BSc in Agricultural Business Management
By participating in this wildlife internship in Thailand, you will contribute to the preservation of elephants alongside the mahouts. You will work in a reserve with these semi-wild animals and take part in educating the local population about the environmental challenges of the region.
Discover Thai culture through this immersion, and gain a valuable international professional experience. You will live the daily life of the locals throughout your project.
In the Chiang Mai province, in northern Thailand, lies the small town of Huay Pakoot, home to our elephant sanctuary as part of this wild animal internship.
Saved from tourist activities, the elephants are placed in a sanctuary where they are well cared for, well-fed, and can thrive in a natural environment. Our partner organization works closely with local caregivers (mahouts) to ensure the well-being of animals, often traumatized by mistreatment in the past.
Like all of our wildlife internship programs abroad, this project in Thailand allows you to validate your academic year while contributing to the preservation of the region’s wildlife.
It includes a more in-depth follow-up with a theoretical component in addition to the practical field experience. In addition to receiving the necessary ECTS credits to validate your year, you will receive an international certification recognized and awarded by the University of Richmond, USA. You will also complete two online course modules before the fieldwork mission to prepare for the project. On-site, as well as after the internship, you will benefit from professional support: a specialized internship supervisor will track your work and evaluate you at the end, and you will gain access to a job offer portal as well as a LinkedIn recommendation from your internship supervisor.
Take a closer look at the specifics of this internship as an academic program and sign up to start a sustainable career through a conventioned internship!
During your internship with these wild animals, you will gain unique knowledge and immerse yourself in the culture of the traditional Thai elephant farming communities while contributing to this multi-faceted program. The internship will give you the opportunity to gain work experience in three different areas: community development (teaching), environmental diversity, and animal protection.
The community development aspect will focus on teaching English to local schoolchildren as well as elephant caregivers (mahouts). You will also be involved in supporting community efforts aimed at reducing financial dependence on elephants.
The biodiversity program includes studying and identifying reptiles, mammals, insects, and birds in the region using various techniques. The elephant protection program consists of conducting health checks on elephants, raising awareness about the condition of Asian elephants, and reintroducing captive elephants into protected forests.
The internship encourages volunteers to take initiatives and introduce new aspects to help contribute further to the conservation of endangered species. Interns will be given specific responsibilities in terms of leadership, along with weekly presentations and evaluations from their mentors, who will track their progress throughout the training. Interns will receive exclusive training in team management at the base camp, as well as immersion in sustainable project management: logistics, supply chain, etc.
After completing the internship, qualified candidates will have access to job offers for conservation projects in Thailand and around the world. Over 50% of the staff at our partner organizations have previously interned at a base camp.
Like all of our wildlife internship programs abroad, this project in Thailand allows you to gain university credits while contributing to the conservation of the region's wildlife.
It includes a more in-depth follow-up with a theoretical part that adds to the practical experience in the field. In addition to receiving the necessary ECTS credits to validate your year, at the end of the program you will obtain an international certification recognised and delivered by the University of Richmond, in the United States. You will have two online course modules to complete before the field mission, to prepare you for the project. During but also after the internship, you will benefit from professional support: a specialised internship supervisor will monitor your work and give you a final evaluation, and you will benefit from access to a portal of job offers in NGOs as well as a recommendation from your internship supervisor on LinkedIn.
Take a closer look at the specifics of this internship as an academic program, and sign up to start a sustainable career via an approved internship!
During your internship with these wild animals, you will gain unique insight and immerse yourself in traditional Thai elephant-keeping communities while contributing to this multi-focused program. The internship will give you the opportunity to gain work experience in three different areas: community development (education), environmental diversity and animal welfare.
The community development aspect will focus on teaching English to the local school children as well as the elephant keepers (mahouts). You will also be involved in supporting community efforts to reduce financial dependence on elephants.
The biodiversity program includes the study and identification of reptiles, mammals, insects and birds in the area using different techniques. The elephant protection program consists of conducting health checks on elephants, educating on the condition of Asian elephants and reintroducing captive elephants into protected forests.
