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.

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.

Workplace and computers are provided by the institution.

# of Positions per term

1-2

Start Dates

At the start of any academic term, depending on availability

Duration of Internship

4-6 months

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 Ability

Intermediate-advanced Spanish skills. It is recommended to take a Spanish course in Chile prior to the internship in order to acclimate to the Chilean idioms and accent. IE3 can arrange this for you (costs starting at $135/week).

Other Requirements

Total costs vary depending on how long you plan to be abroad, where you will be living, your personal spending habits, and current exchange rates. The following estimates will give you a ballpark figure for this internship. Get help with the math from our handy Cost Calculator.
ALL ESTIMATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

IE₃ Program Fee

The IE₃ program fee is $3450 for the first term for both in-state and out-of-state students and $1000 for each additional term, regardless of credit earned. You do not pay tuition for the term(s) you are abroad. Visit your University's IE₃ page for details, costs for additional terms, and campus administrative fees.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

Expense Type	Price
Host Site Fees	$470 fee to ContactChile, but IE3 pays this fee for the intern.
International Travel	$1400
Visa Fees	$140*
Recommended Immunizations

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	$200-$300
Food	$150-$300
Local Transportation	$75
Recreation	$100
Personal Expenses	$75

Compensation

None

Additional Expense Information

Interns should budget $550-$600 per month for rent, food and general living expenses. There is a $100 reciprocity tax charged by the Chilean government upon entry into Chile.

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 minutes to Pacific beaches.

CODEFF Website

Information on Concepción

Concepcion Tourist Information

Field Notes Postings:

Parque Tumbes by Katharina-Victoria Perez: Oregon State University student interning with CODEFF in Talcahuano, Chile. (February 21, 2012)