Marine biology internships abroad are bass-ically the next way to become a superhero while getting a tan and diving to new depths. In the midst of all global disasters (melting ice caps, declining species, climate change, plastic pollution, yikes), marine ecology is a bubblin’ field that is not only bursting with oppor-tuna-ty, but also desperate for more people to join the ranks and, quite literally, save the world from doom.
Seem fishy? It shouldn’t. Marine conservation internships abroad are a shortcut to go 20,000 leagues under the sea and get your hands on invaluable knowledge and experience. And, with one of the highest job placement rates of any internship field, in a sector of the world that is growing exponentially in need, why would you not jump in?
What makes international marine ecology internships great?
You could be ctrl+P’ing all of your notes in a grey cubicle, or you could make the plunge and take learning on location. How many people can brag that their new work gig is underwater? Or post selfies with dolphins on their lunch break? That’s right, you can be the cool fish on the block with international marine biology internships. I ain’t squidding you!
Since the Earth’s surface is 71% ocean, the opportunities and locations to plunge into marine ecology internships are almost as many as there are types of plankton. Across the planet, there’s a great call for help in marine conservation, and working on-location not only saves a particular marine habitat, but also offers new international policies in marine preservation. The ocean is without barriers, so getting out there to see new seafloors and make connections on foreign ships increases future career chances in a global job sector.
You never know who might drop in to say hello.
Marine life, coral reef conservation, field work, and research analysis is all stuff that is better up-close and personal. As a perk, a diving certificate is usually included in the internship (after all, how else would you go socialize with the Ponyos and Flounders?), which is not something you can get in the classroom or online course. Hooked yet?
Fin-tastic. Check these out:
8 awesome marine conservation internships abroad
1. GVI
Founded in 1997, GVI is an award-winning organization focusing on sustainable development projects across the world. Marine biology internships are offered in the Indian Ocean (scuba diving around the coral reefs around Seychelles, analyzing data on coral species, surveying whale shark migration, and partaking in octopus and lobster projects), Fiji (expanding biodiversity in the South Pacific while getting a PADI certification between nibbling on kava), and Mexico (scuba diving from a remote jungle base, analyzing the reefs of the Caribbean, protecting turtle eggs, mingling with manatees, practicing Spanish in cenotes). Bonus: some of GVI’s internship programs offer paid work with either GVI or their local partners. You betta believe it!
Snapshot:
- Destination: Mexico, Fiji, Indian Ocean
- Main projects: Turtle conservation, PADI, marine conservation
- More info: Read reviews of GVI here
2. Intern Abroad HQ
International Volunteer HQ’s sister, Intern Abroad HQ, has been offering placements across the world in a variety of fields since 2007. Focusing on cross-cultural competency and hands-on research, Intern Abroad HQ is a fan favorite to get a live boost in the career field. Marine ecology internships are based mostly in Greece (that’s over 18,000km of coastlines to protect and just as many types of olives to try) and South Africa (over 20 dives a month in Sodwana Bay), with programs focused on an esteemed reef marine conservation internship. However, some marine aspects also form part of more general environmental conservation internships in Italy, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, so poke around!
Snapshot:
- Destination: Greece, South Africa
- Main projects: Reef conservation, marine conservation, marine mammal research
- More info: Read reviews of Intern Abroad HQ here
3. GoEco
The big fish of marine ecology internships, GoEco has been offering marine conservation programs in all seven seas for over 13 years. Opportunities at this leading eco-tourism company are numerous and include diving lessons to become PADI Open Water certified. Ocean conservation internships range from a couple of weeks to a few months, so there’s a time and plaice for your bikini break whenever you want. Whether you’re itching to rescue turtles in Bali, work on a private island in Belize, or save sharks in South Africa (or something in between), GoEco is one of the best diving internships marine conservation projects guaranteed to custom fit a program for you.
Snapshot:
- Destination: Various
- Main projects: Various
- More info: Read reviews of GoEco here
4. CISabroad
Offering personal placement consultations and crazy memories since 2000, CISabroad is a household name in the international education scene. Marine internship options are offered in Ecuador (turtle safeguarding), Hawaii (fishponds and shark sanctuaries), and Vietnam (coastline conservation fieldwork).
