Internship Description

About the Organization:

CODEFF is Chile´s oldest environmental protection non-governmental organization (NGO) and is focused on the conservation of nature and the environment, and the promotion of sustainable development.

CODEFF conducts censuses of ecosystems and operates a small rehabilitation center for different species. The organization receives and treats injured animals, primarily Humboldt penguins and pelicans. Sea lions are observed and rescued in Cobquecura, a coastal village to the north of Concepción and CODEFF operates a campaign to protect sea lions and swans.

CODEFF focuses on several areas of research for political purposes, plans and programs; on-site monitoring; enhancement of capacities; raising of public awareness; and the generation of spaces for public participation. The organization is present in all major Chilean cities such as Viña del Mar, Talca, Concepción, Valdivia and Coyhaique.

Local Activities:
The internship site is located at the Concepción branch of CODEFF. Concepción, about 500 kms. south of Santiago, was Chile’s first capital (founded in 1551) and is today one of Chile’s largest cities (212,000 inhabitants) and forms together with the neighboring port town Talcahuano (250,000) Chile’s second largest industrial center. It has a lively university, a green city park on Cerro Caracol, and it is only 30 mins. to Pacific beaches.

Job Description:

Interns will work in the field on current campaigns, projects, presentations and research, as well as assisting with the daily operations of the office. Tasks may include observing animals, analyzing statistics and maps, and working in animal rehabilitation. Field work is most frequent in the summer (December through March).

Field work occurs at Cobquecura, Contulmo, Cañete, Talcahuano, Ñuble, etc; Depending on the location, the intern will return to Concepción in the evening or stay up to one week on site (e.g. Cobquecura).

Possible projects include observation of animals, elaboration of statistics and maps, and/or work in animal rehabilitation. CODEFF is currently conducting a census for different ecosystems, and they have a small rehabilitation center for different species. CODEFF receives injured animals in their Nature Park and Reserve Tumbes where they work mostly with Humboldt penguins and pelicans. Sea lions (Otaria byronia) are observed and rescued in Cobquecura, a coastal village to the north of Concepción. As well, there is an on-going campaign to protect sea lions and swans.

Additional Information:

http://www.codeff.cl/

Start Date:
At the start of any academic term, depending on availability.

Duration:
4-6 months, 40 hours per week.

Number of Positions:
varies

Intern Qualifications

Academic Background:
Biology, geography, environmental studies, environmental science, zoology, fisheries & wildlife, natural resource management, forestry, forest management, outdoor recreation management, sociology, environmental education, ecology, pre-veterinary medicine, etc.

Skills/Experience:
Strong applicants will have experience in conservation planning, scheduling and strategy; technology (such as GPS), and good cross-cultural communication skills.

Language Requirement:
The interns must have an upper- intermediate level of Spanish (completion of 3rd year university level). It is recommended to take a Spanish course in Chile prior to the internship. IE3 can arrange this for you (costs starting at $135/week).

Other Requirements:
Workplace and computers are provided by the institution.

Internship Costs

Program Fees:
The program fee includes tuition, internship site development and placement, pre-departure orientation, international health insurance, internship monitoring and follow-up.
Click here for application information, including the program fee, for your school.
Note: The program fee does not include airfare, housing, living expenses or any other estimated costs noted below.


Note:
Any financial or in-kind support provided by the host organization is explicitly indicated.

Compensation:
None.

Accommodation:
None provided but interns will receive assistance in locating suitable housing.  The housing costs run from approximately $200 to $300 USD per month and all the rooms are near the city center of Concepción, not more than 10- 15 minutes from the office. The rooms are properly equipped and have direct internet access in some cases. According to the intern´s necessities, rooms with private bathrooms can be organized. There is a very developed public transportation system in the region. There is a one-time fee charged by a local agency to arrange housing and to assist with any issues that arise during your stay. The cost is $98 for interns staying for one term and $140 for two terms.

International Travel:
Approximately $1400 for RT airfare to Santiago. Interns also need $100 in cash upon arrival at airport for multiple entry tourist visa. Busfare from Santiago to Concepcion is about $10 one-way and takes approximately 6 hours. It is also possible to fly from Santiago to Puerto Montt-Punta Arenas.


Cost of Living:
Approximately $550-$650 per month for rent, food, local travel, incidentals and recreation. The public transportation system is very developed and surprisingly organized. There are regular buses to the nearby towns and national destinations, especially Santiago de Chile, so it is a good idea to budget extra money for weekend travel.

Budget Note:
Applicants should use these estimates for preliminary budgeting purposes.
IE3 will issue an official budget after acceptance by the host organization.

Application Information

Academic Credit:
Up to 12 credits available as per arrangement with supervising department.

Application Materials:
IE3 is a program of the Oregon University System.
Students from participating partner universities are also eligible to apply.
Click here for application information and select your school from the list.

Created/Revised:12/3/07