Environmental Science & Sustainability Internships

Overview

As organizations around the world respond to climate change and environmental challenges, demand for professionals with sustainability knowledge and practical experience continues to grow. From renewable energy and environmental policy to sustainable business and conservation, careers in this sector offer the opportunity to create positive change across a wide range of industries.

Our International Environmental & Sustainability Internship Program connects students, graduates and aspiring sustainability professionals with carefully selected host organizations around the world. Every internship placement is tailored to your interests, experience and career aspirations, allowing you to contribute to meaningful environmental projects while learning from experienced professionals.

If you're interested in environmental research, ESG, renewable energy, sustainability consulting or environmental education, we'll help you find an internship that supports your professional development and prepares you for a career creating lasting environmental impact.

Why choose this industry

Environmental professionals play a vital role in helping organizations reduce their environmental impact, develop sustainable solutions and respond to some of the world's most pressing challenges. From supporting renewable energy initiatives and sustainable supply chains to shaping environmental policy and promoting conservation, careers in this field combine purpose with practical problem-solving.

An environmental internship provides the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in real-world settings while developing valuable skills in research, project management, communication and stakeholder engagement. You'll gain insight into how organizations develop and implement sustainability initiatives while working alongside professionals committed to creating positive environmental change.

If your ambition is to work in sustainability consulting, renewable energy, environmental policy, ESG or nonprofit environmental organizations, practical experience can help you build the confidence, professional network and workplace skills needed to launch your career.

Responsibilities

Every internship placement is tailored to your interests, experience and host organization, with many of our Environmental & Sustainability interns contributing to projects such as:

• Conducting environmental policy research

• Supporting sustainability and ESG initiatives

• Assisting with carbon footprint and environmental impact analysis

• Researching renewable energy and sustainable business practices

• Preparing reports, presentations and project documentation

• Monitoring environmental trends and industry developments

• Supporting environmental education and awareness campaigns

• Assisting with fundraising and charity initiatives

• Helping coordinate sustainability and community projects

• Supporting marketing and communications activities

• Assisting with stakeholder engagement and partnership development

• Contributing to project management and operational planning

Throughout your internship, you'll work alongside experienced sustainability professionals while developing the analytical, research and project management skills valued across the environmental sector.

Areas you'll gain experience in

Every internship placement is tailored to your interests, experience and host organization Previous interns have contributed to sustainability, climate and environmental initiatives across a wide range of organizations, with roles including:

• Environmental Research Intern
• Environmental Research & Restoration Intern
• Environmental Research & Publication Intern
• Climate Research & Policy Intern
• Environmental Conservation Intern
• Environmental Project Coordinator Intern
• Clean Energy Communications Intern
• Vertical Farming Innovation Intern
• Research & Production Intern

Whether you're interested in sustainability, conservation, renewable energy or environmental policy, we'll match you with an internship that supports your career ambitions while providing meaningful practical experience.

Explore more example Environmental internship roles >

Why choose The Intern Group

Choosing the right internship is about more than finding a placement, it's about finding an experience that helps you achieve your long-term career goals. When you join The Intern Group's award-winning internship program, you'll benefit from:

A personalised internship matching process
One-to-one career coaching
Professional development workshops
Ongoing support throughout your program
Access to our 15,000+ global alumni community

From your first conversation with our team through to completing your internship, we're here to support your personal and professional development.

Learn more about why The Intern Group is the best choice for a sustainability internship >

Hear from our environmental alumni

Hear directly from previous interns who have contributed to sustainability and environmental initiatives around the world.

