Program Details

In the cloud forests of Kauai join a non-profit organization in their effort to restore native Hawaiian vegetation. Learn firsthand about the plight faced by native species as a result of deforestation and unsustainable land management practices. Amazing
Location:
Paris, France
Program Type:
Intern Abroad
Degree Level:
Undergraduate
Term:
Year Round
Work Types:
Sciences & Environment

Program Overview

Program Description:
The INSTITUTE for GLOBAL STUDIES makes FRANCE dream internships come true! Work alongside top marine scientists; law firms; television stations; social workers; sports marketing gurus and many more! Our 90% placement rate on hard to find custom internships and global database of leading university researchers and top executives makes us the industry leader. IGS founder Dr. David Adams, a cultural anthropologist with twenty years of working one on one with students, has personally set up many of the internships during his world travels and research. The bigger the dream, the better the internship! 17 Countries.1 Dream.

In the cloud forests of Kauai join a non-profit organization in their effort to restore native Hawaiian vegetation. Learn firsthand about the plight faced by native species as a result of deforestation and unsustainable land management practices. Amazing Birds Wildlife protected within this refuge include: akiapola'au, Hawaiian akepa, Hawaiian creeper, Hawaiian hawk, ou, Hawaiian hoary bat, amakihi, Hawaiian thrush, elepaio, 'i'iwi, and apapane. All of these species and more are represented within one of Hawaii's largest forest reserves and last remaining stands of koa and ohi'a trees. This reforestation project is as much an effort in watershed management as it is in botanical restoration. Your contribution will benefit Hawaii's endangered bird species as well. Eight out of the fourteen native birds residing in the forest are endangered, and seven species have already become extinct since Captain Cook's arrival in 1778. You will play a significant role in advancing the recovery of this beautiful landscape. According to a local guidebook, "the refuge is very beautiful, a diamond in the rough, and encompasses an incredible rainforest like few on the Big Island" (Bisignani, 1999). Days are spent in the field, assisting in the office, or educating children groups. In addition, there is some work around camp that needs to be done, including maintenance and other odd jobs. Your reward is the knowledge that you are contributing to the long-term benefit of the rainforest. Location KAUAI This internship is located in a major state park rising above 5000 feet in elevation. It is a key area for the restoration of pre-montane and montane rainforest habitats, both of which are scarce on a global scale. You are about forty minutes from the nearest town and an hour and a half from Lihue--the capital city. It is possible to leave the project for a couple of days a week for hiking or travel to the city. However, we suggest that only applicants who enjoy remote locations and who do not feel attached to city living apply for this option. Weather Conditions While working in the Park, be prepared for some wet days and eternally wet grasses. Above 2,000 feet, you can expect cooler daytime temperatures and cold nights--temperatures can dip into the 40s up on the mountain. The following items are what your staff will pack (if you are very sensitive to cold weather, you should add more layers): one pair of long johns, a pair of lightweight, durable, waterproof rain pants, and a good rain jacket. Job Description You will join a team of seasoned backcountry workers 3-4 times per week in their trips into forest. Sensitive areas are targeted for restoration and you will employ a variety of means to ensure the survival of the native vegetation. Some mapping of areas may be undertaken. In addition, some spraying of exotics is likely included. Along the way you have an opportunity to learn by asking questions. Your hosts have logged thousands of hours in the backcountry working on this project and know the flora and fauna of this special place intimately. If you would like to spend an equal amount of time in camp as in the backcountry that can be arranged. Minimum Length of Stay 4 Weeks Accommodations Comfortable government housing with full facilities, Hot water and your own bed are provided; the house is fully heated as well. Space is limited and you can expect to share accommodations, including kitchen facilities, with other staff members. Previous Intern Experiences Past interns have really enjoyed the staff members. Most walk away from the experience confident that they had made a difference. Some interns enjoyed the fact that the beauty of the rainforest location was completely opposite any beachside image that most people think of when they consider Hawaii. Purpose To perform vegetation management activities in Kökee, Waimea Canyon, and Na Pali State Parks, involving primarily alien invasive plant (weed) removal but also sometimes including other management actions such as trail Qualifications Interest or training in botany and ecology Commitment to preservation of native Hawaiian ecosystems Comfortable and responsible in wilderness conditions, understand healthy camping Willingness to perform hard physical work and use herbicides No allergies, back problems, or other medical conditions Team player, safe worker Ability to accept instructions and put them into practice Development opportunities Can learn and gain experience in the taxonomy, function and management of Hawaiian flora and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the threats to these native forests and what can be done about them. Receive safety training and training in resource management methods. Spend time in one of Hawai’i’s finest State Parks; can also participate in Kökeÿe Museum projects and programs. Support equipment provided Safety gear such as gloves, safety glasses, compass and map Machetes, clippers, machete belt & pouches as needed Tally meter for cou

IGS programs are the best programs for the money. We have purposefully kept cost below our competitors to allow us to work with deserving students. You will get one on one counseling throughout the process and we are available seven days per week. We provide students a letter of reccomendation as needed. And our founder, Dr. David Adams, can serve as a job reference in the future.
Setting Description:
We work in big cities like Paris as well as rural locations. You can choose your location for most internships. IGS provides a contact person for each country. You will be picked up at the airport and shown your internship location. Next, we will take you to your housing. You are guaranteed a private room a short commute to your job site. We try to place you where you can make friends easily in parts of town with other students and in housing options with people like yourself. We want you to be comfortable!
Cost:
Four Weeks $2335 Six Weeks $3255 Eight Weeks $3850 Twelve Weeks $4495 $500 more for custom internships Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe cost more per each four weeks.