Overview
Marine Conservation Internship in the Seychelles

By joining this internship you will join a research team and learn the skills required to study coral reefs and turtles in the Indian Ocean. You will work alongside a dedicated staff supervisor to ensure you maximise your placement, cultural and learning activities. GVI works in Seychelles in partnership and by invitation of the Seychelles government and local NGOs, assisting their priority biological study and conservation programs. Research includes coral reef research, invertebrate surveys, whale shark migration observations, plankton sampling, turtle nesting research and water turtle surveys. This internship will allow you to make a real difference to these important projects and gain invaluable hands on practical experience in a variety of fields including project management and team leadership.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

It’s really great to be surrounded by 30 people that share the same passion for the ocean as I do. I know I will leave here with new friends and connections for a lifetime.

Lewis Smith, GVI Intern

What Difference Does This Internship Make?

GVI, working alongside our partners, is the leading marine data collection organisation in the country. We do the work that our partners do not have the manpower, time or resources to carry out. We collect data on the coral reefs as well as on turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, octopuses and many more species; and much of this data is used by other organisations in the Seychelles. Our volunteers are trained to such a high standard that the information they gather is used to show an accurate picture of the overall health of the Seychelles coral reefs used by the government for management policies.

Highlights

Internationally recognised qualification in Team Leading (BTEC Award level 2). Learning how to identify fish and coral in the Indian Ocean; visiting and diving amongst deserted tropical islands; extra dive courses at heavily discounted rates with local dive shops, enjoying fun-dives and searching for the incredible ‘mega-fauna’ in the area, such as whale sharks, manta rays, and dolphins; developing the techniques you need to survey coral reefs,exploring different dive sites, visiting breeding areas for the hawksbill and green turtle, and endangered giant tortoises; having an amazing and unique adventure amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Internationally recognised qualification in Biological Survey Techniques (this is optional - BTEC Award level 3).

Location

This expedition takes you to the beautiful Indian Ocean paradise of the Seychelles islands. GVI operates 2 marine bases in the inner granitic islands, both within National Marine Parks next to stunning palm-fringed beaches and forested areas. The paradise of the Seychelles is the ideal location to enjoy conducting marine research, relaxing and exploring a well-preserved and tranquil tropical archipelago.

See Life on the internship page for more information

Field Conditions

The expedition bases are located within National Marine Parks within the inner granitic islands of the Seychelles, 2 minutes walk away from stunning beaches with scenic views. Both bases supply basic living conditions with dormitory style accommodation, with up to 12 to a room in comfortable beds, or spacious tents with up to 6 people and comfortable beds. The research bases have basic facilities which include outside social BBQ and dining areas, generated power supply, running water and bathroom facilities, and are situated in idyllic locations.

See Life on the internship page for more information