Internship Highlights

Minimum Duration: 2-weeks
Maximum Duration: 12-weeks
Availability: All year round except for August and the two weeks around New Year’s Day
Fees: Starting from $2,000
Language: The internship is conducted in English
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 10am – 8pm
Location: Athens, Greece
Eligibility requirements: Participants must be at least 18 years old and have a genuine interest in animal welfare, wildlife conservation, or veterinary sciences. The program is particularly suitable for students and graduates in veterinary medicine, animal sciences, biology, zoology, environmental sciences, and related disciplines. Previous animal care experience is beneficial but not essential. Participants should be responsible, adaptable, and comfortable undertaking practical animal care and facility maintenance tasks.
University Credit: Cerca Abroad in cooperation with Webster University (Athens Campus) is able to offer a transferable US university credit option for this internship program. Learn more here.

Wildlife Care & Rehabilitation Internship

This is an in-country hands-on program with provided shared housing and local team support.

Discover the rewarding world of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation while contributing to the protection of Greece’s native animals. This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in animal care, learn about wildlife rehabilitation, and support the daily operations of an established wildlife rescue organization.

The program is offered in cooperation with ANIMA (Hellenic Wildlife Care Association), who cares for thousands of injured, orphaned, and vulnerable wild animals every year, including birds, mammals, and reptiles, with the aim of helping them recover and, whenever possible, return to their natural habitats. Participants join ANIMA’s dedicated team and assist with essential daily activities at its First Aid Station in Athens. Through supervised involvement in feeding, animal accommodation maintenance, and general care routines, interns gain valuable insight into the responsibilities and challenges of wildlife rehabilitation. Whether you are preparing for a career in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, zoology, or conservation, this experience offers an opportunity to develop practical skills while making a meaningful contribution to wildlife protection.

Program Highlights

The Animal Care & Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship in Greece is designed for students, graduates, and animal enthusiasts seeking international experience in wildlife care and conservation. Key program features include:

• Hands-On Animal Care: Participate in supervised daily care routines, including food preparation, feeding, bedding replacement, and maintaining clean animal accommodation.
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Experience: Gain insight into the care and recovery of injured, orphaned, and vulnerable wild animals, including native birds, mammals, and reptiles.
• Professional Learning Environment: Work alongside experienced wildlife care professionals and volunteers, learning about animal welfare, rehabilitation practices, and the challenges of caring for wild species.
• Wildlife Conservation: Discover the importance of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible human interaction in protecting Greece’s biodiversity.
• Meaningful Contribution: Support the essential daily operations of a wildlife care organisation, helping create a safe and suitable environment for animals undergoing recovery.
• Cultural Immersion: Experience Greek culture, explore historic Athens, and discover the country’s natural landscapes while contributing to an important animal welfare initiative.

Daily Activities:

• Animal Feeding & Nutrition
• Animal Accommodation Care
• Wildlife Welfare Support
• Hygiene & Sanitation
• Food & Supply Management
• Rehabilitation Centre Operations
• Learning Through Observation

Why Choose This Program?

Interns gain an understanding of how rescued animals are cared for, the challenges associated with different species, and the importance of preparing wild animals for their eventual return to nature..

Unique Features of the Program:

• Expert Mentorship: Work alongside seasoned professionals and veterinarians specializing in conservation biology.
• Practical Experience: Participate in real-world conservation projects with tangible impacts on wildlife and ecosystems.
• Comprehensive Learning: Explore the “in situ” and “ex situ” approaches to conservation through research and direct involvement.
• Global Network: Build connections with a diverse team of international and local experts.

Important Considerations

Wildlife rehabilitation requires patience, responsibility, and a commitment to animal welfare. Daily activities focus on feeding, cleaning, and maintaining suitable conditions for rescued animals. To minimize stress, direct animal interaction and handling are restricted and must follow staff instructions. This is a practical wildlife care program rather than a clinical veterinary internship, so medical procedures, specialized activities, and wildlife releases are not guaranteed. Participants should be flexible, work well in a team, and respect the animals’ natural behavior.

Make an Impact Today

Turn your passion for animals into meaningful international experience!

Join the Animal Care & Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship in Greece to develop practical skills, contribute to the well-being of rescued wildlife, and discover the importance of animal conservation while experiencing the history, culture, and natural beauty of Greece.

Fees include:
– 24/7 in-country support
– Airport pick-up
– Customized internship plan
– Fully furnished shared accommodation
– Local English speaking coordinator
– International reference letter
– Program & host city orientation
– Support before, during, and after your internship
– Sourcing and securing your internship placement
– Supervisor coaching
– Support to gain academic credit

Fees do not Include:
– Airport drop-off
– Local activities, meals/drinks (of any sort)
– International/local travel costs (incl public transport)
– Visa (if required), vaccinations
– Travel Insurance (mandatory), background check (mandatory)
– Any other service not mentioned

Important Things to Note:
– A program fee deposit of US$350 is required to secure your internship. This deposit is part of the total program fee and is not an additional fee.
– The remaining program fee balance is due 60 days before your internship start date.
– A US$400 refundable security bond may be required for accommodation and/or host sites. It is separate from the program fee and subject to deductions for damage or missing items.
– Terms and Conditions apply
– To convert fees to another currency visit the XE currency converter
– All applicable fees are disclosed before payment.