While all of their marine and environmental conservation programs rock and offer a comfortable balance between immersive work and cultural goodies, we’d like to give an excited nudge to the shark (bait, hoo ha ha) opportunity. Not only is it one of the coolest marine conservation internships in Hawaii, but one of the hippest shark internships in general. In addition to educating local community schools about the importance of sharks in the ecosystem, it’s also currently creating a new shark app that needs interns with interest in social media, graphic arts, and technology (if you prefer not to get your toes too wet).
Snapshot:
- Destination: Hawaii, Ecuador, Vietnam
- Main projects: Shark conservation, coastline conservation, coral reefs
- More info: Read reviews of CISabroad here
5. Academic Programs International (API)
Another power horse in international education and work experiences, API has been matching students with programs since 1997. API Gap Year offers a one- or two-month internship in the land down under, and even throws in college credit (therefore, we recommend these marine conservation internships in Australia to current or future college kids).
While they do not list a specific marine biology internship, their program offers plenty of environmental placements that encompass everything from conservation and climate change, to sustainability and STEM-based research. Expert staff are ready to pair your specific interests with a career development placement in Sydney, so reach out and start researching surf secrets.
Snapshot:
- Destination: Australia
- Main projects: Various
- More info: Read reviews of API here
6. Roots Interns
As a marine conservation intern with Roots Interns, your days are going to be devoted to making an impact in ecosystems across the world. There’s a lot of brainstorming and community work available with various grassroots projects, there are fun excursions available, technology is up to par, and there’s a great internship guarantee attached! With 24/7 support, potential homestay options, and resume tips, you’ll already have a nice leg-up; add the endless waves and animal befriending opportunities in Central America and Africa and the near-perfect program rating is easy to understand.
Snapshot:
- Destination: Tanzania, Costa Rica, South Africa, Philippines, Mozambique
- Main projects: Research, turtle conservation
- More info: Read reviews of Roots Interns here
7. Central Caribbean Marine Institute
Dr. Carrie Manfrio founded CCMI in 1998, and since then, coral conservation coral reef protection has been the major project of this isolated beach research villa in the midst of a white sand Caribbean shore. Coral reef conservation internships can be either three or 6 months long, are paid (score!), and come with a big bright starfish of excellence for any future career prospects in the marine ecosystem.
This non-profit organization might be small, but they sure know their reefs and dedicate 100% of their hearts and hands to coral. Between dives, learn about tropical ecology, sustainability, management, data writing, and the current lionfish invasion. Paid marine biology internships never looked so good!
Snapshot:
- Destination: Little Cayman (Caribbean)
- Main projects: Marine research & sustainability, coral reef preservation
- More info: Read reviews of CCMI here
8. Eko Tracks
Based in Southern Cape (Great White Shark capital of the world!), Eko Track’s superb marine biology internship is a flutter of fun activities that focuses mostly on marine conservation, ecotourism, and whale/penguin/shark/seabird research. Tracking activities, water samples, beach clean-ups, and environmental education programs are some of the daily internship options. After work hours, the wilderness only gets wilder: kelp diving, horseback excursions, wine tours, aquariums, boat cruises, and more! Programs start at one week, but longer stays (up to a couple of months) are recommended, both for the activities and monetary value.
Snapshot:
- Destination: South Africa
- Main projects: Turtle conservation
- More info: Read reviews of Eko Tracks here
[Browse ALL Marine Conservation Internships Abroad]
Ocean conservation internships abroad will set your resume above the pack (er, school)
Stay sharp—it’s time to get out there hunt down marine biology internships.
This Top Nine of o-fish-ial marine conservation internships abroad is a good place to start, but don’t forget that most big internship programs offer personalized placements (such as API), so never be afraid to reach out and ask if marine biology internships are available. And don’t forget internship scholarships!
The field (er, sea?) experience, cultural stimulation, and extended understanding of environmental public policies gained in marine ecology internships will make sure that you’re “up to scale” and ready to tackle the new chapter of your career. Don’t fight the tide or leave it to salmon else; swim on into the current events of aquatic life and be the one to free Willy, save Nemo, and turn around the tide of marine decline on Earth. Remember: anyfin is possible!
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