Rotating between programs offers you a variety of experiences and the opportunity to get involved in different aspects of animal and habitat protection, while giving you a wide range of skills and work experience for your future career. The internship encourages volunteers to take initiative and introduce new aspects to help them further contribute to the conservation of an incredible species. Interns will be given specific leadership responsibilities as well as weekly assignments and evaluation by their mentors, who will monitor their progress throughout their time at the centre. Interns will also obtain exclusive team management training approved by the internationally recognized Institute of Leadership and Management.
After a validated internship with wild animals, qualified candidates may have the opportunity to work for the centre or for selected partner organisations in Thailand or on projects in other countries around the world. More than 50% of the partner organisation's staff is recruited from our database of former interns.
Our partner organisation sits on the United Nations International Commission on Sustainable Tourism. All their initiatives and volunteer projects are led by experts.
They work in collaboration with local communities and the government.
As a non-profit organisation, our conservation project is completely transparent. The volunteer contribution is used to cover the planning of projects on the reserve (reconnaissance, team recruitment and logistical support), direct field costs (transportation, lodging, staff meals) and finally to support the project itself. Without the physical and financial help of the volunteers, this project would not have been possible.
They work in collaboration with local communities and the government.
As a non-profit organisation, our conservation project is completely transparent. The volunteer contribution is used to cover the planning of projects on the reserve (reconnaissance, team recruitment and logistical support), direct field costs (transportation, lodging, staff meals) and finally to support the project itself. Without the physical and financial help of the volunteers, this project would not have been possible.
This program is available for up to 24 weeks, Please contact us for rates and availability.
| Duration | Fees to be paid upon registration |
|---|---|
| 4 Weeks | 3295€ |
| 8 Weeks | 4495€ |
| 12 Weeks | 5645€ |
| 20 Weeks | 7943€ |
| 24 Weeks | 9195€ |
Housing is allocated by local NGOs, not by Freepackers - the descriptions are there to give you an idea of the type of accommodation, as it is very likely that conditions will vary on site depending on the number of volunteers, weather conditions, availability, etc. Each volunteer will be accommodated according to the stated conditions, but it is possible that the accommodation may not match the description or images shown on this site word for word, for example, in the case of annexed housing, renovations, relocations, etc.
This project allows you to live like a local, as each volunteer stays with a local family to fully immerse themselves in Karen culture and its warm people. Host families usually provide a private room or hut, and they are located throughout the village, typically within walking distance of the base camp. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the fresh morning air and village life.
There is cold running water for showers, bottled water for drinking, and communal toilets at the base camp. Volunteers participate in daily tasks, including cleaning and cooking (all of this is part of the experience)!
You will have breakfast at base camp before the morning treks, and lunch and dinner are usually meals prepared at home and provided by individual host families. The food is simple but nutritious, mostly vegetarian, with optional fish or meat available once or twice a week. During the first week, a team member usually eats with each participant in their host family to help them integrate into the family.
Your Arrival
Upon your arrival at Chiang Mai airport, a coordinator from the local team will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name and will ensure your transfer from the airport to the base camp, located about 4 hours away by car.
Communication
Wi-Fi is generally available at the Root Café in the village, but be aware that power outages and storms may make this solution unreliable. We recommend purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival to enjoy a stable connection.
Climate
The camp is located in the mountains, and despite the heat and humidity during the day, temperatures are cool at night, especially from November to February. Don't forget to bring warm and waterproof jackets, particularly during the months of August to September (rainy season).
Please contact the embassy or immigration website of the country you wish to enter.
You can find all ressources on the World Organization Website, in the Travel Advice section A vaccine vial.
For all international projects, Realstep requires participants to take out travel insurance covering accidents, illness, and repatriation, as well as civil liability for professional activities abroad.
For complete protection while studying or interning abroad, you can take out Cap Student insurance online by following this link Student insurance abroad | Chapka Assurances, which will give you a 5% discount.
