Description

The Underwater Researcher program at The Maru Research Center focuses on training you to become a useful member of our lake research team. If you are not already qualified, you will become a PADI Open Water scuba diver in order to assist us in conducting underwater population and biodiversity surveys of Lake Malawi. The most biologically diverse lake on the planet, Lake Malawi is home to nearly 1000 endemic species of fish. You will also be trained in water quality monitoring techniques and have opportunities to work with local Malawians to collect data on the Lake's fishing industry.

Highlights

Highlights of our volunteer and internship programs include learning to scuba dive or advancing your qualification if already certified, diving in the most biologically diverse lake in the world, living and working literally two steps away from the golden sandy shores of Lake Malawi, working with local Malawians on monitoring projects, learning about Malawian culture and the Tonga language of the local people, and gaining useful and practical research experience with wide applicability for people with career interests in conservation, aquatic biology, or development studies.

Qualifications

18 years or older.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1600

Program Fees Include:

Total program cost will vary with length of stay however housing, all meals (excluding lunch daily), in-country transport, PADI dive certification costs, diving costs, and research material costs are included in the program fee.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 4-5

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 weeks

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

The Maru Research Center's Mission Statement

The Maru Research Center was founded in order to promote intercultural exchange and learning between Malawians and international volunteers working at the Center while improving our knowledge of Lake Malawi and those who live near it. In partnership with Aquanuts Divers the Maru Research Center conducts water quality monitoring and underwater population and biodiversity surveys of Lake Malawi.

Year Founded

2011