Interns' tasks on the project

Please note: this mission involves a lot of scuba diving, which is why trainees must either follow a PADI course on site (from 8 weeks), or be certified to participate in the project (see services tab).

Join an international team for this ecology and biodiversity internship, which focuses on the collection of marine data on underwater research dives. These results are then made available to local communities and organisations to better assist them in decision-making. The project aims to bring a long-term positive impact to local communities through strategies designed to ensure food security for future generations.

As part of this program, you will actively work on data collection with and for the local community. Participants will learn about coral reef ecology and the conservation issues facing tropical marine organisms and the communities that depend on them. You will likely spend time in the water every day in a dynamic marine ecosystem. There is a good possibility to see endangered species such as sharks, rays and whales. On land, you will spend time in the community helping with environmental education in two schools.

This program includes leadership training, designed to develop your management skills and give you a head start on other candidates. Each week, you will learn about a specific concept related to leadership and teamwork and complete an assignment on the topic. You will be guided through the process by your assigned mentor on base. At the end of the course, successful candidates will receive a certificate and a personal recommendation.

This project is one of our 'academic' internships:

It includes a more in-depth follow-up with a theoretical part that adds to the practical experience in the field. In addition to receiving the necessary ECTS credits to validate your year, at the end of the program you will obtain an international certification recognised and delivered by the University of Richmond, in the United States. You will have two online course modules to complete before the field mission, to prepare you for the project. During but also after the internship, you will benefit from professional support: a specialised internship supervisor will monitor your work and give you a final evaluation, and you will benefit from access to a portal of job offers in NGOs as well as a recommendation from your internship supervisor on LinkedIn.

Take a closer look at the specifics of this internship as an academic program, and sign up to start a sustainable career via an approved internship!

Life in the camp

Participants will be immersed in an island environment with other participants and host organisation staff. The island is surrounded by a vast network of marine reefs that offer participants the opportunity to observe dense and unique underwater life, and guarantee an in-depth seabed exploration experience.