If you take out another insurance policy, we will ask you to send us a copy of your certificate in English.
Achieve the language level required for your international project with tailored support. The Clic-campus method Free Packers X Clic Campus foreign language training courses combines videoconference lessons and an innovative e-learning platform, offering complete flexibility from the comfort of your own home.
A gap year is a period (often 6 to 12 months) during which you temporarily pause your studies or work to have a meaningful, structured experience: travel, volunteering, internship, job, personal project…
It can be done at any time, for the duration you choose, and in the field you want. The goal is to help you explore new possibilities for your personal and/or professional path.
Real Step offers a wide range of gap year programs abroad in various fields.
Anyone! A gap year can be taken at any age and is not limited to 18–25-year-olds. It can be done at any stage of life—whether for a career change, a lifestyle change, to explore different options, or to refine a professional project.
A gap year allows you to:
It depends on the country and your project. Make sure to budget for:
Internships during a gap year are varied, and you have a wide choice of fields:
Interns are accommodated in shared houses, hostels, or sometimes with local host families. You will have access to all essential amenities and are often close to shops so you can easily find what you need.
Departure dates are flexible; it is possible to leave every week. Please contact us to find out about program availability.
This depends on the missions. Local coordinators are on site to facilitate communication, but a minimum B1 level is often recommended to communicate locally. Some technical or research placements may require a higher level.
You can take language classes before you leave for your project.
The participation requirements are listed on each program page.
Yes, you will have a local coordinator on site as your main point of contact to answer your questions, ensure your safety, and support you if needed. You will always have an orientation upon arrival, including: an introduction to the project, the local team, your missions, and the rules to follow. The team also explains safety guidelines (recommended behavior, areas to avoid).
Local emergency assistance is available 24/7. We remain reachable throughout the entire project.
In addition, the projects we offer are carefully selected with reliable partners and in suitable destinations.
Internship schedules may vary depending on your program. In general, you will work between 30 and 40 hours per week. We specify these conditions on the program pages or in the downloadable brochures.
Yes, absolutely! Real Step internships are open to solo travelers, pairs, or groups. Many schools and students even organize group departures through our programs.
There are many diverse destinations: Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America—all around the world!
By joining a project with us, you are supported at every step.
You can contact us to explain your situation. If you have valid reasons to request a new placement, we will send you a request form. You will be informed as soon as a spot becomes available. You will then be able to change location, subject to availability.
There are different ways to finance part of your project. We have several resources to help you find funding support, whether through student mobility scholarships, Erasmus+ funding for projects in Europe, or regional grants. Some volunteers have also organized group fundraising initiatives.
For young people aged 18 to 30, it is possible to go abroad with a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) and work on site to finance part of the project.
Even without financial aid, a well-prepared project can be made accessible through a mix of “savings + fundraising + a job on site”.
Find all the information on funding your internship in this article.
The price covers accommodation, supervision, part of the local organization (meals, orientation), Freepackers’ expertise, and support for the projects. Part of the project fee is used to help develop the project on site. Our teams visit the projects to ensure they are safe, useful, and reliable.
Yes, you will have free time and you can go out, visit places, and travel, especially on weekends. You just need to respect the program’s organization (schedule, mission days) and follow the safety guidelines given by the local team. In some destinations, the team can also recommend places to explore.
Here are the essential mandatory steps to complete:
Other steps may be necessary depending on the type of internship, the country, or other factors.
Our team will provide you with all the information you need.
No, most of the internships we offer are unpaid, but this can vary depending on the host organization, the duration, and the country.
Yes, many students have validated their internship through Real Step projects. Our placements meet schools’ academic requirements.
A wide range of internships is available, and our programs are suitable for many engineering fields, such as:
Feel free to contact us to learn about all our internship opportunities.
See our Ultimate Guide to Succeeding in Your Engineering Internship.
This can vary depending on your school and your year of study, but in general you can go for 4 to 16 weeks.
Three months is often the duration required by schools to help you develop skills. To learn more about 3-month engineering internships.
