My husband and I run an adventure tourism business in the Galapagos Islands. Every year we get interns to help out during our busy summers (May-August) for 3 months. We just connected with an aupair here and thought it would be a good place to look for interns since most people here want to travel, can swim, have 1st aid training and like working with kids.

INTRO

We are an adventure tourism company in the Galapagos Islands. We operate land-based, multi-island tours around the archipelago that are designed to visit the islands, animals and inhabitants in an active, adventurous and sustainable fashion. We bike, kayak, hike, and snorkel. Throughout the year we work with adult groups and during the summer we’re very busy with student groups (high school aged).

THE WORK

During your 3-month internship, your main job will be assisting in the office, helping our guides with their groups and activities (like snorkeling!), organizing and maintaining gear, and keeping the office tidy. We work long hours – especially when we are crazy busy and have several groups here at once (then it’s 24/7). You could go from emailing to washing gear to cycling down the road to buy supplies for a group all before 7am. Other possible work responsibilities will be based on your skills and our current needs.

SKILLS AND QUALITIES NEEDED


EXCELLENT SWIMMER: Being an excellent swimmer/snorkeler is required. It’s likely that you’ll do a lot of snorkeling with the groups and you need to be comfortable in the water with anxious, unskilled snorkelers. Preference will be given to applicants with CPR/First Aid and lifeguard certifications.

INTERMEDIATE SPANISH: The restaurants, hotels, taxi drivers, etc. do not speak English and you will need to communicate with them.

PHYSICAL FITNESS, MENTAL ENDURANCE AND POSITIVITY: Being fit and accustomed to the great outdoors is a vital. This is a physically and mentally demanding position. The tours are active and on the go, expending energy and being forever personable is taxing at times and there are a lot of early mornings. You’ll need to maintain a genuine and sunny disposition throughout.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: You’ll be interacting with almost all of our passengers during the summer. Professionalism and the ability to diplomatically handle difficult passengers and complaints are crucial.

WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF EXCEL: All of our data is managed using Excel and although you don’t have to be a whiz at it, fundamental knowledge is essential.

ABILITY TO FIGURE IT OUT AND BE USEFUL: Being intuitive and proactive is essential. You need to make yourself useful and be helpful in whatever way is needed while you are here without always being told what to do or reminded what to do.

MONEY

-This is an unpaid internship position.
- Free accommodation (a room or homestay) will be provided. *This can be discussed.
- Depending on your skill set, we may offer to buy your flight from Quito to the islands ($500). You are responsible for getting yourself to Quito.
- We will cover your National Park Entry Fee (up to $100).
- Food is your responsibility: budget between $10-20 a day depending on if you eat in or eat out.

CONDUCT: Relationships or anything construed as misconduct or inappropriate with any of the passengers is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate termination and dismissal. What you do in your free time with local residents is your business. Passengers are our business. Drinking is prohibited if you are with, near or in site of any student group. If you happen to be with an adult group, moderation is expected at all times. Again, your free time is yours – as long as it doesn’t interfere with your work.

BENEFITS

GALAPAGOS TOUR: You will go on at least one tour as a helper ($3999 is the going rate). You will still be working but all your expenses will be covered. Responsibilities include assisting the guide with luggage, being a safety assistant in activities like snorkeling and hiking to keep track of all passengers and participating in all activities. You need to be personable and professional.

MINIMAL COST TO YOU: Most people pay to come to Galapagos just to volunteer; they usually spend weeks chopping down blackberry with a machete and getting mosquito bitten.

HANDS ON LEARNING: This is an amazing opportunity to experience Galapagos in depth (the animals and the culture), learn what it takes to run your own business, work in tourism, further develop communication and Spanish skills, and build your resume.

OPPORTUNITY: Many of our interns go on to work with our partner companies or other tourism/hospitality agencies. You’ll see what these companies do, if it’s of interest to you, you’ll have experience to apply in the future.

FREE TIME: Although you won’t have an abundance of free time, when you do have it, you’ll also have access to all the office gear – kayaks, bikes, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment.