top of page
Long_ridge_of_Pashallore.jpg

Kosovo "Sharri" National Park Internships

Quick Facts

Location: Kosovo

 

Program Focus: Isla seeks interns who are passionate about conserving biodiversity, supporting critical ecological research, and increasing public awareness of environmental challenges in Sharri National Park.

 

Task Focus: Wildlife Monitoring and Endangered Species Protection, GIS Mapping and Environmental Data Analysis, Sustainable Land and Forest Management, Ecotourism Development and Visitor Engagement, Public Awareness and Environmental Education, Communications and Marketing, Sustainable Tourism, Agriculture & Permaculture, Habitat Management and Protection, Advocacy & Policy Analysis

 

Program Length: 9+ Weeks

Program Overview

Intern with a conservation initiative addressing critical ecological challenges in the Sharri National Park, located in the Western Balkan country of Kosovo in Southeastern Europe.

​

The Sharri National Park, a 534-square-kilometer protected area in southern Kosovo, is the country’s first ever declared national park and functions as a directorate under the Kosovo Agency for Environmental Protection.

​

Stretching across Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania, the park provides a crucial habitat for endangered species like the Balkan lynx, with only 20-40 individuals remaining worldwide. Despite its ecological importance, the park faces severe understaffing, leaving key conservation efforts in need of support in a wide range of fields such as communications, marketing, geography, forestry, tourism, agriculture, and more!


Interns with the Sharri National Park can contribute to essential environmental projects, including wildlife monitoring, GIS mapping, and sustainable land/resource management as well as key projects dealing with community outreach and engagement. 


Given the park’s limited resources, interns will play an active role in addressing urgent conservation challenges while gaining hands-on experience in sustainable development. Whether working on endangered species protection, forest management, or tourism planning, this internship provides a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of Europe’s most ecologically significant landscapes! 

sharri 4.jpg
sharri 2.jpg

Tasks Included

Interns will be assigned to one or more of the following projects focused on environmental conservation and biodiversity in the Sharri National Park in Kosovo:

 

  1. Wildlife Monitoring and Endangered Species Protection

  2. GIS Mapping and Environmental Data Analysis

  3. Sustainable Land and Forest Management

  4. Ecotourism Development and Visitor Engagement

  5. Public Awareness and Environmental Education

  6. Communications and Marketing

  7. Sustainable Tourism

  8. Agriculture & Permaculture 

  9. Habitat Management and Protection

  10. Advocacy & Policy Analysis

sharri 5.jpg

Requirements

Isla seeks interns who are passionate about conserving biodiversity, supporting critical ecological research, and increasing public awareness of environmental challenges in Sharri National Park.

​

Skills & Abilities include:

​

  1. University undergraduate or graduate students, and young professionals with backgrounds in environmental science, ecology, geography, forestry, conservation biology, sustainable development, or related fields.

  2. Strong interest in biodiversity conservation, ecological research, and sustainable land management.

  3. Ability to work independently and take initiative in both field and office settings, addressing critical conservation challenges.

  4. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a proactive approach to learning and collaboration.

  5. Adaptability to work in a resource-limited environment, understanding the ecological and logistical challenges of conservation in Sharri National Park.

  6. Willingness to engage in community-based projects, public awareness campaigns, and environmental education initiatives.

sharri 6.jpg
sharri 1.jpg

What Is Covered

The following is included within the program so that you can focus primarily on the work at hand and be supported each step of the way!

 

  1. Pre-departure guide and assistance with preparations (packing list, language modules, cultural guidance, etc)

  2. Quality internship placement with a customized scope of work

  3. Airport pickup and in-country orientation

  4. Welcome lunch/dinner

  5. Housing, internet, and one-time fully-stocked kitchen

  6. Travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance

  7. Local SIM card/phone plan (optional)

  8. Monthly passes for daily bus transportation (optional)

  9. Local language classes (optional)

  10. Tuition to study at the national university for 4 ECTS/3 US credits (optional)

  11. Mentorship from local professionals

  12. 24/7 support from Isla team

  13. Bi-weekly internship and cultural experience reflection sessions

  14. Scheduled team lunches/dinners with all interns and the Isla team with relevant professionals and stakeholders

  15. Support in organizing and planning travel/in-country social activities

  16. Cultural and social activities as available 

  17. Certificate of completion and letter of references upon completion of internship

  18. Continued mentorship post completion of internship (according to field of interest)

  19. Additional support depending on country of internship and academic requirements

Intern with the Sharri National Park and contribute to wildlife monitoring, GIS mapping, and sustainable land/resource management as well as community outreach and engagement.

sharri 3.jpg
bottom of page