Spain
Intern in Madrid, Spain
Madrid has an active renewable energy and sustainability sector, with organizations working on wind power, low energy consumption advocacy, and environmental policy in one of Europe's major capital cities.
Internship Fields
Environmental, Ecology & Horticulture Internships Abroad
Gain Real Environmental & Ecology Experience with Internships Abroad
Passionate About the Environment? We have programs just for you
Environmental and ecology work looks different depending on where you are in the world. The ecosystems, the conservation challenges, the energy policies, and the communities working to address them all vary in ways that are difficult to understand without being there. An environmental, ecology, or horticulture internship abroad gives you direct exposure to those differences and makes you a more well-rounded professional in the process.
Placements cover a wide range of focus areas. Past interns have worked on wind power projects in Madrid, solar energy initiatives in Chile, turtle conservation at a research station in Uruguay, water resource projects in Oaxaca, and horticulture programs at botanical gardens and public parks in Scotland. The specific placement will depend on your background, areas of interest, and the programs available at the time of your internship.
Placements are available in Spain, Chile, Uruguay, Mexico, and Scotland. Language requirements vary by placement. Some positions in Oaxaca are accessible to all levels of Spanish, while others in Spain and Latin America require a working level of Spanish for daily professional communication.
Why Choose an Environmental, Ecology, or Horticulture Internship Abroad?
An international environmental internship gives you the kind of field experience that is difficult to replicate in a domestic setting. Here is why environmental science, ecology, and horticulture students choose to intern abroad with Adelante:
Work on environmental challenges that are unique to another country
Every region has its own set of conservation priorities, energy policies, and sustainability challenges. Working abroad gives you direct exposure to issues and approaches you would not encounter at home.
Contribute to real conservation and sustainability projects
Past interns have participated in active data collection, species monitoring, and community-based environmental advocacy programs that make a genuine impact.
Gain field experience across different ecosystems
The ecosystems in Spain, Latin America, and Scotland are vastly different from each other and from what most students experience domestically, adding real breadth to your scientific background.
Build your Spanish in a field or research setting
For placements in Spain and Latin America, working in a Spanish-speaking environment develops technical vocabulary and communication skills that strengthen your professional profile.
Earn academic credit
Most Adelante interns receive academic credit through their home university, with full documentation support from our team.
A genuine interest in environmental issues and a willingness to get hands-on with the work will serve you well in this sector, no matter which placement you end up in.
What Will You Do as an Environmental, Ecology, or Horticulture Intern Abroad?
Environmental, ecology, and horticulture is a broad field, and our placements reflect that. Here is a look at the types of work our interns have taken on across their placements:
Work on Renewable Energy and Sustainability Projects
Some placements involve working within organizations focused on renewable energy and sustainability. Past interns have worked on wind power projects in Madrid and solar energy initiatives in Chile, contributing to research, data collection, and project support within organizations working at the forefront of the energy transition in their region.
Participate in Conservation and Wildlife Research
In Uruguay, interns volunteer at a turtle research station within the zoo in Montevideo. The research center’s main goal is to observe and determine the approximate numbers and general habits of juvenile green turtles in the zone. Interns participate in the daily collection of data under the guidance of research coordinators.
Work on Water and Community Environmental Projects in Mexico
In Oaxaca, placements are available with an established organization focused on water issues in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. The work involves merging modern knowledge and technology with the social structure and wisdom of traditional communities. Offices are in downtown Oaxaca and projects are available for all levels of Spanish.
Work in Horticulture and Botanical Gardens in Scotland
In Scotland, interns participate in horticulture, plant science, and gardening experiences at either a college or public garden in the Highlands. Past interns have assisted with the Royal Botanic Gardens, worked in the Plant Hunters Garden, or contributed to programs at the Royal Zoological Society. This five-week program runs during summer only.
Destinations
Our Top Environment, Ecology & Horticulture Intern Abroad Destinations
Spain
Intern in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has a strong environmental advocacy community, with nonprofits and organizations working on sustainability, low energy consumption, and urban environmental initiatives in one of Europe's most forward-thinking cities.
