IGS Dive Shop / Reef Survey Internship

My major is actually Journalism, but the diving world really draws my attention that much. So, I took the plunge and tried this IGS internship program. What we did everyday was preparing gear for dives, conducting reef surveys and even website management to highlight threats to reef systems. My journ experience was also used, as I have created contents for the shop's website, also some SEO stuff, and some copywriting. Staff are always smiling, and Hawaii is extremely beautiful. How I wish I could spend eternity there.

In general, a Divemaster course will take on average anywhere between 6 weeks - 6 months to complete. Here, it took me 3.5 months. :) On mornings and afternoons, we assist visitors in their tours, coordinated with the other staff, did researches in the back office, and even did some marketing stuff when there are just few visitors. On days when no visitors are around, they teach me towards my PADI certification goal and really made time to orient me. Grateful for this beautiful opportunity. Serving dual purpose - enjoying and learning in the internship... also getting a certification. Insane.

Got the chance to work with local and foreign staff in Cebu, Philippines. Working in the dive shop got me an opportunity to meet diff kinds of people, so I get to learn their language also. Good thing Cebuanos are very fluent in English, I had no difficulty in understanding them. Among the many tourist destinations I went to, I think that taoist temple, tops lookout, and the whaleshark spotting are my top favorite adventures.