About the Course
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most bio-diverse places on earth with countless species of plants and animals, including the largest variety of tropical birds. Spend a week in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest where students will gain and learn practical skills/knowledge through a combination of:
Lectures
Wildlife Monitoring
Community Outreach
Nature hikes focused on animal observations, botany, environmental management
Charapa Turtle release
and Much More!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Small Group Instructions:
Groups are kept to ten or less students in order to provide personalized instruction, provide students with the ability to ask questions, and build a mentor-mentee relationship with the dedicated teaching veterinarian and guides. This course is geared toward university-aged students who are interested in animal care, conservation, or veterinary medicine. Participants must be at least 18 years old.
La Selva Eco Lodge and Retreat:
The eco lodge is located deep in the Amazon Rainforest and is only accessible by boat and canoe ride down the Napo River. This location provides an extraordinary adventure into the heart of the Amazon, surrounded by lush biodiversity and untouched natural beauty. Housing and meals are all included within the course price. Students will be housed with a roomate , of the same gender, for the duration of the course. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Hands-on Experience in Wildlife Conservation:
Enjoy excursions and lectures provided by Naturalist Guides, local community members, and the teaching veterinarian while on grounds. These lectures range from: environmental sustainability, culture and traditions, Spanish lessons, social and environmental issues, wildlife conservation, basic animal tracking, and much more.
Earn Volunteer Hours:
Receive up to 60 volunteer hours that acknowledge your hard work during you experience while attending this course, and apply these hours for applications for your future animal care or veterinary opportunities.
If you have a love for international travel and would love to gain more experience in conservation, then this is the course for you!
COURSE DATE (Summer 2026):
🗓️ June 7th - June 13th, 2026
Domestic flight is included. International flight, medical insurance, passport, and other miscellaneous items are not included.
*These dates include travel days both arriving and leaving Ecuador.
*These dates are subject to +/- 1 day on the schedule depending on starting departure destination.
Your Instructor
Dr. Taylor J. Willis
This course is in partnership with La Selva Eco Lodge and Retreat.