Latin America
Intern in Chile
Chile is a leader in renewable energy in Latin America, with a growing solar and wind energy sector that offers environmental interns meaningful exposure to the region's energy transition.
Latin America
Intern in Uruguay
Uruguay is home to Adelante's turtle conservation placement at a research station within the Montevideo zoo, offering ecology students a hands-on and genuinely impactful conservation experience.
Latin America
Intern in Mexico
Oaxaca offers environmental placements with a community-rooted organization focused on water resource issues in the region's Central Valleys, combining environmental science with community development work.
Intern in Scotland
Scotland's Highlands are home to some of the UK's most respected botanical gardens and horticultural institutions, offering interns a five-week summer program in plant science, horticulture, and gardening at world-class facilities.
Programs
Programs With Environmental, Ecology, Horticulture Placements
Barcelona
Internships in Barcelona
Intern in Barcelona with housing, placement, and language classes included. Guaranteed placements across 30+ fields, programs starting monthly.
Madrid
Internships in Madrid
Intern in Madrid with housing, placement, and language classes included. Guaranteed placements across 30+ fields, programs starting monthly.
Viña del Mar – Valparaíso
Internships in Chile
Intern in Chile with housing, placement, and language classes included. Guaranteed placements across 30+ fields, programs starting monthly.
Montevideo – Punta del Este
Internships in Uruguay
Intern in Uruguay with housing, placement, and language classes included. Build your resume while living in Montevideo or Punta del Este.
Oaxaca
Internships & Volunteering in Oaxaca, Mexico
Volunteer or intern in Oaxaca, Mexico across a range of fields. Affordable programs with housing included and flexible durations from 2 to 6+ months.
Edinburgh
Observation & Research in Scotland
Apply for an Observation and Research program in Scotland with assignments in Psychology, Ecology, Veterinary, Speech Pathology, and more.
What’s included
Every Adelante Program Includes
Affordable Programs
Both our Internship Abroad and Study Abroad Programs are among the most affordable you’ll find. Explore a new country and gain meaningful internship experience that makes a difference, without being limited by your budget.
Centralized Accommodations
Enjoy your own private room in a shared city-center apartment, conveniently located near your placement, local life, and weekend adventures.
Guaranteed, Contracted Internship Placement
You’ll receive a signed contract from your host organization before you arrive. We have placed 100% of our candidates in one of their requested fields and stand behind that with a guarantee.
Customized Program Building
Your Adelante director builds your placement around your background, interests, Spanish proficiency level, and areas of interest. No cookie-cutter placements.
Guided Reflection Exercises
We help you identify and articulate the skills you’ve built abroad, an essential step in translating impactful international work into language that resonates on your resume, in interviews, and on graduate school applications.
Academic Credit Support
Nearly every Adelante intern who needed academic credit has received it. We provide full documentation and can work with your home institution to meet their requirements.
How to apply
How the Application Process Works
Apply Online
Fill out our simple online application. There is no fee to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to get started.
Get on the Calendar
Eligible candidates receive a link to schedule a free, first assessment interview by phone or Google Meet.
Interview
We’ll learn about your background, areas of interest, Spanish level, and goals so we can start building the right placement for you.
Interview Results
In real time or within 1–2 business days, you will receive your interview results by email. Successful candidates receive an acceptance letter with clear next steps.
Confirmation
Confirm your spot within one week of acceptance with a $325 confirmation fee. This means there is no tire-kicking, and you are committed to going abroad. A second interview and full placement details follow soon after.
Pre-Departure
Once confirmed, you will receive a comprehensive Pre-Departure Information Packet with everything you need to prepare for your time abroad, including visa guidance if required, along with cultural prep.
Reviews
Hear From Adelante Abroad Candidates
Read what past interns, students and volunteers say about their time abroad with Adelante.
Kaitlyn R.
