Why Choose An Internship?
Our veterinary internships abroad offer a blend of career experience and travel, providing more flexibility than our study abroad programs. They are an excellent choice for students who want to gain valuable knowledge while still having the freedom to travel and explore independently. We simplify the logistics for you by handling the placement and housing, so you don’t have to navigate, find, and vet your own opportunity abroad. Like traditional internships, you will be placed with one of our partner projects, where you’ll spend approximately 35–40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, shadowing, observing, or assisting, as needed. This experience can be a valuable addition to your resume, and some colleges may even offer internship credit. However, please note that these internships differ from our standard programs—you won’t have a daily Loop Abroad staff member, a teaching vet, or pre-scheduled activities and transportation. Instead, you’ll have the independence to travel on your own, supported by your Loop Abroad and in-country coordinator.
Who It’s For
This internship is perfect for marine biology, environmental science, or pre-vet students and graduates seeking field research experience. It’s an excellent chance for those passionate about marine conservation to protect endangered species and for adventurous learners to combine meaningful travel with impactful environmental work. Joining means directly contributing to the long-term preservation of Amvrakikos’ unique marine biodiversity, while developing valuable skills for a career in environmental research or conservation. Your efforts will support critically endangered species and promote sustainable fishing practices that benefit both wildlife and local communities.
If you and a friend are applying together and would like to intern together and be housed together, please contact us at admissions@loopabroad.com to assist you.
Must be 18+ to apply.
Overview
Immerse yourself in marine conservation within the pristine Amvrakikos Gulf, a protected area in the Ionian Sea, through this engaging 40-hour-per-week internship. Gain invaluable hands-on experience alongside marine scientists and conservation experts, contributing to vital research on local biodiversity, habitat restoration, and the effects of human activities on these delicate marine ecosystems. This immersive program will equip you with practical fieldwork skills and a deep understanding of sustainable marine management practices, including the examination of local fishermen’s catches: deceased specimens will undergo bioanalysis, while live individuals will be measured and efforts made for their rehabilitation back into their environment.
The program offers a unique opportunity to work directly on diverse conservation efforts within a designated protected marine area, aligning with both local and international regulations. Engage in activities such as collecting data on various marine species, monitoring crucial habitats, and participating in conservation interventions like seagrass restoration. Furthermore, water, soil, and aquatic vegetation samples will be collected and analyzed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem. This experience provides a strong foundation for future careers in marine biology, environmental science, and broader sustainability fields. Adding to the wonders of Greece’s marine environment, the Aegean Sea, while home to a vast global family of sharks and rays (200+ species), features smaller, harmless varieties, ensuring any interaction with these fascinating fish, whether alive or part of research, is conducted safely under expert supervision and thorough training.
Beyond the practical fieldwork and scientific analysis, interns will benefit from enriching workshops, informative lectures, and impactful community engagement initiatives that broaden their understanding of the complexities of marine conservation. Participation in awareness campaigns and beach cleaning activities will further contribute to these broader conservation efforts. This structured program, combining hands-on research, vital field experience, and valuable professional mentorship, ensures students leave with a profound appreciation for marine ecosystems and the essential skills needed to contribute meaningfully to global conservation endeavors. In the Aegean, the iSea professionals expertly handle all live specimens, ensuring both their well-being and a safe learning environment.
Highlights
- Submerging cameras with bait to monitor numbers & behavior of species (not just sharks & rays)
- Hands-on field experience in marine biodiversity research and conservation techniques
- Work alongside experienced marine biologists and conservationists
- Conduct species monitoring, habitat assessments, and conservation interventions
- Participate in workshops on marine ecosystem sustainability and policy
- Engage in community education initiatives to promote marine conservation awareness
- Explore Greece’s stunning coastline and protected marine areas
- Gain practical experience in underwater data collection techniques
- Contribute to real-world conservation efforts with a lasting impact
- Ideal for students interested in marine biology, environmental sciences, and sustainability