Environmental science internships in Asia and beyond
Field samples, lab tests and GIS mapping with environmental teams.
Overview
What the internship is about
Environmental interns work with consultancies, research institutes, conservation NGOs and the sustainability teams of companies. Depending on the host, you collect water, soil or air samples, run lab tests, map sites in QGIS or ArcGIS, take part in wildlife or reef surveys and help write environmental impact reports. Policy-focused hosts ask for research briefs on regulation and climate targets. Many projects in Southeast Asia focus on forests, mangroves, rivers and coral reefs.
Field weeks can mean early starts, travel and long days outdoors; office weeks are for analysis and writing. Indonesia and Malaysia are our strongest destinations, followed by Thailand and Japan.
Why do it
What you'll get out of it
Support research on climate, conservation and sustainability, with fieldwork, sampling and data analysis. You learn how field data becomes evidence that decision-makers trust.
Research environmental laws and policies and help write briefs and recommendations. You learn how policy shapes environmental action and how to write for decision-makers.
Support projects linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as clean water, renewable energy and sustainable cities. You see how global goals become local projects with budgets and deadlines.
Your role
Gather data in the field or from reports and analyze it in spreadsheets or GIS tools. Your work supports policy and advocacy.
Reach out to local communities, NGOs and partners to share information and build support for environmental projects.
Help create posts, workshops and materials that teach people about environmental issues and sustainable habits.
Where to go
This is where we have the most host companies in this field, but you can do it in any of our destinations. See all destinations
Where you can do this
Prices
How much it costs
FAQ
Your questions, answered
What will I do on an environmental science internship?
You'll help protect nature and the environment through field research, data collection, lab tests, conservation projects or environmental reports.
Do I need experience to get an environmental science internship?
Not for every role. Lab and field roles suit science students, while policy and education roles are open to other degrees too.
What skills and tools will I use?
You may use field equipment, lab tests, GIS mapping tools and Excel. Safety rules and training are part of every field role.
Where can I do an environmental science internship?
Popular destinations for environmental science internships include Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Singapore and South Africa. Tell us where you'd like to go and we'll check what's possible.
Can I get university credit for my internship?
Yes, if your university accepts it: we provide the documents it needs (internship agreement, placement confirmation, supervisor evaluation and a host certificate of completion). Your university decides whether to give credit, and how much.
How much does it cost, and is it paid?
Programs start from $2,050 for 6 weeks on Explorer, depending on where you go. Most internships are unpaid.
In depth
- Collect samples and data in the field, following the safety rules.
- Run lab tests on water, soil or air samples.
- Map sites and data with GIS tools.
- Help with conservation projects, such as wildlife surveys or habitat work.
- Enter and analyze data in Excel.
- Help write environmental reports for clients or managers.
- Field and lab methods used on real projects.
- GIS mapping and Excel for environmental data.
- Safety routines for field work.
- Writing reports that people outside science can follow.
- How companies and NGOs deal with environmental rules in practice.
- A clearer idea of where you fit: field research, conservation, consulting or policy.
- Indonesia: renewable energy and environmental placements are among our strongest there.
- Malaysia: environmental science is among our strongest fields, and daily life costs much less than in Singapore.
- Thailand: environmental science is among our strongest fields, and our team is based in Bangkok.
- Japan: placements are mainly in Tokyo, and we have our own office in Japan.
- Singapore: regional offices, banks and startups in the CBD, Marina Bay and one-north.
- South Africa: environmental science is among our popular fields.
Intern stories
Hear it from our interns
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Applications open all year
Your field, somewhere new.
It's free to apply, and you only pay a deposit once you're accepted.