University of Missouri – Columbia, MO, USA
Environmental, Ecology, Horticulture · Scotland
I owe so many thanks to Adelante Abroad for allowing me to satisfy my love for travel while also getting to fully immerse myself into living in another country. The staff at Adelante was so quick to answer any questions I had, whether it be from preparing for my trip to things to…
I owe so many thanks to Adelante Abroad for allowing me to satisfy my love for travel while also getting to fully immerse myself into living in another country. The staff at Adelante was so quick to answer any questions I had, whether it be from preparing for my trip to things to do while actually in Scotland. I spent weekends traveling to the Highlands, Iceland, and London in addition to doing some sightseeing throughout the city (such as some of the many museums, the castle, etc.). I think you don’t truly get the cultural experience unless you are actively trying to immerse yourself in the city and its surroundings. Overall, I would recommend Adelante Abroad to any independent traveler looking to gain work experience.
Corrynn S.
Texas State University
Environmental, Ecology, Horticulture · Scotland
Things are going so well here! This opportunity has surpassed my expectations! It’s incredible here at the Gardens and in Edinburgh. I’m truly in love in with all of it. I can’t believe there’s only less than 2 weeks left now. I hope I find my way back here one day.
Environmental, Ecology, Horticulture FAQs
What Can I Expect as an Environmental, Ecology, or Horticulture Intern Abroad?
During an environmental or ecology internship abroad, you might assist with conservation projects, wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, or sustainability initiatives. Many interns help collect data on biodiversity, support local NGOs, and learn about international environmental policies. Each placement is unique, offering hands-on experience in global environmental protection and ecosystem management.
What is the pricing for an Internship in Environmental, Ecology and Horticulture?
Pricing for an environmental, ecology, or horticulture internship depends on where you will be participating in the internship and how long you will be abroad. Pricing for our programs differs from country to country. Do you want to travel for 2 months or 6 months? This will change the internship program price as well. You can learn more about our pricing.
Where can I go for an environmental or horticulture internship abroad?
We offer environmental, ecology, and horticulture internships in destinations like Madrid, Chile, Barcelona, Uruguay, and Scotland, with each destination providing a different ecosystem and cultural experience. For example, you might study solar energy along the Chilean coast, work on wind power projects in Madrid, contribute to low energy consumption in Barcelona, or work at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, Scotland.
How long are environmental and horticulture internships abroad?
Our environmental, ecology, and horticulture internships range from five weeks to six months, depending on your goals and the host organization. Our five week program is only offered in Scotland during the summer. All of our other internship programs are at least 2 months long. The longer you are abroad, the more you get out of your internship. Summer internships abroad are especially popular with university students, while recent graduates often choose longer placements for more in-depth experience.
What makes interning abroad in environmental studies different from interning locally?
Imagine Mediterranean climates, or the year long, rainy climate of Scotland. The environment in each different country differs drastically. Some countries focus more on sustainability than others and some locations are closer to the coast.
An environmental internship abroad exposes you to global sustainability challenges, different ecosystems, and international conservation practices. You’ll work alongside local experts and communities tackling environmental issues unique to their region, giving you a broader perspective and stronger resume.
When will I know my host company and internship placement?
After you’ve been accepted into the program, our team carefully matches you with a host company based on your background, goals, and interests. Your internship placement will be finalized 1 month before your departure date, giving you plenty of time to prepare for your experience abroad.
Why Choose Adelante Abroad?
Adelante Abroad has earned the trust of thousands of candidates worldwide through 25 years of guaranteed placements and life-changing experiences. Since 1999, we’ve specialized in providing affordable, customized internship and study abroad programs across Spain, Latin America, and Scotland, and we’re not a large, impersonal agency. We’re a team of seasoned travelers and international education professionals who’ve lived abroad ourselves and know what it takes to make your experience a success.
Every program is built around you: your goals, your values, your background. With in-country directors operating full-time in every city where we have programs, you’re never on your own. No matter where in the world you are.
Ready to Explore Environmental Work in a Different Part of the World?
The environmental challenges worth working on are not all in your own backyard. Apply today and let Adelante connect you with a placement where your skills and your passion can make a real difference abroad.