerable communities.

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 interns.

Lobitos is a semi-rural community that suffers from regular blackouts and power cuts. Moreover, energy costs are the highest monthly expense of families that are struggling to get out of poverty. EcoSwell’s renewable energy projects work to combat these issues by providing sustainably sourced energy which is accessible to the more deprived groups within the community. So far we have:

  • Installed a 2500W solar panel system at the artisanal Fisherman’s Guild Community Hall in 2016 to harness energy from the year-round desert sunshine, thus reducing their operating costs and generating important income for their organization.

  • Constructed a solar distiller to desalinate seawater and provide clean water for the local community. Lobitos is located in an arid desert landscape, therefore clean water is not readily available naturally and the supply of clean water from the nearby city of Talara fluctuates. This project aims to potentially expand to more units to provide reliable clean water for even more people in the community.

  • We are currently working on a wind turbine for the Lobitos Medical Post. The blackouts mean that the vaccines stored in fridges expire when they are not kept chilled. The strong winds, especially during the winter months, will provide a readily available backup source of energy at the medical post, thus giving the local community consistent access to vital vaccinations. 

We are in need of hard-working interns with an interest and/or background knowledge/experience in renewables to come to Lobitos and help us in the implementation of these projects.

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. 



Typical day

As a renewables volunteer intern at EcoSwell, you will be given ownership of the projects, directly co-managing our sustainable energy initiatives. The daily activities will vary depending on the progress and stage we are at each project. This may include but is not limited to:

  • Designing renewable ...

Typical day

As a renewables volunteer intern at EcoSwell, you will be given ownership of the projects, directly co-managing our sustainable energy initiatives. The daily activities will vary depending on the progress and stage we are at each project. This may include but is not limited to:

  • Designing renewable energy solutions and implementing any add-ons or improvements to the existing systems.

  • Leading research and coming up with relevant mechanical and electrical solutions in the construction of wind turbines, solar distillers and other potential renewable energy devices.

  • You will work directly with the directors to manage the budgets of materials required.

  • Learn from our educational seminars given by our Directors on topics including: NGO/social enterprise creation and management, marketing and outreach, research techniques and more.

  • Getting involved in the actual installation work and upkeep of the projects.

  • Carrying out crowdfunding campaigns to raise funds for the implementation of more energy projects.



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 (fluently) or Spanish (basic level)

Education Requirements

Renewable Energy, Environmental Science, Engineering, Geography, Business/Marketing, International Development, Conservation 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 or have experience in renewable energy. Undergraduates/postgraduates, PhDs and/or professionals are all welcome. However, we do also ask for: - A background or personal motivation in engineering, electronics, renewable energy systems, sustainable development. - 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.

Deposit (15%)
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 (85%)
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.

The fees include all food, accommodation, airport pick up and on-site support and guidance during your time with us.

Airport Pickup at Captain FAP Victor Montes Arias Airport

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.

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. This includes, meats, fresh seafood, 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.

Of course, we can cater for volunteers with dietary requirements such as vegetarians 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) 1,401€
3 weeks 2,067€
4 weeks 2,685€
5 weeks 3,266€
6 weeks 3,920€
9 weeks 5,616€
26 weeks (max. stay) 16,222€
Average fees 661€/week

Program fees

661€ 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

  Moderate 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

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 ...
Joris Simaitis rating5

2019 at Renewable Energy Internship (in-person)

Lost. That’s how I felt during my third year of university. But I found EcoSwell’s volunteer internship program. I was determined. I have always had renewable energy and sustainability in my heart and it was time to take initiative. Here at EcoSwell I got to work on many incredible projects. I ...
I spent three weeks in Lobitos with the EcoSwell team. Upon my arrival, the first thing I noticed was how quickly the new arrivals were assimilated into the EcoSwell life and routine. Within a few days of living and working with the directors and the other volunteers it felt like I had been there ...
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 ...

Location

Americas > South America > Peru > Lobitos

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