Maggie Trail

University of Oregon | Interned in Medellín, Colombia

"This program above all else kind of gave me the confidence to realize that I have what it takes to go into industry from research and academia. The past four years I've been doing a lot of laboratory work as a biologist. But I know that eventually I want to end up in industry and so doing something like this reassured me that despite my strengths and weaknesses, I can adapt to a workways environment that's fast-paced, that is innovative, that's reaching for high like standards and I can still succeed and feel accomplished. The Intern Group staff has been incredibly supportive

Claudy Docteur

Walden University | Virtual Internship

" During my internship, I served as a public health intern, where I supported sustainability-related projects. My role involved conducting research, assisting with data collection and analysis, and helping to prepare and develop course materials to teach online. I contributed to improving the program's effectiveness by analyzing data and supporting outreach efforts to promote sustainable development. It helped me build practical skills, understand how a professional environment works, and grow more confident in my abilities while working with a team. This experience helped me build skills in research, data preparation, and teamwork while giving me practical exposure to real-world public health challenges. "

Available destinations

Environmental challenges are global, and organizations around the world are developing innovative solutions to create a more sustainable future. Depending on your career goals, you can complete your internship in destinations including:

• London
• Melbourne
• Bangkok
• Medellín
• Online

Each destination offers unique organizations, industries and environmental initiatives, helping you broaden your perspective while building an international professional network.

Program options

In-person International Environmental Science and Sustainability Internship
Combine professional experience and cultural immersion with an environmental science and sustainability internship abroad in one of our 9 destinations around the world. Each year, 2,000+ participants gain hands-on experience on our programs in exciting global cities.

Remote Environmental Science and Sustainability Internship

Build your resume and grow your network from anywhere in the world with a remote environmental science and sustainability internship. Gain practical experience in sustainability, environmental research, and impact-driven projects - all with the flexibility of working remotely with just a laptop and internet connection.

Digital Nomad Environmental Science and Sustainability Internship
Our digital nomad program allows you to travel to an exciting international destination while completing your environmental science and sustainability internship remotely. Gain valuable global experience while living and working like a local in a new culture.

Career advancement training

Our environmental science and sustainability interns benefit from structured career development tools before, during, and after their program. These resources are designed to help you prepare for your internship, make the most of your international experience (in-person or remote), and confidently communicate your skills to future employers.

Training is delivered through a mix of videos, podcasts, articles, quizzes, and projects, with a certificate awarded upon completion. Topics include critical thinking, communication, teamwork, digital literacy, leadership, professionalism, career planning, and global awareness: highly transferable skills for sustainability and environmental careers.

You’ll also gain access to our CV improvement tool and tailored workshops, including interview preparation sessions, CV reviews, and LinkedIn optimisation workshops.

After completing your environmental science and sustainability internship, you’ll be supported by experienced career coaches as you plan your next steps. Our network of experts can help with topics such as showcasing your international experience, personal branding on LinkedIn, salary negotiation, interview strategy, and long-term career development in the sustainability sector.

Example host organizations

Environmental professionals are helping organizations tackle climate change, protect natural resources and develop more sustainable ways of working. Through our international network of host organizations, interns contribute to real sustainability initiatives while learning from professionals working across environmental science, clean technology and conservation.

Previous interns have gained experience with organizations such as:

These organizations represent the breadth of sustainability-focused opportunities available through our programme. Whilst we can't guarantee placement with one specific organization, we do guarantee an internship offer within your primary or secondary career field, ensuring you'll gain relevant experience aligned with your interests and career goals.

Explore more of our host organizations >

Career outcomes

The impact of our environmental & sustainability internship program extends well beyond the internship itself. According to our alumni outcomes survey, 82% of respondents secured their first full-time role in the same career field as their international internship, while 98% said the experience strengthened their CV or gave them a competitive advantage in job applications. Learn more about the value of our international internship programs on our alumni stories page.

Ready to create positive environmental impact?

An international Environmental & Sustainability internship is an opportunity to develop practical experience, contribute to meaningful projects and build the skills needed to succeed in one of the world's fastest-growing sectors.

If you're interested in sustainability, renewable energy, ESG, environmental policy or conservation, we'll help you find an internship that aligns with your interests and supports your long-term career goals.