We are looking for motivated, enthusiastic and adventurous interns to join us in the Amazon jungle, Ecuador and help support the growth of this budding social enterprise. Interns with Fundación Runa will have the chance to take on groundbreaking research in a range of fields described below. Interns will work alongside our experienced technicians and engineers in the field, and also have the chance to participate in cultural exchange events and guayusa ceremonies.

Internship Areas:
Agroforestry System Design
Agricultural Economics
Community Development
Forestry Conservation and Watershed Management
Monitoring and Evaluation
Online Media and Graphics
Organic Agriculture

In addition to enjoying life in the Upper Amazon, interns will engage in the rigorous and dedicated culture that characterizes Runa. As an American-managed organization, communication, transparency, and dialog are hugely important to us, and we provide constant support, training, and guidance to our interns, researchers and volunteers. Our 30-person staff in Ecuador is often called “La Familia Runa” because we are so close, supportive, and have such a good time together.

The people of Runa are forward-thinking farmers, young entrepreneurs, and seasoned advisors—all working together to pioneer new ways to create value that benefits people and the planet. Fundación Runa's Executive Director, Eliot Hines, graduated from the Yale School of Forestry, and actively works with interns and researchers to share his knowledge and guide their experiences.

Runa’s work is highly collaborative, cutting edge, and adventurous at every turn.

We invite you to join us in the Ecuadorian Amazon!

Dates:
Fall Internship:
September 1st – December 31st 2011(Minimum 8 weeks, dates flexible)

Winter Internship:
January 9th - March 5th 2012

Spring Internship:
March 12th - May 21st 2012

Summer Internship:
June 4th - August 13th 2012

Costs:
8 weeks room and program fees………..$1600
10 weeks room and program fees............$2000
Additional weeks……………………….....$200/week

These costs cover room and program fees in Tena, Ecuador. Travel to and from Tena is not included. Runa has a limited amount of scholarship funds available to go towards these costs if applicants have exhausted other funding opportunities

Living Arrangements:
Interns and researchers live in "Casa Runa" in Tena, Ecuador. Interns and researchers will be responsible for their own food. Ample low costs restaurants and markets are available within walking distance, and interns frequently cook meals together to limit food costs.

Application Process
Please send the following directly to our Program Manager, Cassandra Walker at volunteer@runa.org.

1. A simple resume
2. Letter of intent (including which project you are applying for and why you want to intern)
3. Two references (email addresses are OK)

If you are interested in working with us or have any questions about the internship program please send an email directly to volunteer@runa.org..