Portugal: Marine Biology Internship

Portugal: Marine Biology Internship

Albufeira, Portugal (Outgoing Program)

Program Terms: / August,
July,
June,
May,
October,
September / Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Dates / Deadlines:
Term / Year / App Deadline / Decision Date / Start Date / End Date
September / 2018 / 05/01/2018 ** / Rolling Admission / TBA / TBA
October / 2018 / 06/01/2018 ** / Rolling Admission / TBA / TBA
** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Program Description:


Marine Biology Internship in Portugal

If you always wanted to do Marine Science & dolphin research but never had the chance, or if you are starting a career in the field and need more experience, you are in the right place! This all-inclusive (housing, meals & internship) MARINE BIOLOGY Summer (May to October) internship program will give you the opportunity to get to know several species of cetaceans, sharks, sea turtles and marine birds, which are native to the South of Portugal The location of your internship will be Albufeira, one of the most attractive and touristic areas in the Algarve, known for its famous beaches and beautiful coastline.

Marine Environment Research Association

Founded in 2010, its area of action is in the region of Portugal's Algarve, more specifically Albufeira. It’s a non-governmental, non-profit organization with international scope. Their main field of activities is related to marine mammals in their natural environment. The Research Association aims to be a reference for research, education, and conservation of the environment in Portuguese waters, promoting activities and partnerships, which empower our understanding of marine-related issues, identifying threats and mitigate their effects in marine wildlife. They work closely with sea agents, like dolphin-watching companies, administration and authorities, other NGO sea-related associations and organizations and public environmental institutions. Jointly, they develop scientific research in environmental topics and try to promote a healthier and safer environment for marine species.
Through fieldwork at sea, education and research, the association gives space, time and room, to the participants in our programs, to face working at sea conditions, learn methodological skills, responsible code of conduct, exchange, research and work with experienced marine biologists, which will enable broaden their perspectives, know their physical limits, and actively play a role in the future conservation of marine habitat.

Position Description/ Duties

Our program will give you the opportunity to get to know several species of cetaceans, sharks, sea turtles and marine birds, which occur in the South of Portugal. Namely, it will provide you the chance to identify and interpret their behavior, social composition of the group, amongst others. Researchers will provide training lectures and fieldwork training. During this period you will learn and use several of the most used techniques and methodologies to study cetaceans. It will be given the opportunity to learn about data collection, photo analyses (photo-id), acoustic records, underwater and aerial videos, etc.
The field trips are conducted in their research vessel, Ketos, and also aboard commercial whale watch boats as well.
The species found varies slightly with the time of year but the most sighted are the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Occasionally we can also find the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), Orca (Orcinus orca), minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). For every cetacean group found we collect several biological, ecological and environmental data.
Want to learn to SCUBA DIVE? it is possible to start (or improve) your scuba diving skills. You can choose from a simple and lovely snorkeling tour, discovery scuba diving up to becoming a certified diver (PADI certification). If you are interested in getting some scuba diving certification (PADI) while you do your internship, let us know since special prices are available.

Fees

  • 2 weeks: $2,440 ($1,220 per week)
  • 4 weeks: $3,600 ($900 per week)
  • 8 weeks: $5,600 ($700 per week)
  • 12 weeks: $6,240 ($520 per week)

Eligibility

  • At least 18 years old
  • Stay for at least 2 weeks
  • Speak enough English to be able to communicate with other participants
  • Be in good health, physically fit and to walk and climb easily
  • Be able to swim and feel comfortable on a boat
  • Preferred:
  • Work experience with marine mammals
  • Experience working in research boats and/or whale-watching boats
  • Experience with photo-identification
  • Professional cameras that can be used for photo-identification
  • Availability to stay for longer periods of time

Program Inclusions

  • Internship Placement
  • On-site Coordinator
  • On-site Orientation
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • Visa Assistance
  • Certificate of Completion
  • ISIC Card -International Student ID card (for those currently enrolled in university)
  • Evacuation Insurance
  • Basic Health Insurance

Additional Fees

  • Airfare to/from Portugal
  • Tour Package: $295
  • City Tour
  • Excursion / Cultural Activity
  • Tour Guidebook
  • Public transportation pass
  • Living expenses
  • 3-12 Academic Credits from Truman State University: $550 flat fee
  • 1 credit per 40 hour work week
  • Journal and essay required

Housing

Interns will share a house with researchers and assistants in a villa in Albufeira, Portugal. Participants will share four rooms, three bathrooms, living room, kitchen, loft, garden and a private pool. The house has Wi-Fi and a laundry room. The atmosphere is very informal and usually quite familiar. Everyone shares house chores, such as cleaning and cooking. It is very important to keep in mind that the team is usually constituted of citizens of different countries with different levels of English, so people need to be tolerant of each other.