Externships

Building pathways to careers in conservation and exploration

Today’s youth are inheriting complex and mounting environmental challenges. They want to act and lead on behalf of the planet.

That’s why the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy have joined forces to offer young adults ages 18-25 from across the globe an eight-week virtual learning and leadership experience to equip them with the knowledge, tools, and relationships to seek solutions and take action in their communities.

This rigorous externship intentionally creates more opportunities for young people from communities traditionally underrepresented in conservation to experience and prepare for careers in conservation and exploration.

Apply to be an extern

Apply online through Paragon One, who works with us to recruit, guide and inspire participants.
Apply Now
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countries represented
In the past two years, 600 externship participants represent more than 100 countries.
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increase in knowledge
Since the beginning of the program, participants report an average 49% increase in level of knowledge about the conservation career field.
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community projects
From the Philippines to Florida, more than 50 community projects developed by externship participants have received seed funding.
"It doesn't matter if you have a law degree, if you have a finance degree, if you're an accountant. In your backyard, in your community you can impact other people and you can create awareness. Having a community like the one we developed through the externship is amazing, because it shows us that we can do this; we’re all in this together; it's not just me. There's a whole group behind me."
Deborah Santos de Azevedo
2021 externship participant, marine biologist, and National Geographic Young Explorer
"This was a key moment in my life because I’m trying to redirect my career and this externship really helped me create this path and allowed me to open new opportunities for the future."
Fabio Arturo
National University of Mexico
"This was a truly unique opportunity! I was able to find a community of people from all over the world who cared about the same issues that I did. It was reassuring to know I’m not alone fighting against climate change."
Rachael Harris
Southern New Hampshire University
"This program helped me expand my scope of knowledge on conservation and environmental sustainability. It gave me the platform to build the leadership and networking skills I needed."
Samuel Fajana
Federal University of Technology Akure
"It didn´t only cover my expectations, but it far exceeded them. When I had to send the application videos I remember one of my expectations was simple but yet powerful: I wanted to learn, learn a lot. Not only did I learn from the inspiring conservationists, Explorers, and company members as well as from the beyond helpful advice of my manager and TA, but I had the most fantastic and inspiring group of peers."
Florencia Valls
Universidad Torcuato Di Tella - Argentina
"I loved being able to interact with people I would not normally get the opportunity to speak to, to engage with like-minded individuals and learn about how I can contribute to real local issues."
Amber Taylor
Curtin University - Australia
"This group really showed how important it is for companies and teams in professional networks to have a diverse group of people work together, focused on the same goal and sharing similar passions."
Ricardo Bowen
University of Copenhagen - Denmark
"I loved the chance to meet new people from all over the world, to share stories and learn together. Tackling the ocean and climate crisis can sometimes feel a little isolating because many people still don’t talk about it or worse makes us feel like we are the ones misguided or liars. Meeting people who hold the same beliefs, who want to protect nature and make changes in how we live and interact with everything made for a great chance to expand a network and support system that I can take with me going forward."
Vitória Ferreira
Universidade de Coimbra - Portugal
"Being connected to a diversity of people thus providing globalized perspectives which influenced the way in which each one plans to solve problems. The support from staff was also amazing!"
Tyla Goldman
University of the Western Cape - South Africa
"I was able to make new connections and find what I’m passionate about."
Marini Noelita Fernando
University of Southampton - United Kingdom

Where do our externs hail from? See the map below to get a glimpse of our externs’ home countries.

Explore extern projects

Betty
Jahateh
Read
Gabriela
Tejeda
Read
Jessica
Bonaficio
Read
Juan
Francisco
Suescun
Read
Pubarun
Basu
Read
Samuel
Fajana
Read

Meet our partner

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Today, we are focused on tackling climate change and the biodiversity crisis. The Nature Conservancy is proud to partner with the National Geographic Society to connect thousands of diverse young people through this collaborative, relevant and successful externship program; together, we are investing in the people who will lead conservation into the next decade.

Learn more

Photo credits (from top of page): Gabriela Tejeda, Mark Thiessen, Betty Jahateh, Gabriela Tejeda, Jessica Bonifacio, Juan Francisco Suescun, Pubarun Basu, Samuel Fajana

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