Description

Project Introduction

Contribute in a meaningful fashion to the research and public education of Hawaii's threatened marine environments.

Location - East Oahu, Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Our marine education programs take place in two locations. East Oahu, and Kona (Big Island). Both are featured for their natural beauty and opportunity to train and work on the oceanfront.

Our Oahu site is located about twenty-five minutes from Waikiki. Here you will have the best of both worlds in access to crystal blue waters and a world class education center and all the fun and sun of Waikiki. The site sits amidst the remnants of a volcanic crater that sculpted one of the most beautiful bays in all Hawaii. Our Kona, Big Island location is four miles from downtown Kailua and home to some of the best accessible reefs on the Big Island.

Job Description

Reef Educator: Interns will be trained in the basic tenants of marine conservation and ecology by a recognized and esteemed organization with a long history of conservation efforts in the islands. Once you have received your training, you will be dispatched to the shorelines of Hawaii's most popular reef environments. 

Resarcher: While your primary focus will be on eductation, there may also be the opportunity to contribute to on-going research projects or to create your own marine-based study depending on where you are assigned. Research can range from fish behavior to more anthropological studies of the demographics of visitors enjoying the reef. You will work one on one with a supervisor to determine a project that most closely matches your interests

Responsibilities

Reef Conservation: Your duties will include educating snorkelors and shore visitors about proper reef etiquette. Specifically, you will instruct tourists on the proper way to enjoy the reef without harming a fragile marine ecosystem. Interns will be provided with fish identification charts and other educational material. Working in teams of two to three you will have the opportunity to speak directly with marine visitors one on one or at times in larger groups to impart the do's and dont's of swimming, snorkeling and playing in amidst a fragile ecosystem. 

Sea Turtle Education: In addition to imparting conservation tips, interns will take an active role in educating visitors about the flora and fauna they may encounter in the area. This particular beach setting is a well known safe haven for the green sea turtle. You will have a chance to discuss the behavioral patterns of these gentle creatures as well as their nesting habits in the area. The green sea turtle has long been afflicted with a type of tumor whose origin is not fully understood. You will help visitors see beyond the surface to fully appreciate these magnificent wayfarers in their true splendor. 

Reef Fish Identification: Hawaii's reef fishes are celebrated world wide for their high degree of endemism. With several species unique wholly to Hawaiian waters, this is your chance to share with visitors some of the evolutionary principles that make these Pacific waters truly Hawaiian. In addition, you will be able to share some of the mutually beneficial relationships enjoyeed by cleaner wrasses and the several species of hosts they glean. 

Threats to the marine ecosystem: Coral bleaching is as much a problem in Hawaii as in other Pacific ecosystems. The death and destruction of these fragile environmen ts come from many sources. Agricultural run off, water temperature changes, boat anchors, and human footsteps are but a few of the dangers that a modern reef faces. Educate visitors on what they can do on both a large and small scale to help these magnificient systems endure for themselves and for future generations. 

Availability and Requirements

Positions available year-round.
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 weeks

Highlights

* Work one on one with Dr. David Adams, a cultural anthropologist and respected author
* Academic credit available
* Letter of Recommendation on completion
* Career and academic advising available

Qualifications

In your brief letter of intent on the I.C.E. Application form, please be sure to indicate the source of your interest in this position, what you hope to contribute to the program indicated, and what you hope to learn or experience through your internship - this letter of intent will be distributed to internship providers. In addition, be sure to submit a resume or acceptable equivalent indicating any relevant knowledge or skills.

- 18 years or older.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1995.00 and up

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Internship set up, housing, in country support staff, pre trip reader.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

College student or recent grad seeking life experience.

Age Range

18-

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

7 days

Institute for Cultural Ecology's Mission Statement

The Institute for Cultural Ecology was founded on the conviction that visits to exotic destinations imply a commitment to cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship. Our programs match the interests, academic goals, and passions of the participant to premier host organizations and researchers. Once you connect with a place and its people, they become a part of you. Forever.

Year Founded

1999