Join Isla for a truly immersive and “all inclusive” international experience! Our team pairs you with a local NGO in your field of interest, supports you every step of the way, secures housing, insurance, etc., connects you with professional, social, and cultural opportunities, and collaborates with your university to ensure all academic requirements are met!
Intern with a regional initiative based in Bulgaria, dedicated to advocating for wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Please note, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Internships can take place during the school year or summer break. Internships last for 6+ weeks. You will get a chance to specify when you would like to start your internship.
Established between 1990 and 1994, this organization has officially been declared a rescue center in accordance with the Biodiversity Act by the Bulgarian Minister of Environment and Water. This organization focuses on various key areas such as sustainable economic development, environmental protection, energy development, and addressing climate change. The organization works towards advancing sustainable practices to ensure equity through policy advocacy and project development in the region, with a particular emphasis on biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable natural resource management.
With its own wildlife rehabilitation and breeding center, this organization is a specialized unit related to the “treatment, rehabilitation, reproduction and return to the wild” of rare and endangered wild animals. Its activities include treating and restoring distressed rare species for their return to nature, breeding rare birds of prey with permanent disabilities, developing programs for the re-introduction and support of populations of various endangered species, providing shelter for confiscated rare wildlife, and conducting educational activities and environmental youth programs. With a variety of field activities as well as large-scale initiatives , interns will gain hands-on experience in sustainable wildlife management and environmental care.
Isla will work closely with your university to locate funding and answer all questions. The following is included within the program so that you can focus primarily on the work at hand and be supported each step of the way!
- Pre-departure preparations (packing list, language modules, cultural guidance, etc)
- Quality Internship Placement with a customized scope of work
- Airport pickup and in-country orientation
- Welcome lunch/dinner
- Housing, internet, and fully stocked kitchen
- Groceries
- Travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
- Local SIM Card/phone plan (optional)
- Monthly Bus Passes/Transportation (optional)
- Local Language classes (optional)
- Tuition to study at the national university for 4 ECTS/3 US credits (Kosovo- optional)
- Mentorship from local professionals
- 24/7 support from Isla team
- Bi-weekly internship and cultural experience reflection sessions
- Scheduled team lunches/dinners with all interns/Isla team with relevant professionals/stakeholders
- Support in organizing and planning travel/in-country social activities
- Cultural/social activities as available
- Certificate of completion and letter of references upon completion of internship
- Continued mentorship post completion of internship (according to field of interest)
- Additional support depending on country of internship and academic requirements
Depending on the Intern’s skill set and interest, the Intern will be assigned to one or more of the following projects associated with the wildlife conservation Bulgaria:
- Wildlife Monitoring & Data Analysis
- Research & Policy Analysis
- Project Planning & Implementation
- Environmental Advocacy & Education Campaigns
- Media Outreach & Communication Strategies
- Ecotourism Development & Promotion
- Rehabilitation Programs & Conservation Planning
The Ideal Candidate
Isla seeks interns who share a commitment to the protection of wildlife and environment.
This internship provides a wonderful opportunity to earn academic credit to meet practicum, research, or capstone project requirements towards your degree. Or if you choose to intern abroad simply to gain international work experience in this unique global community, that is more than doable, too!
Skills & Abilities
- University undergraduate and graduate students, and young professionals working on a degree (or who have graduated in fields) in environmental science, ecology, wildlife biology, sustainability studies, agriculture, conservation biology, English, creative writing, or other-related fields.
- Willingness to take initiative and work under minimal guidance in both office and field settings.
- Motivated and committed to work effectively as part of an inter-cultural team.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, and willingness to learn.
- Be flexible and work to understand diverse cultures, history, and relative current events.
All Isla internships are customized to your particular academic interests and skill set. Please note, if you are a university undergrad or grad student, it is your responsibility to check with your institution and with Isla Internships Abroad to be sure that your internship Scope of Work is designed to meet all requirements for your particular academic needs.
The Isla Team is available to guide you through the process even before you accept your Isla internship position. Most of the work in developing your placement is conducted way before your arrival in-country!
Hear from 2024 Isla Alumni: “I would describe it as a unique and rewarding experience for anyone interested in exploring the world and helping people. My time in Kosovo was one that I’ll never forget, as the knowledge I gained and the people I met will both have special places in my heart.”
“The internship experience was one that will open your worldview and expose you to new challenges that you will only experience interning abroad. Interning through Isla will develop not only memories, but skills that will transfer into the workforce.”
“I would describe this experience as a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was very rewarding and it really shows what you can do by yourself in another country. It is something that I think everyone should do.”
Please note: A $90 application fee is required to process your application.
Apply here. Contact The Isla Team for more information at info@isla-serve.org! Live Learn Intern
