
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?
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SCUBA diving qualifications up to Advanced Open Water (if necessary)
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Caribbean reef fish, reef associated organisms & coral identification
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Research dive experience
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Coral reef surveying techniques
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Whale shark population monitoring skills
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Experience working within a marine research institution
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Community outreach and environmental education skills
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Experience of conservation and eco-tourism issues on a Caribbean island
What is included in the project cost?
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PADI dive certifications (Open Water & Advanced – if necessary)
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Between 6-8 research dives per week upon completion of dive course training
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Pick up on arrival to Utila (provided you give us your arrival details)
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Accommodation (includes wifi, shared kitchen, tap water bills)
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Welcome meal and goodbye cocktail mixer
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REEF level 2 surveyor certification & Coral Monitoring ID training
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Responsible lionfish removal workshop
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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 2022 – 2023. For all dates, prices listed cover the duration of the one month program:
$1,995 for certified Advanced Open Water divers
$2,324 for certified Open Water divers
$2,653 for uncertified applicants
2022-2023 WSORC MCI Start and End Dates
December 5th – December 31st, 2022
January 9th – February 4th, 2023
February 6th – March 4th, 2023
March 6th – April 1st, 2023
April 3rd – April 29th, 2023
May 1st – May 27th, 2023
June 5th – July 1st, 2023
July 3rd – July 29th, 2023
August 7th – August 2nd, 2023
September 4th – September 30th, 2023
October 2nd – October 28th, 2023
November 6th – December 2nd, 2023
December 4th – December 30th, 2023
All MCI programs are set to begin on the first Monday of every month and finish on the last Saturday of every month.
.*Interns interested in furthering their experience beyond one month are able to apply for WSORC’s Marine Conservation & Dive Master program.
What is NOT included in the cost of the project?
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Surcharges which may be associated with your preferred method of payment
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Flights & Insurance
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Airport Departure Tax (approximately $37 USD – at time of writing)
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Food & drink
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Electricity (Utila accommodations work with a prepaid electric meter, expect to pay approximately $25 USD per month per person)
Eligibility:
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Must be at least 18 years old
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Experience studying marine biology, conservation, environmental studies or related field is preferable but not essential
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Ability to work in tropical conditions within a hot and humid climate
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Confident swimmer with capable snorkelling ability
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Bringing your own mask, snorkel and fins is essential
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Comfortable at sea and working on boats
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Interpersonal skills, initiative, enthusiasm and the ability to work within a team
How to apply…
Please download and fill out the WSORC Application Form and send to info@wsorc.org. Our team will review your application and get back to you soon. Thanks!