WE CURRENTLY HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF VOLUNTEER & INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES WITH OUR FIELD PROGRAM. PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE TO APPLY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!

Field Program Internships & Volunteer Opportunities with SHI
All host countries have an office based in a city or small town located near the field sites. Field Trainers generally work out of these offices and travel to the field sites each day.  Most offices have computer and phone access and some sleeping accommodations. In most cases project work sites and home stays will be very rural. Volunteers in Honduras and Panama may work in rural sites or in urban centers (San Pedro Sula, Honduras or Panama City, Panama) depending on the project.

Applicants should have a strong desire to learn about the administrative workings of a small non-profit, and the role of sustainable development in rural impoverished communities.  Internship is unpaid.

Projects and opportunities - What can I do?
Our projects and needs differ by host country so please be sure to indicate your country or project of interest on your application.  If you have specific skills, talents, or experience that could support the goals and mission of SHI but do not fit into the project areas below please describe these in detail in your application.  We are open to your ideas and suggestions and look forward to working with you to develop a project that fits your interests and skills. Some examples of intern projects include:

Sustainable Agriculture and Appropriate Technologies

• Live and work with a rural family to develop and maintain an organic sustenance garden
• Assist with cultivation and harvest of crops such as beans, corn, coffee, cacao, fruits, vegetables.
• Help a rural family build a bio-gas digester, chicken coop, or wood-conserving stove.  These simple technologies reduce the use of forest wood for fuel, support environmental conservation and improve the nutritional health of rural families.

Reforestation and Resource Conservation

• Assist a farmer with a sustainable forestry or tree planting project.
• Work with kids at a school to learn about forests and transplant trees in their community.

Administrative Support

• Provide specific administrative trainings to our field staff (project management, budgeting, computer or internet use)
• Provide support for our website
• Update our computer systems and programs in any of our offices.

Small Businesses and Rural Loan Funds

• Research and document micro-enterprises and provide suggestions to increase the efficiency or sustainability of these projects
• Provide administrative or technical support or training for members of rural banks.
• Assist a women's bread cooperative with the weekly bread-making.
• Provide administrative or technical training for members interested in starting a small business.
• Assist with processing, packaging and marketing of farm products.

Internship/Volunteer Program Costs
When you spend time with an SHI Field Trainer, you will be in a unique position to learn a great deal about another place.  The Field Trainer will be a conduit through which you can learn of the culture, economy, appropriate technologies, business development and environmental state of a less developed area.  You will also be exposed to many forms of sustainable agriculture, agroforestry and reforestation.

Each additional week will be based on the following:

• $100.00 per week for food and lodging
• $100.00 per week for administration, transportation, materials and program involvement
• $200.00 per week total

Full payment for the entire stay is due one month before the first day of the stay.

Some fees may be waived for individuals who commit to volunteer work lasting three months or longer.

SHI is able to provide interns with logistical support, home-stay or other sleeping accommodations, phone and internet access, project materials and in-country transportation.  We do not provide any funds to cover equipment or the cost of travel to and from Central America.

How To Apply

Click here to download our application.

To apply for internship or volunteer placement with SHI, please download our application above, complete it using your computer and email it to us, along with your resume, at least 2 months prior to your expected travel date.

If, for any reason, you are unable to submit your application by email please contact our office in Maine at (207) 669-8254.

Thank you for your interest!