Internship Highlights

Minimum Duration: 2-weeks
Maximum Duration: 12-weeks
Availability: All year round except for the two weeks around New Year’s Day
Fees: Starting from $1,850
Language: The internship is conducted in English
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 10am – 8pm
Location: Jelenia Góra, Poland
Eligibility requirement: Must be 18 years old or over, preferably with at least one year of undergraduate study in environmental sciences, ecology, biology, forestry, geography, wildlife conservation, or related fields. Applicants should have an interest in nature protection, outdoor activities, and environmental management.

National Park Conservation Internship

This is an in-country practical and observation-based program with provided accommodation and local team support.

Step into the world of protected-area management and discover how national parks balance ecosystem protection, scientific research, and public access. From monitoring sensitive habitats to maintaining visitor infrastructure, explore the diverse responsibilities involved in preserving natural landscapes for future generations.

Program Overview

The program takes place at Karkonosze National Park, established in 1959 in the Sudetes Mountains along the Polish-Czech border. The park protects a remarkable landscape of granite formations, glacial cirques, waterfalls, mountain forests, and high-altitude peat bogs. Its unique climatic conditions support rare and protected species, while its cooperation with the neighbouring Czech Krkonoše National Park contributes to the conservation of this internationally significant mountain region.

Program Highlights

• Practical Exposure: Experience the daily work of a national park and support activities related to environmental protection and maintenance.
• Field-Based Learning: Discover mountain habitats, wildlife, and ecological processes through observation and, where available, outdoor assignments.
• Professional Development: Strengthen teamwork, documentation, communication, and organisational skills.
• Career Exploration: Gain insight into careers in park management, ecology, forestry, wildlife conservation, and environmental protection.
• Cultural Experience: Live in Lower Silesia, surrounded by mountain scenery, historic towns, and opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Typical Activities

Participants work alongside national park personnel, assisting with ongoing operations and conservation-related projects. Depending on departmental needs, seasonal conditions, and participants’ backgrounds, activities may include:

• Supporting environmental protection and park maintenance activities.
• Assisting with wildlife observations, habitat monitoring, and biodiversity documentation.
• Helping assess the condition of tourist trails, signage, and visitor infrastructure.
• Participating in selected field activities alongside park personnel.
• Preparing educational resources, presentations, and visitor information materials.
• Supporting exhibitions, workshops, and public awareness initiatives.
• Helping promote responsible recreation and appropriate behavior in protected areas.
• Assisting with records, project documentation, data organization, and administrative tasks.

Activities vary according to current park priorities, weather conditions, and access restrictions. Outdoor fieldwork and participation in specialized monitoring projects are not guaranteed.

Why Choose This Program?

Discover conservation from the perspective of those responsible for protecting an entire landscape. Unlike placements focused on individual species or captive animal populations, this internship introduces the interconnected challenges of safeguarding habitats, managing visitors, maintaining infrastructure, and responding to environmental change. Experience how scientific knowledge and everyday management decisions shape the future of a protected mountain ecosystem.

Important Considerations

The internship combines observation with practical support, depending on the assigned department and the park’s requirements. Participants should be comfortable with variable weather conditions and potentially uneven mountain terrain if undertaking outdoor activities. Some tasks may be office-based or visitor-oriented, while access to sensitive habitats and specialized conservation work is restricted and subject to authorization.

Take the Next Step

Turn your interest in nature into meaningful international experience. Join the National Park Conservation Internship in Poland to explore protected-area management, develop professional skills, and discover the work involved in preserving mountain landscapes and their wildlife.

Associated career paths:

National Park Ranger, Conservation Officer, Ecologist, Wildlife Biologist, Environmental Scientist, Protected-Area Manager, Habitat Conservation Specialist, Forestry Specialist, Environmental Educator, Biodiversity Monitoring Officer, Natural Resource Manager, Conservation Project Coordinator, Environmental Consultant, Sustainable Tourism Specialist

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.