As a first time overseas volunteer and wildlife researcher, I found this program an awesome experience on so many levels.

It was great to be part of a group that really cares about not only wildlife conservation but also providing the best for the local community.

I felt that the work we undertook really made a difference and this was such a good feeling.

The staff were awesome and very supportive.

I'm running out of space but all I will say is if you have chance ... Do it, you won't regret it

I had the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge regarding the research and conservation methods for different aspects of nature. The work was harder some days than others, but super rewarding. The staff was very kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming. We had the opportunity to interact with the local community on various occasions and even participate in some of their local celebrations. This deepened my appreciation for their culture and the work that IPBio is doing. Lastly, the town is beautiful and offers a variety of things to do from the beach, restaurants, dancing, different tours, water activities, and more. I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in nature or conservation.

I am an engineering student specializing in agronomy, environmental science, and agri-food. I completed a 2-month internship at IPBio, and it has been the best internship I have had so far. Both the setting, which is exceptional and the diverse and interesting missions made it an outstanding experience. There is something for everyone. Regarding the staff, they were excellent, and everyone was very kind and attentive. What I enjoyed the most were the reforestation days we participated in, as they allowed us to contribute directly to environmental conservation and combat the massive deforestation of the Amazon.

I greatly enjoyed my time volunteering at IPBIO. The program combines so much diversity in activity types and locations for biodiversity research. Coordinators are very responsible and open. Help is available at any moment, I felt very secure going to a new country. Group dynamics is amazing, I learned a lot from the people I met during the trip. Housing has all utilities that you can think of. The nature can not be fully described in words; The diversity of species you see during work and free time is breathtaking!

This was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life so far. Alter do chao is so beautiful the location you are in is amazing many activities to do many necessities near by and so many great people. It’s truly amazing, irman and Marleen the people that run this organization are such amazing people they are so nice and so helpful with anything you need they truly are friends for life. The other volunteers are also so amazing you meet so many cool people that all have the same interests it’s truly amazing. The living quarters are amazing I couldn’t ask for more, you have an amazing pool with a big kitchen and the rooms are nice and cold with good beds it’s great. This was truly one of the best experiences ever and I recommend it to everyone. Definitely will do again!!!

I am an undergraduate biology student. During my 7 weeks at IPBio, I witnessed a lot of biodiversity in the Amazon forest. The programme itself is well organised and executed, with the volunteer coordinators Imran and Marleen being very responsive, supportive, and instructive. The only drawback was that the location of the programme is in close proximity to human settlements, which restricts the extent of biodiversity present. However, this is balanced out by the close proximity to food shops, cultural immersion, and social activities.

We were well looked after by the coordinators Marleen and Imran from start to finish. The trip gave me a really genuine experience of Brazil, experiencing capoeira, carimbó and the local food including fish. It was a really good chance to help out the organisation, learn loads about biodiversity research, and practice your photography skills. It was amazing to see the huge range of animals in the Amazon. On top of this there was plenty of exciting excursions to go on such as hikes, kayaking, visiting manatees in the zoo and visiting Santarem.

I chose this program to fulfill an internship requirement for my degree program but the IPBio Amazon volunteer program went above and beyond my expectations. Not only did I have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work everyday either the field or in the local community in Alter do Chao but I got to work alongside brilliant and passionate volunteers and staff. I will always look back on my 8 weeks in the Amazon fondly. If you are looking for an opportunity to participate in field research, explore amazing wildlife, and make great friends then this is the program for you!