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 2023 – 2024. 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
2023-2024 WSORC MCI Start and End Dates
September 4th – September 30th, 2023
October 2nd – October 28th, 2023
November 6th – December 2nd, 2023
December 4th – December 30th, 2023
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?
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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 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!