Marine Science Internships in Caribbean

RRFB was my first marine biology experience and internship in general; I couldn't have asked for a more interesting, driven, and welcoming group to be a part of. The core employees come from a variety of different backgrounds, always willing to share their knowledge and meaningfully include you in team work. In other words, you feel like a strong, contributing part of the team in no time! They also share their knowledge on the island and all it has to offer as well, making for a fun experience outside of the workplace as well. I am glad to have taken a chance on this internship and couldn't recommend it enough for others too! I feel much better equipped as a diver and marine conservationist.

I did my internship with RRFB in the winter of 2025, and had a wonderful experience. The team is a well-oiled machine, and welcoming to new interns. There were plenty of resources available as I got my footing, and my needs were always heard. I spent a ton of time in the water, and learned so much about the nonprofit coral restoration industry.

Working with RRFB has been an amazing journey. I'm extremely grateful for all the experiences I had during my three months on Bonaire, and for all the lovely coral enthusiasts I met. I learnt a lot about corals and the ecosystem. Highlights for me were seeing coral spawning for the first time and working with the coral babies in the lab. Thank you all for this amazing time!

I had the best time interning with RRFB! I gained so many new things, honed my diving skills, practiced my public speaking, and got to take on tasks both in the field and in the office! I’d go back in a heartbeat if I could.

There are so many factors when deciding on an internship. For me, it was important to understand what I was investing my money in, especially given how many programs require substantial fees. Although Bonaire is relatively expensive in terms of housing and living costs, every expense associated with this internship was worth it. The conservation impact both at the organizational and individual level is so tangible and meaningful. During my time on Bonaire, I learned an incredible amount, developing both hard and soft skills. On my first day, I was told that I would get out of the internship what I put into it, and that proved to be true. Everyone at Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire prioritizes providing interns with the tools and opportunities to grow. Beyond the professional skills I gained, I also became part of an exceptional team that went well beyond working hours, making my time with RRFB both professionally and personally an experience I will always cherish.

I will forever treasure my stay on Bonaire during the coral restoration internship at RRFB. I came with only a little diving experience and left with 100 dives and counting. I came with a love for the ocean and left with knowledge about its astonishing fauna and flora. I came without knowing anyone on the island and left with international friends. I especially appreciated the internship’s learning-by-doing approach: we were diving from day one and actively restoring corals by day two. After engaging workweeks, my weekends were filled with kitesurfing, swimming, hiking, and some more diving. The only downside was that life on Bonaire can be expensive, and finding accommodation can be challenging. Despite this, I would 100% recommend this internship to anyone with a scientific background who wants to make a meaningful contribution to coral restoration!

This has been such a fun and rewarding internship! The work environment is incredible, everyone is extremely easy to work with. Internship tasks are very hands-on. I felt like I was part of the staff. My dive skills have improved greatly. Highly Recommend!!!

It was a great experience, however I do think it is geared towards people with little to no work experience and did not meet all my expectations of learning something new in a new work environment. The best part was being able to practice my Spanish with my host family.

CIEE provided me with a great internship site, a clean and nice apartment in a good neighborhood, and gave me roommates who shared similar interests. The staff was extremely kind and helped me whenever I needed, and were good about checking in with me about my experiences

I think there's problems here and there with cleanliness of dorms and location choices, but overall I had a very positive experience. The staff and program as a whole I felt was a very worthwhile opportunity.

My CIEE internship in Barcelona, Spain is a great experience not just academically but also personally. I have learned so much about myself during these months and building connections is so important in life.

This program was amazing! The staff and faculty are always willing to help with anything. Whether it's about your internship placement or advice for fun adventures in the city, the staff is there for you. This program has great opportunities to grow as a student and a professional in your field. The field trips and activities in this program allowed us to take our learning outside and explore a new culture. I couldn't recommend this program enough!

CIEE is very well-staffed and they do everything they can to make sure you have the best experience possible. Everyone is friendly, the rules and guidelines are laid out for you, and the excursions CIEE plans are a blast!!

I have had a great experience, it is organized and comes at a good cost. The staff on-site is very supportive and helpful (as well as Brooke in Portland), but we had an emergency situation and the Portland higher-ups didn't handle it well, nor did anyone answer the emergency number provided to us.

It was a great program. I would really only recommend it for an internship because I think you get the most out of it that way. I was going to study abroad I'd rather do it at a local university where I'm studying. My only complaint is that the whole CIEE experience isn't tailored very well to internships, and a lot of things conflict with work. It feels like the intern students are an afterthought, which I understand because most people are studying here.

Olá! I participated at the Lisbon Hospitality Internship for a month. It is an unforgettable amazing experience. Both local staff and guests were friendly and helpful. I did not face any struggle during my stay. Just great time and loads of fun in an amazing city and a country as well.I highly recommend this project! Also appreciate GoEco´s team support - regularly asking via email if everything is alright which made me feel secure.Thank you. Hana

After my arrival in Israel I had a great day in Jerusalem with coordinator Yan. He showed me the city of Jerusalem in another way that impressed me very much. Then we went to Tel Aviv for the project. The manager of the bakery Assaf is a very open, kind and talented person. We had a lot of fun working.The working hours were very flexible, so I could arrange my free time and, for example, go to the Dead Sea or take a tour with Yan through Tel Aviv. In the bakery I helped to prepare the recipes, operated the dishwasher, baked cakes and much more...I think we were a very good team! Outside of the project, I met many other travellers in the young - people Abraham hostel in Tel Aviv. We went out together in the evening and had a great time! In summary, I am very grateful for this experience! Also thanks to the Go Eco team who made this possible for me!

Amazing experience! Working in Assaf's bakery you learn not just the vegan pastries, but a lot of other stuff, also you get to know yourself much better. Assaf is amazing human being and can easily become your friend for life! If you want to volunteer in Tel Aviv, Yan is your man, best tour guide. This guy will take care of you better then your own mother!

I have only positive reviews for this program. As a solo traveler heading to the Middle East for the first time could be quite daunting. Throughout my whole experience from the weeks leading up to my trip, to my entire stay…not once did I feel alone, clueless or stressed. Every matter was addressed and made clear to me. Life changing adventure filled with culture, appreciation for world issues and new friends.

I went to Israel to volunteer at a food bank originally but after talking with my field guide he suggested that I go to the bakery instead and being that I'm actually vegan I agreed. It was the best decision I made other than actually deciding to come to Israel and I'm so glad I was flexible on this. This decision made my trip 1000 times better. First, I love to cook but baking can be a little intimidating for me so I got the chance to watch bakers in their element and to draw from their confidence. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. I felt right at home from the first day. They put me right to work and the next time I looked up it was time to go home. The highlight for me of each day was our lunch breaks. One of the chefs would make a delicious vegan lunch for us all to share and I loved that we all sat down together and just relaxed around good food for a moment and talked. It was Awesome! The chefs also suggested good vegan places to eat during my stay in Israel and one of the sweet chefs even took the time to take me around to a few of them. I not only got to volunteer but I also got to see the non-touristy side of Israel which was priceless. I very much enjoyed my time at the bakery and plan to go back again in the summer.