Research Volunteer Intern
Daily Tasks
As a research volunteer intern at EcoSwell, you will be given ownership of the research projects, working alongside members of the community and the EcoSwell team. The daily activities will vary depending on whether you are conducting your own research or supporting EcoSwell with a current project. This may include but is not limited to:
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Impact Research
This research project aims to quantify the impact that EcoSwell has on the local community in relation to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Interns are needed to help conceptualise the methodology and carry out data collection via surveys with members of the local community.
Surfonomics
As a surfing paradise with world-class waves, Lobitos attracts beginner to advanced surfers from all over the world. As a result, the tourism industry is growing rapidly and will need to be effectively managed in the future. As a result, Surfonomics studies work to determine the economic value of waves to coastal communities, so that these communities can make beneficial, informed decisions regarding coastal protection. Analyzing this data will allow EcoSwell and its affiliates to put a quantitative value to the waves of Lobitos, which will better enable their protection and potentially have Lobitos be declared a World Surfing Reserve. Volunteer interns may be required to carry out data analysis using SPSS statistical software and report writing based on surveys conducted with tourists and surfers in 2018/2019.
Groundwater research
After winning a research grant from the Royal Academy of Engineering-UK (RAEng) by the UK’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), EcoSwell has been conducting groundwater research in Lobitos in partnership with UK universities. This study aims to investigate the extent & quality of groundwater resources in the region that could potentially be sustainably tapped into, managed and used for reforestation irrigation or potentially human consumption by local communities. Interns are needed to support the EcoSwell team in fieldwork, community workshops, analysis of qualitative and quantitative data that has been collected and report writing.
Business Plans / Market Research
Project 1
Developing a business plan for bird watching ecotourism in the equatorial dry forest, one of the most endangered forests in the world. The long-term goal is to provide an economic alternative to illegal logging of a poor settlement located in EcoSwell’s zone of influence. The students would develop a business plan alongside the local community who are striving for greater equality and therefore lead the reforestation projects. This project will have a huge impact on the lives of the locals, the species that will be saved in preserving the forest and will help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Project 2
Provide entrepreneurial and creative knowledge to local farmers running small farms and cheese production businesses. Volunteer interns will assist locals to consolidate ideas and create a business plan.
Project 3
Conduct market research into how local fisherman can increase the productivity of their catch. Local fishermen use lines and nets so they don’t harm the environment but are at threat from trawlers and illegal fishing.
Your own research: Dissertations (Bachelors, Masters, PhD)
Create an appropriate research methodology for your own academic research as a part of your university studies which would be applicable to Lobitos and the work that we do. We have received many interns from various world class universities who have carried out successful socio-economic and scientific fieldwork projects as part of their degrees with us.
Depending on the nature of your research, you may be required to bring certain equipment and resources to aid in data collection.
Online program
You can take part in this position through our online program as well at a discounted financial contribution.. The online activities for this project may include (but are not limited to):
Feasibility studies
Research into new sustainability solutions
Data monitoring and/or analysis
Report and/or grant/fund writing
In addition, you’ll be able to take part in the following online educational seminars, given by our Directors:
NGO/Social enterprise creation and management
Outreach and Business Development
Marketing (digital and promotional)
Sustainability perspectives from a local "on the ground" development organisation
International environmental and social sustainability standards
Before applying, please ensure that you have familiarized yourself with the information in regards to the financial contribution required for the volunteer internship. We look forward to hearing from you!
Benefits of joining this program
As a multidisciplinary academic team, we not only carry out our own social and scientific projects that we constantly need support with, but we also welcome volunteer interns from universities around the world to come and carry out their own bachelors/masters/PhD research with us in Lobitos. Volunteer interns are welcomed to develop their own research project as part of their application if it can be aligned with EcoSwell’s work and focus. The benefits of carrying out a research project with us are:
Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience managing sustainable projects in an international development NGO, having a real and positive impact on a vulnerable community.
Carry out a successful and impactful research project work alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines.
Receive ongoing guidance throughout the research process from our experienced team; from before you set off for Peru, during your volunteer internship with us and when you get back to university afterwards.
Live and work in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, the land of endless summer.
Requirements
This volunteer internship is open to all disciplines, but is most suited for those interested in or have experience in data analysis, research and international and sustainable development. Undergraduates, postgraduates, PhDs and/or professionals are all welcome. However, we do ask for:
B1 level Spanish would be preferable if you are doing qualitative data collection. Spanish is not a requirement as a translator can be provided.
Knowledge of, previous experience in research or be carrying out an academic research project as part of your university degree.
Minimum age 18.
Basic experience or strong motivation to work as part of a team away from home.
However, the most important thing is that you have an open mind, positive attitude and willingness to learn!
FOR EVERY VOLUNTEER INTERN THAT JOINS US, A local family will plant and care for a native TREE IN THE VOLUNTEER INTERNS NAME.
If you'd like to get in touch with our former volunteer interns to hear about their experiences with us, get in touch and we'd be happy to connect you.
“Fantastic Research opportunity”
In August 2016 I spent three weeks volunteering with EcoSwell in Lobitos conducting my Geography dissertation research. As part of my qualitative research, I investigated aspects of Lobitos Verde, EcoSwell's reforestation project. The project works with women and their families in the local community by generating an exchange of knowledge based upon sustainable permaculture and the reuse of greywater and household resources. We went around doing house to house visits of the participants, monitoring the plants and public green space created and helping them to maintain and grow their plants. During my stay in Lobitos, we also held a drip irrigation workshop at the EcoSwell house. It was so insightful to see how EcoSwell and the community learn from each other on such a personal and direct level, and this workshop really reflected the great extent to which the local community are engaged with the project.
During my time in Lobitos I also had surfing lessons, went fishing, swam with turtles, cooked and ate lots of local food and visited other parts of the region so there are many opportunities to explore and try out even more activites while you are out there. As a volunteer, the team at EcoSwell and the local people of Lobitos have been so helpful with the whole process of my research, and they have taught me so much about what it means to establish and run a sustainable development NGO. EcoSwell have an exciting future ahead of them and I feel proud to be a part of their sustainable vision.