Ecotourism and Sustainability Intern
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
- 5-week position 1st session: May 19, 2024 - June 22, 2024
- 5-week position 2nd session: June 23, 2024 - July 28, 2024
- 10-week position: May 19, 2024 - July 28, 2024
Embark on a 5-10 week adventure as a Summer Intern with Manna Project International, working closely with an indigenous Kichwa community in the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador. Your passion and intelligence will drive development programs based on economic livelihood development in line with ecotourism, development of the local ecotourism market, and improving ecotourism infrastructure in keeping with Kichwa culture and goals. This immersive experience enhances language skills and broadens your global perspective all while building your resume and enhancing your skills.
About Manna Project International:
Manna Project International (MPI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit empowering young professionals to apply their skills through community service. Operating in Ecuador, MPI employs a collaborative community-based model, addressing education, health, and livelihood development. Year-long volunteers, including Program Directors and Summer Interns, collaborate with local leaders to implement impactful programs.
Roles for Summer Ecotourism and Sustainability Interns:
- Developing and running community programs in areas of health, education, and livelihood development.
- Managing organizational operations.
- Working closely with local eco-lodge to develop staff, local projects, and resources.
- Develop infrastructure in community and surrounding rainforest to encourage local ecotourism.
- Create materials and run workshops on ecotourism, marketing, sustainable growth, and more.
- Building relationships with community members.
- Becoming acquainted with Kichwa and Amazonian culture.
- Raising awareness in the U.S. of international issues.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain and enhance current community ecotourism initiatives
- Build and deepen local and international partnerships
- Collaborate with Program Directors and the Country Director to improve local sustainability and ecotourism market
- Submit programmatic reports and track metrics for impact assessment
- Train incoming Program Directors, Program Coordinators, or Interns for efficient and sustainable progress
- Fundraise for on-site programmatic and operational development
- Contribute to organization-wide planning and development, including recruitment, finances, grant writing, social media, public relations, and donor relations.
Learning Outcomes (evaluated through 1-on-1 mentoring by industry professional):
- Cross-Cultural Communication: Develop communication skills through cultural immersion.
- Project Management: Gain hands-on experience in project planning and implementation.
- Leadership: Take on leadership roles and inspire teamwork.
- Community Engagement: Engage with communities and empower local initiatives.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Adapt to diverse cultures and respect traditions.
- Problem-Solving: Develop adaptable problem-solving skills.
- Global Citizenship: Foster a sense of responsibility for positive global change.
- Personal Growth: Reflect on experiences for personal and professional development.
Qualifications:
- Commitment to MPI’s principles and community development approach
- Strong collaboration skills for virtual team settings
- Enthusiastic about new cultures and customs, willing to step outside the comfort zone
- Patience and flexibility for unpredictable community work pace
- Self-starter capable of autonomy
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Spanish skills preferred.
Scholarships and Academic Credit are available
All interns will be required to live onsite in the Manna House for safety and community building experiences. Some exceptions are granted. This has a cost of $2,310 for 5 week session and $4290 for a 10 week sesision. This includes all on-ground transport, food, housing, wifi, tourism and cultural events, a professional development curriculum and certificate, as well as 24/7 emergency support.
Manna staff holds fundraising training for interns who wish to fundraise for their living package or apply for grants. There are also scholarships available to students with demonstrated need.
*Must be housing through Manna house