Fortunately for students based in the U.S., the waters of the surrounding coasts are home to a huge range of aquatic life. However, the United States’ bordering seas represent just a tiny fraction of the marine environments present on earth.

Thailand. In the southeastern region of Thailand lies a series of islands bordered to the west by the Andaman Sea. These islands are home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world and consequently are a hotbed for coral reef ecology and conservation work. If you are looking to make the most of marine science internships abroad by joining the fight against coral reef destruction, interning in Thailand should be one of your top considerations.

Fiji. An archipelago consisting of over 300 islands, Fiji is surrounded on all sides by the sea. Preserving, protecting, and studying the ocean are all top priorities here. The University of the South Pacific in Suva is home to one of the best marine science programs in the Eastern Hemisphere. Dozens of organizations work hand in hand with the school, providing many possibilities for marine life internships. Marine biology internships in Fiji include placements in coral reef biodiversity and ecology, coastal studies, and marine conservation.