OHIO Wildlife Conservation Internship in Laos

The OHIO Wildlife Conservation Internship in Laos offers students an immersive opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife conservation while working with the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW) near Vientiane, Laos. Through this partner-based internship, students join an international team of wildlife professionals working to protect animals, strengthen conservation efforts, and build public awareness of wildlife and environmental issues in Laos.

LCTW’s internship program is designed to give participants meaningful responsibility within a working conservation organization. Interns may pursue projects related to wildlife care, animal husbandry, veterinary support, conservation research, community engagement, or environmental education depending on their academic background, professional interests, and the organization’s current needs. Interns are integrated into the LCTW team and combine project-based work with practical involvement in the care of wildlife. 

This internship is ideal for students interested in wildlife conservation, environmental science, biology, veterinary medicine, sustainability, international development, education, or related fields. It provides an opportunity not simply to observe conservation work, but to contribute to the daily work of an organization addressing complex wildlife conservation challenges in Southeast Asia.

Program Dates

Summer (minimum eight-week commitment)

Exact dates will be coordinated with LCTW based on student availability and the organization’s internship schedule.

Faculty Contact: Haley Duschinski, Director of the School of International Studies and Languages, duschins@ohio.edu

Program Highlights

• Hands-On Wildlife Conservation – Work as part of an active conservation organization and develop practical experience with the responsibilities involved in protecting and caring for wildlife. 
• Individual Conservation Projects – Pursue a project aligned with your academic interests and professional goals while contributing to LCTW’s ongoing conservation work. 
• Animal Husbandry & Wildlife Care – Gain exposure to the daily care and management of wildlife and learn about the practical challenges involved in animal welfare and rehabilitation. 
• Veterinary & Animal Health Experience – Students pursuing veterinary or animal-health careers may gain experience supporting LCTW’s veterinary work, depending on qualifications, placement, and organizational needs. 
• Community Engagement & Environmental Education – Contribute to outreach and educational initiatives that build awareness of wildlife conservation and strengthen connections between conservation organizations and local communities. 
• Professional Skills in Conservation – Develop teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, initiative, cross-cultural communication, and project-management skills while working alongside conservation professionals. 

LCTW emphasizes that internships involve significant responsibility and expects interns to demonstrate timeliness, commitment, hard work, adaptability, and enthusiasm for conservation.

Venues and Logistics

Interns will be based with the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW) in Xiengletha Village, Pakngum District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. 

The internship takes place within LCTW’s existing conservation program rather than through a separate OHIO-operated site. Students will participate in the organization’s regular internship structure, working with LCTW staff and other conservation professionals and volunteers.

The nature of each placement may vary according to the student's interests, academic background, and LCTW's current projects and operational needs. Because conservation work is dynamic, students should be prepared for a combination of project work, practical responsibilities, and changing daily priorities.

Ohio University will provide participating students with pre-departure preparation and support for international travel, while LCTW will provide guidance regarding the internship experience and on-site expectations.

Travel and Transportation

• Flights: Round-trip airfare from Columbus to Laos, with routing dependent on available international connections. 
• Accommodation: Housing arrangements are coordinated through LCTW as part of its established internship and volunteer program. Specific accommodations and associated costs will be confirmed before participation. 
• Local Transportation: Local transportation arrangements associated with the internship will follow LCTW guidance. 
• Meals: Meal arrangements and costs will be confirmed through LCTW prior to departure. 
• Connectivity: Internet and mobile access are available, although students should be prepared for differences in connectivity and infrastructure from what they may be accustomed to in the United States.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Visa: Students will need to meet Lao PDR entry and visa requirements. Requirements vary by citizenship and will be confirmed prior to departure.  
• Passport: Students must have a passport valid for the period required by Lao immigration authorities. 
• Health and Safety: Students should consult appropriate travel-health guidance and a medical provider regarding recommended vaccinations and precautions for travel in Laos. 
• Cultural Awareness: Interns should approach the experience with cultural humility, flexibility, respect for local communities, and sensitivity to Lao cultural norms.
• Professional Expectations: Conservation work may involve outdoor activity, animals, changing schedules, and physically demanding conditions. Students should be prepared to follow LCTW safety procedures and professional expectations at all times.

Applicant Qualifications

This internship is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students in biology, wildlife and conservation science, environmental studies, sustainability, veterinary sciences, animal science, geography, education, international studies, or related fields.

Competitive applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong interest in wildlife conservation, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, or related fields. 
• Commitment, reliability, adaptability, and willingness to assume meaningful responsibilities. 
• Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse and international team. 
• Comfort working in a dynamic environment where daily responsibilities may change according to animal and organizational needs. 
• Maturity, initiative, and openness to living and working in a different cultural context. 
• Willingness to participate in practical conservation work in addition to completing an individual internship project. 

Students pursuing specialized veterinary or animal-care projects may need additional academic preparation or experience depending on the nature of the placement.

Costs

The OHIO Wildlife Conservation Internship in Laos is offered through LCTW’s established international internship program. Participants join the partner organization’s existing program.

• Program/Internship Fee: LCTW charges a participation fee associated with its conservation program. Interns receive a 15% reduction for an eight-week placement and a 25% reduction for a 12-week placement compared with LCTW’s standard volunteer fee. 
• Airfare: Students should budget for round-trip international airfare from Columbus to Laos. Estimated costs will be provided closer to departure. 
• Housing: Housing arrangements and associated costs are determined through LCTW and will be confirmed with participating students. 
• Meals: Meal arrangements and costs will be confirmed through LCTW. 
• Local Transportation: Students should budget for any transportation not included in their LCTW placement. 
• Travel Insurance: Provided by Ohio University. 
• Personal Expenses: Students should budget separately for personal items, incidental expenses, and optional travel. 

Award Support

• SISAL provides a $2,500 scholarship to participating interns.

A Partner Opportunity for OHIO Students

This internship is offered in partnership with the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife, which has welcomed the opportunity to host Ohio University students through its existing conservation internship program. The partnership was developed with the goal of creating a pathway for OHIO students to undertake substantial summer conservation experiences, potentially as part of a small cohort preparing together before departure. 

Ready to Make an Impact on Wildlife Conservation?

If you are passionate about wildlife and want to understand what conservation work looks like on the ground, apply for the OHIO Wildlife Conservation Internship in Laos. Spend eight or more weeks working alongside conservation professionals, develop practical skills and professional experience, and contribute to efforts to protect wildlife in one of Southeast Asia’s most ecologically significant regions.