ENGAGE IN MARINE EDUCATION INTERNSHIP WHERE YOU CAN TRAVEL, TRAIN & TREAD IN THE CARIBBEAN
Join a marine education internship where you can travel, train, and tread in the Caribbean
Enjoy an experiential learning opportunity in the Caribbean by completing a marine science education internship in the Cayman Islands. We welcome individuals who are seeking to explore their potential career options in marine education.
Marine Impact is teaming up with the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) to provide aspiring and recent graduates with career training and guidance in one of the world’s iconic marine research locations. This is a 3-month residential Cayman Islands internship specifically tailored to suit the participant’s needs and goals. Marine education interns will be trained and guided through educational marine science content creation, outreach events engagement, water-based activities administration, as well as in conducting lessons and laboratory sessions with students. Interns have a significant contribution on developing and implementing marine science education programs with a local, regional, and global reach. Workshops directed on career building skills and training on poster presentation as well as public speaking are also conducted to further expand this marine education internship’s benefits.
Roles & Tasks:
During a marine education internship in the Cayman Islands your duties and responsibilities will include:
- Provide resource and assistance to all visiting educational groups as well as delivery of paid and sponsored marine education programs
- Aid in daily tasks required at a remote marine research field station
- Assist with marine education programs all the way from logistical planning to execution
- Prepare and organize equipment and supplies needed for classroom activities and field excursions
- Organize outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling
- Prepare relevant communications related to the marine education internship program
- Provide administrative assistance to the Education Manager, Education Coordinator, and Education Assistant
- Take part in marine conservation activities and local outreach events
- Provide CCMI workshops, lectures, and coursework
- Assist with communications, research, advancement, and operations
Requirements:
- Open Water SCUBA certification
- Current DAN dive insurance
- Complete education module during the Cayman Islands internship
- Deliver a public lecture on focus marine education area during a CCMI seminar at the culmination of the internship
DESTINATION
ORGANIZATION
Marine Impact partners with Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) – a marine research institution in Little Cayman headed by Dr. Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley with a Phd in Marine Science & Research. CCMI hosts a variety of research groups, international research scientists, education groups, and university courses at their research station built in 2005. Their team enthusiastically studies cutting-edge concepts on marine science and marine research, as well as resolutions to the aftermath of natural phenomena and disease. CCMI meticulously runs its daily operations as environmentally friendly as possible.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Expect to be enchanted during your internship as you stay in a stunning corner of the Caribbean on the tranquil and mesmerizing island Little Cayman. All interns comfortably share a guest house where they can become immersed in the community. Interns can spend their free time basking on the white sandy beaches, swimming under the stars, or simply enjoying the tropical breeze.
Interns can catch-up with family and friends anytime thanks to stable wifi access, and also enjoy having access to hot showers. There’s also a shared kitchen where interns can prepare their meals.
A marine internship in the Cayman Islands means you’ll also enjoy the tropical weather of the Caribbean; the hottest months are August and September, while the coolest are December and January.
PROJECT IMPACT AREAS
CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION
Sustainable conservation is only possible with the education and inclusion of all people that visit an ecosystem. Working with the local dive resorts, you will help us teach conservation education by attendance and participation in weekly public seminars in order to raise awareness around local and global conservation issues.You will also get involved in physical conservation activities organized by the local community that help us restore habitats and eco-systems, including cleaning local beaches or removing invasive species (Iguanas and Lionfish).
TROPICAL ECOLOGY
Physical conservation work is a vital part of wildlife conservation (and a lot more fun than you would think it would be), so you will have plenty of opportunities to get your hands dirty. Whether you assist in collecting rubbish from the beach or identifying lionfish gut content, the work you do is key to the survival of coral reefs and success of conservation in the area. It transforms the land and sea back into a healthy habitat where wildlife can flourish.
RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
You will work alongside our conservation team to compile data into reports, maps, and presentations. Some of the techniques you will learn about include coral and fish identification, monitoring of threatened conch populations, restoration techniques, and terrestrial conservation. Your observations are essential for providing critical information that will influence conservation strategies that protect endangered and vulnerable wildlife.
These research sessions will teach you about data collection and compilation techniques that are used to influence conservation strategies. Conservationists and field guides can use this data to monitor the health of Little Cayman Island for years to come.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
EXPLORE THE SISTER ISLANDS
Rock climbing in Cayman Brac is a must do during your time in the Cayman Islands. A weekend trip gives you a chance to explore the sights on the Brac, both above and below the water. It is the second largest of the three islands. The highlight of this weekend retreat is climbing up the ocean front cliffs to the highest point on the Cayman Islands with the best viewpoints. Grand Cayman offers a brief reminder of modern life. The largest and most heavily populated of the three Islands, Grand Cayman has something for everyone. Spend a day at the Botanical Gardens or the Parrot Sanctuary, visit the Cayman Islands Turtle Center, or take a stroll down the famous 7-mile beach. If you’re in the mood for nightlife, explore the many bars and clubs along 7-mile and Camana Bay. For the ultimate indulgence, treat yourself to a spa treatment, a yoga class, or a gourmet meal at one of the many options available.
BLOODY BAY WALL MARINE PARK
With the world-famous Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park right on our doorstep, going on weekend dives will be at the top of your list of things to do during your stay in Little Cayman. The sheer vertical walls host amazing biodiversity and is by far among the best diving in the Caribbean. Corals, sponges, tunnels, and vertical walls make up the landscape of Boody Bay Wall. Reef sharks, sea turtles, sting rays, and groupers – are the most well-known residents. But hundreds of other animals call the Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park home, so keep your camera ready!
TAKE IT EASY
After the day’s excitement, you can relax on the beach, have a drink at a local bar, watch a movie, or enjoy a games night with the other interns and volunteers. Bikes and kayaks are always available for an afternoon ride or sunset paddle. Dinners on the deck are a highlight, as are the marshmallow roasting get togethers around the fire!
DATES & RATES
START DATES
January – March 2024
April – June 2024
June – August 2024
September – November 2024
*NOTE: Maximum of 2 interns available per 3-month session
RATES
3 months: US$6,500
PROJECT FEE INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation throughout your stay
- A help-yourself breakfast and 2 cooked meals per day
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- 24/7 support from experienced international and local staff
- Full orientation to ensure you contribute responsibly
- Project equipment and resources
- WiFi
PROJECT FEE EXCLUSIONS
- Insurances (Travel and Medical)
- Flights/Air Fares
- Visa Related Costs
- Snacks, gifts, soft drinks, souvenirs
- Off-project Scuba Diving activities
- US$ 25 Mandatory Contribution donated to the Sustainability Fund
- Off-project tours or personal weekend trips
PROJECT REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Open Water SCUBA certification
- Current DAN dive insurance
QUICK FACTS
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LITTLE CAYMAN ISLANDS |
 |
ALL YEAR (Jan., April, June, & Sept. 2024) |
 |
3 MONTHS |
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MARINE SCIENCE EDUCATION |
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US$6,500 |
PROJECTS HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit and explore one of the world’s premier marine science locations and its famous diving spots
- Meet and work with a group of high-spirited and passionate marine science educators and scientists
- Contribute to the organization’s significantly impactful conservation activities and outreach events to the local community
- Complement and boost your marine science knowledge with hands-on experience in organizing field excursions and other outdoor activities
- Lend a helping hand from conception to implementation of marine education program activities
RELATED PROGRAMS
Underwater Photography & Conservation Internship in the Cayman Islands
5th September-30th September 2024
Little Cayman Islands
5-10
Join our field guides and conservation team on one the most pristine coral reef habitats in the Caribbean for the ultimate underwater photography and conservation experience.
