Motivated by her passion for sustainability and a drive to make a difference, Aline, a student at San Diego State University, stepped outside her comfort zone to embark on a 4-week Wildlife Conservation internship in Greece. Immersed in a new culture, she gained hands-on experience that deepened her commitment to environmental preservation and real-world conservation efforts. Read on to see how she contributed meaningfully to local conservation work, and how the experience fueled her passion for a more sustainable future.
Hi Aline! Tell us, how did you find your first week in Greece?
My first week was both exciting and eye-opening. Before arriving, I anticipated feeling out of my comfort zone, unsure of what to expect in terms of the day-to-day responsibilities, the people I’d be working with, and how I would adjust to a new environment so far away from home.
While the first day was definitely difficult, everyone working at my placement was so incredibly kind, which helped me feel less anxious. The adjustment overall felt much smoother than I thought it would. I also imagined the work would be more observational at first, but I was able to get involved in meaningful, hands-on tasks right from the beginning, which helped me feel more confident and excited about what was to come.
Overall, this first week exceeded my expectations and reminded me why I was drawn to the internship in the first place. I was left feeling really inspired and excited to see what the rest of the experience had in store.
What kind of tasks did your internship involve?
As an international Wildlife Conservation intern, I focused on a variety of tasks that supported both animal care and field research. A significant portion of my time was spent assisting the Animal Husbandry Department at the Greek Shepherd Dog Breeding Centre, where I helped with daily responsibilities such as feeding, grooming, exercising the dogs, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring their health.
I also supported the Wildlife Conservation Research Department in several key areas, including camera trap fieldwork, behavioral observation (ethology) of bears at the sanctuary, and wildlife surveying in the forest. This included identifying bio-signatures of species like brown bears, gray wolves, wildcats, and deer. Additionally, I helped collect genetic samples for DNA analysis and participated in wildlife-human conflict mitigation efforts, gaining insight into the challenges of protecting wildlife in shared human landscapes.
Throughout the internship, I also contributed to data entry and analysis, practiced field navigation using GPS, and worked closely with other interns and program leaders to support the NGO’s broader conservation goals. These diverse responsibilities gave me a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to protect both wildlife and habitats in a sustainable and community-focused way.
What impact did this internship have on your professional development?
This international internship experience played a valuable role in shaping my long-term goals, particularly in the field of sustainability and environmental advocacy. Being directly involved in a conservation project has given me firsthand insight into the complexities of balancing ecological protection with the needs of local communities. It has shown me what real-world sustainability work looks like, not just in theory, but in practice, where cultural context, limited resources, and long-term strategies all need to align.
One of the most important skills I developed was adaptability, learning to work in unfamiliar environments, adjusting to cultural differences, and navigating challenges with flexibility and patience. I also strengthened my communication skills, especially in cross-cultural settings, and gained experience working with animals and participating in grassroots conservation initiatives.
These experiences are directly relevant to the kind of career I’d like to pursue, whether it’s working with NGOs, government agencies, or local communities to create more sustainable systems.
What aspects of the internship were challenging?
One of the most challenging aspects of my internship experience was adjusting to the physical demands and unpredictability of fieldwork. Hiking through dense forests, sometimes for hours in extreme heat or on uneven terrain, pushed me out of my comfort zone, both physically and mentally. There were moments where the work felt exhausting, especially when we had trouble locating a camera trap or navigating the GPS in areas with limited signal.
One particular challenge was when a camera was stolen in the field, likely by a hunter who had been captured on it. This not only complicated our research but also highlighted the tensions between conservation work and local livelihoods, which can be difficult to navigate.
Another challenge was living far from my usual routines and support systems. Adapting to a slower pace of life, limited access to services, and cultural differences required patience and an open mind.
However, these challenges became some of the most valuable parts of the experience. They taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to remain calm and collaborative in unfamiliar situations. Looking back, I see those challenges as moments of growth that contributed deeply to both my personal and professional development.
What advice would you give to future interns?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone starting an internship in a culturally diverse setting is to approach the experience with curiosity, humility, and respect. An internship abroad is not only a professional opportunity but also a chance to learn deeply about different people and cultures. Go in with an open mind, ready to listen and observe before making assumptions. Remember that you represent not just yourself, but your own culture, so how you show up matters. Listening more than speaking at first can help you better understand your environment and build more meaningful relationships.
It’s also important to slow down and be present. In unfamiliar settings, it’s easy to focus too much on being productive, but taking time to pause and reflect helps you appreciate the moment and connect more deeply with the work and people around you. Being mindful allowed me to gain a richer understanding of the experience and face challenges with more patience and clarity.
Be yourself and don’t be afraid to share your emotions, whether it’s excitement, nervousness, or even exhaustion. Being honest and open fosters trust and helps build a strong sense of community.
Finally, be adaptable. Things won’t always go as expected, and that’s part of the learning process. Embrace differences, ask respectful questions, and stay open to growth. Mistakes are natural, what matters most is how you respond. If you lead with an open heart and a willingness to learn, your experience will be incredibly rewarding and transformative.
What were the biggest takeaways from your internship experience?
I’m someone who struggles with anxiety, and I never imagined I’d be able to do something like this. But I did it, I got through it, and now I sit here wishing I could go back. This experience showed me just how capable we all are when we step outside our comfort zones. It’s truly a beautiful thing to be part of something so meaningful, and I feel deeply grateful for every moment of it. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. I know I’ll carry it with me for the rest of my life, sharing stories and the knowledge I gained about my placement and the work they do. It has left a lasting imprint on who I am and how I see the world.
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