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INTERNSHIPS

MARINE CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP

Follow the links below to find out more about the internship programs we offer:

Aim

To provide people who are passionate about the natural environment and keen to pursue a career in marine conservation, gaining practical experience working within a non-profit conservation organization.

What skills will you learn?

  • SCUBA diving qualifications up to Advanced Open Water (if necessary)

  • Caribbean reef fish, reef associated organisms & coral identification

  • Research dive experience

  • Coral reef surveying techniques

  • Marine Megafauna population monitoring skills

  • Experience working within a marine research institution

  • Community outreach and environmental education skills

  • Experience of conservation and eco-tourism issues on a Caribbean island

What is included in the project cost?

  • PADI dive certifications (Open Water & Advanced – if necessary)

  • Between 6-8 research dives per week upon completion of dive course training

  • Pick up on arrival to Utila (provided you give us your arrival details)

  • Accommodation (includes wifi, shared kitchen, tap water bills)

  • Welcome meal and goodbye cocktail mixer

  • REEF level 2 surveyor certification & Coral Monitoring ID training

  • Responsible lionfish removal workshop

  • T-shirt

Dates & Cost:

Intern programs are one month long, beginning on the first Monday of each month and lasting a duration of 4 weeks. The list below shows available program dates for 2024. For all dates, prices listed cover the duration of the one month program:

2,249 for certified Advanced Open Water divers

$2,578 for certified Open Water divers

$2,907 for uncertified applicants

2024 WSORC MCI Start and End Dates

January 8th – February 3rd, 2024

February 5th – March 2nd, 2024

March 4th – March 30th, 2024

April 1st – April 27th, 2024

May 6th – June 1st, 2024

June 3rd – June 29th, 2024**

July 1st – July 27th, 2024**

August 5th – August 31st, 2024**

September 2nd – September 28th, 2024

September 30th – October 26th, 2024

October 28th – November 23rd, 2024

November 25th – December 21st, 2024

All MCI programs are normally set to begin on the first Monday of every month and finish on the last Saturday of every month, with a few exceptions..

*Interns interested in furthering their experience beyond one month are able to apply for WSORC’s Marine Conservation & Dive Master program.

**June, July, August internships are priced at $2399

What is NOT included in the cost of the project?

  • Surcharges which may be associated with your preferred method of payment

  • Flights & Insurance

  • Airport Departure Tax (approximately $37 USD – at time of writing)

  • Food & drink

  • Electricity (Utila accommodations work with a prepaid electric meter, expect to pay approximately $25 USD per month per person)

Eligibility:

  • Must be at least 18 years old

  • Experience studying marine biology, conservation, environmental studies or related field is preferable but not essential

  • Ability to work in tropical conditions within a hot and humid climate

  • Confident swimmer with capable snorkelling ability

  • Bringing your own mask, snorkel and fins is essential

  • Comfortable at sea and working on boats

  • Interpersonal skills, initiative, enthusiasm and the ability to work within a team

How to apply…

Please fill out the WSORC Application Form and send us an email info@wsorc.org. Our team will review your application and get back to you soon. Thanks!

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