Marine Science Internships in Mexico

This internship from the Institute for Global Studies is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn and experience how environmental businesses operate while living in one of the world's most exotic locations. Aquaculture farming has its roots in ancient practices in places like Hawaii, where people had fish-holding pools for personal use. In today's world, aquaculture has taken on new importance as the world's fish stocks are devastated by industrial fishing practices. This means that farmed fish species are increasing to meet demands. Interns participate in all aspects of prawn farming with an established business. They discover how fishermen-turned-farmers nurture their crops to maturity. They also work with local aquarium scientists, discovering how these ventures relieve the pressure on the local marine environment, and help to conserve marine life and coastlines with correct management techniques.

Come explore Pez Maya, home to a conservation site aimed at protecting the local coastal marine species and their coral reef homes, while also studying their populations. Participants will assist researchers in conserving a portion of the Mesoamerican Reef, which faces increased problems due to development in the nearby cities of Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Volunteers will help with long term goals to ensure the area will remain protected. Through education of the community and gaining specific knowledge on the functioning and elements of the ecosystem, participants will be better able to understand the biodiversity. The project will be split into two portions. Participants will be trained for the first three weeks on diving in order to obtain PADI certification for open water, study local specimen, and learn techniques for data collection. After this, volunteers will begin to directly assist with monitoring and researching including cleaning beaches, collecting information on coral and fish, helping with tasks such as chores and equipment prep, and reaching out to local people through education.

GVI offers a program that starts with a 12-week marine conservation expedition, helping you to develop your understanding of marine conservation and to further or establish your scuba diving skills. You will learn how to live and work with a research team in a remote environment and attain base skills essential for your internship the following 12 weeks. During the next phase, you will undertake your PADI Divemaster course, take further advanced training courses, shadow GVI staff, and assist with the running of the expedition. At the end of the 12-week placement, qualifying interns will either be offered paid or unpaid work with GVI or with one of our local partners. GVI is a PADI-endorsed Dive Training Provider and winner of the DAN Member's choice Award for Dive Safety.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!