Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Internship; Utila, Honduras

Tiffany Hall Start Date: Nov 6, 2015 - End Date: Mar 4, 2016
  • Intern Abroad
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Utila, Honduras

My Travel Story

by: Tiffany Hall Start Date: Nov 6, 2015 - End Date: Mar 4, 2016
  • Intern Abroad
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
I have been chosen to participate in a 4 week marine conservation internship with the Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Centre in Utila, Honduras for 4 weeks (with the opportunity to stay longer!!) in March, 2016. Their aim is to provide people who are passionate about the natural environment and keen to pursue a career in marine conservation practical experience working within a non-profit conservation organization. The programs at the WSORC focus on providing volunteers with key skills necessary for pursuing careers in marine conservation. I will earn dive qualifications, participate in underwater research monitoring, and gain an understanding into marine conservation issues in the Caribbean. I will gain practical field experience in order to further my career in conservation. Learning research techniques and scuba diving, identifying reef fish, doing community outreach, experiencing a new culture, and getting to meet people with the same interests and passions as mine will be the experience of a lifetime. Not only will this opportunity help me grow as an individual,  it will also aid in securing a job in the oceanographic/ environmental conservation field upon graduation. I truly believe in the work marine conservationists are doing and being a part of that would be amazing. I would gain a better understanding of the underwater world and ways in which I can help preserve it.  My love for travel and adventure as well as the ocean has led me to search for internships which could fulfill all of those passions. This one certainly will! 

The internship is unpaid, however, and actually costs a fee due to the research center being a non-profit organization. Money goes towards dive training, equipment maintenance, utilities, accomodations, and research. I also have to cover my own flights and acquire items such a wetsuit and some necessary travel gear (and maybe some Spanish lessons!). Any little bit helps and I appreciate any donations. Not only are they a blessing to me but they go towards some really amazing research and conservation efforts!
  • Utila, Honduras

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