4 interns
18 years old
Shared bungalows for up to two guests
Vientiane International Airport (VTE)
Three vegetarian meals per day included
Airport transfers included
In the forests and farmlands of rural northern Laos, animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade are arriving in urgent need of care. Opened in 2024, the wildlife hospital where this internship takes place is one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Southeast Asia. From small primates and sugar gliders to large mammals, the caseload spans nearly every species native to Laos and as an intern, you’ll be working directly alongside experienced veterinarians, gaining clinical experience that is as varied as it is rare.
The hospital operates on a community-based model, empowering local staff while delivering the highest standard of care for rescued wildlife. Your days run from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, six days a week, structured around clinical rounds, patient monitoring, and hands-on procedural support with flexibility expected when rescues or emergencies arise.Â
Your responsibilities will include:
This internship runs year-round with a minimum stay of 4 weeks. Research internships typically require a minimum of 8 weeks to complete a meaningful project.
Not included:
This internship places you at the centre of one of Southeast Asia’s most modern wildlife hospitals, a rare opportunity to build genuine clinical depth across a wide range of species while developing the cross-cultural skills that define an international conservation career.
By the end of your placement you’ll have gained experience in:
On successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate of completion alongside on-site mentoring support to fulfil any university credit or academic project requirements.
This internship is open to qualified veterinarians, vet nurses, and vet technicians, as well as students currently enrolled in a relevant degree programme such as veterinary medicine or biology. The role requires confidence in a clinical environment and the flexibility to adapt to a relaxed, community-led pace of working.
You’ll need:
Candidates with a background in maintenance or communications may be better suited to the general wildlife internship.
The project is based in a remote village in northern Laos, set among forest trails, rivers, and waterfalls. This landscape is not just a backdrop to the work but the environment from which many wildlife cases come, creating a clear connection between clinical care and conservation in the field.Â
The surrounding area has plenty to explore: visit local markets, swim beneath waterfalls, or make the trip to see Laos’ biggest Buddha. Back at base, weekly cultural activities are also built into the programme, including drum-making workshops and traditional weaving sessions.
Accommodation is in private bungalows housing two guests each, with electrical outlets, cooling fans, and screened windows. Single-sex shower blocks with hot water and Western-style toilets are shared between bungalows. You’ll also have unlimited access to an infinity pool at the neighbouring eco-resort, a welcome end to a long day in the hospital.Â
On-site laundry facilities and detergent are available, along with free Wi-Fi and 24-hour on-site support throughout your stay.
Two hot vegetarian meals are provided daily for lunch and dinner and basic groceries are supplied if interns want to prepare their own breakfast.
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