Ecology Service Learning Programs

ISL’s ecology service learning program works to bring about sustainable development through environmental, community development, and agricultural initiatives. We work alongside members of the community and assist them in meeting their goals and building capacity for a brighter future.

In additional to lending a much needed hand, volunteers have the opportunity to expand their worldview by experiencing the language, art, cuisine, and customs of another cultural landscape.

Regardless of background, volunteers are able to receive an invaluable opportunity to travel, learn about another culture, and serve a developing community.

Who is Right for the Ecology Program?

ISL’s Ecology Program is ideal for those interested in ecology, environmental science, agriculture, sustainability studies, and engineering, although the only requirements are the desires to serve and explore!

What to Expect

Upon arrival in country, you will be met at the airport by ISL staff. Your first day will be busy with orientation and becoming familiar with your surroundings and fellow volunteers before the community work begins. You will eat most dinners out in order to relax and experience the local culture and cuisine. You will learn a few traditional dances and explore some important historical/cultural sites.

Recreational opportunities vary by location, but you will have the opportunities to shop for local crafts and explore geographic treasures such as beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, or caves and explore ruins, city centers, or coffee plantations, and have time for activities such as ziplining, snorkeling, or safari!

Volunteer Involvement

Hands-on ecology experiences may include:

  • Agriculture projects: Permaculture, aquaculture, organic gardening/farming
  • Environmental projects: Reforestation, erosion control, beach/community cleanups
  • Energy projects: Developing plans for small scale hydro projects, wind and solar generation
  • Community development projects: Planting home remedy gardens to grow indigenous medicinal plants, providing basic nutrition instruction, performing community health surveys with an ISL Global Health team, light construction (home repairs/construction), recreation/sports with locals, ESL/tutoring.

Safety and Respect

For the sake of security, ISL volunteers remain together as a team from arrival to departure. Patient rights must be respected at all times; Patients have the right to refuse treatment.

ISL prohibits discrimination on the basis of color, national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, religion or any other factor.

What To Bring

We welcome our volunteers to bring project supplies and donations. Details about donations as well as a packing list and other important travel information will be provided after registration. Volunteers will need funds sufficient to cover one meal per day, optional recreation, personal spending, and departure tax.

All Inclusive programs include all meals and recreation, so bring funds only to cover personal spending and departure tax.

What ISL Provides

ISL provides 24-hour accompaniment by professional, bilingual staff, airport pickup/drop off, all ground transportation, all lodging, two meals per day (all meals on All Inclusive programs), safe drinking water, professional project guidance, instruction and supplies, cultural tours, dance class and basic recreation (all recreation on All Inclusive programs).