Your missions can vary greatly depending on your specialty and your level of study and commitment, but overall you will be asked to take part in:
The goal is to encourage the practical application of the knowledge you have gained during your studies—skills you will be able to highlight later on.
Find our detailed advice in our guide Engineering internship cover letter: land an international experience.
Yes, many students have validated their internship through Real Step projects. Our placements meet schools’ academic requirements.
We offer many internships in a wide range of areas, such as:
Even though some details vary depending on the country, here are the main steps:
To understand the exact process, we recommend reading this article in detail.
You can go on a WHV to the following destinations:
Check our website to make sure you don’t miss a program—or contact us!
The budget needed for a WHV depends on the country you choose, your lifestyle, and the length of your stay.
Expenses to plan for:
Yes. You can take English or Spanish courses before you leave, or even during your project.
Course schedules are flexible depending on your goal. You can choose to take a few hours per week, or fully focus on your language courses over a longer period to prepare for a project such as a WHV or a job abroad.
Les Français n’ont pas besoin de visa pour aller au Japon pour des séjours de moins de 3 mois, le passeport suffit. En revanche, un business visa ou un visa vacances travail (working holiday visa) sont indispensables pour rester plus de 3 mois, par exemple si vous prévoyez de travailler ou de faire un stage au Japon. Il faut alors faire la démarche à la section consulaire de l’Ambassade.
Il est de votre responsabilité de choisir le bon visa pour votre projet.
Les conditions de visa peuvent changer et le visa dépend de la nature de votre projet. Veuillez toujours vérifier sur France Diplomatie avant de réserver votre billet et de partir pour un programme et de vous y prendre en avance.
Traditionally, Japanese dress codes are formal: a dark suit, white shirt, and dark tie. However, foreign businesspeople can dress as they normally would in their home country. It is also often customary to remove your shoes (at home, in some restaurants, etc.).
The yen is Japan’s official currency.
The cost of living in Japan is 2.6% higher than in France.
When traveling, plan for an on-site budget of at least €80 per day per person (¥11,595 per day).
Most dietary requirements (kosher, vegetarian, halal, etc.) can be accommodated, provided you request it well in advance.
Our local partners in Tokyo arrange airport pick-up at the international airport every Friday. For students enrolled in internships outside the city, instructions for reaching the final destinations will be provided in advance or upon arrival.
Either in the main residence in Tokyo, at the internship location when it is remote (natural reserves, for example), or with a host family. This sea turtle conservation internship in Japan includes accommodation. Japan’s housing shortage has triggered an unprecedented surge in prices, so it is strongly recommended to have accommodation arranged in advance for at least the first month of your stay.
Working holiday and internship programs include free time every weekend so participants can explore the surrounding area. Project coordinators and local organizations are always happy to share advice on places to visit and the excursions available on weekends.
It depends on the program you choose. For those who want to stay for 1 year on a Working Holiday Visa on projects involving a paid job like this one, it is strongly recommended to take Japanese classes upon arrival (4 weeks of intensive courses) to broaden your job search options.
In fact, most jobs in retail, services, or the hospitality industry require an intermediate level of Japanese. For 3-month internships, these can be done in tourism organizations that only require English. Farm work does not require a high level of Japanese either.
To travel to Japan, spring—especially April/May—is the recommended period. Summer in Japan is the rainy season. June and July are particularly wet, and the heat starts to build. Temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C.
Currently, people who are allowed to travel to Japan are not required to be vaccinated. For real-time updates, we invite you to consult the Institut Pasteur website.
The local partner provides 24/7 assistance. Participants receive the coordinators’ contact details in advance, as well as an emergency number to call. The coordinators are available at all times, during the week and on weekends.
Look into official channels to find opportunities. It is also important to adapt your application to the country’s norms (the CV and cover letter are different).
Finally, Real Step offers internships in Japan in various fields that may interest you! In ecology or even IT, communication, marketing, etc.
It depends on the company and the length of the internship. In Japan, working conditions are different, so it’s important to focus above all on learning and cultural immersion.