Internship Highlights

Minimum Duration: 2-weeks
Maximum Duration: 12-weeks
Availability: Beginning of April till October end
Fees: Starting from $2,100
Language: The internship is conducted in English
Schedule: Five days per week, 9am – 5pm
Location: Potidea, Thessaloniki, Greece
Eligibility requirements: Must be 18 years old or over and preferably with least one year of undergraduate study completed, with a relevant scientific major such as biology, marine science is desired but not essential. Interns must have a genuine interest in marine conservation, wildlife research, fieldwork, commitment to hands-on work and research activities at the organization.
University Credit: Cerca Abroad in cooperation with Webster University (Athens Campus) is able to offer a transferable US university credit option for this internship program. Learn more here.

Dolphin & Biodiversity Internship

This is an in-country hands-on program with provided shared housing and local team support.

Join a pioneering marine conservation initiative focused on studying and protecting dolphin populations and marine biodiversity in the Thermaikos Gulf, one of the most ecologically important marine regions in northern Greece. This hands-on internship offers participants the opportunity to contribute to real-world scientific research while gaining practical experience in marine wildlife monitoring, conservation, environmental education, and community engagement.

Program Overview

The Thermaikos Gulf is a biodiversity hot spot that supports important marine habitats, including sea grass meadows, coastal ecosystems, and feeding grounds for numerous marine species. Dolphins regularly inhabit the area and serve as key indicators of ecosystem health.

As a participant, you will contribute to long-term monitoring efforts aimed at understanding species distribution, population trends, habitat use, and human impacts on marine ecosystems. Through field research, data collection, and public outreach activities, interns help generate valuable scientific knowledge that supports evidence-based conservation and sustainable marine management.

In addition to species-specific research, interns contribute to conservation action and citizen participation. No prior marine research experience is required. Training is provided and participants simply need enthusiasm, adaptability, and a genuine interest in marine conservation.

Key Learning Experiences

• Dolphin Photo-Identification: Assist researchers in identifying individual dolphins through dorsal fin photography and contribute to long-term population monitoring.
• Marine Wildlife Surveys: Participate in boat-based surveys to record species presence, abundance, distribution, and behaviour.
• Biodiversity Monitoring: Support research efforts focused on understanding marine ecosystem health and identifying important habitats.
• Acoustic Monitoring: Learn how hydrophones are used to detect dolphin vocalisations and monitor marine wildlife activity.
• Drone-Based Conservation Research: Assist with drone surveys used to observe marine wildlife, assess habitats, and support population monitoring.
• Data Management and Analysis: Contribute to the organization and processing of research data collected during field activities.
• Environmental Education: Support educational activities, citizen science initiatives, and awareness campaigns that engage local communities in marine conservation.

Why Choose This Internship?

• Work Alongside Experts: Collaborate with marine biologists and conservation professionals from iSea, one of Greece’s leading environmental organizations.
• Real Conservation Impact: Contribute directly to ongoing research that informs marine conservation strategies and management decisions.
• Hands-On Marine Research: Gain practical field experience conducting surveys, collecting scientific data, and monitoring marine wildlife.
• Unique Study Area: Explore the Thermaikos Gulf, an important marine ecosystem that supports dolphins and diverse Mediterranean biodiversity.
• Skill Development: Build valuable skills in wildlife monitoring, data collection, scientific research, conservation management, and environmental

Who Should Apply?

This internship is ideal for:

• Students or graduates in marine biology, biology, ecology, environmental science, zoology, or related disciplines seeking practical field experience.
• Individuals interested in marine mammal research and dolphin conservation.
• Aspiring conservation professionals looking to develop research and monitoring skills.
• Anyone passionate about protecting marine ecosystems and contributing to meaningful conservation initiatives..

Program Highlights

• Dolphin Conservation Research: Participate in long-term photo-identification and monitoring of dolphin populations in northern Greece.
• Boat-Based Field Surveys: Gain first-hand experience conducting marine wildlife research in the field.
• Marine Biodiversity Monitoring: Contribute to research focused on understanding and protecting marine ecosystems.
• Community Engagement: Help raise awareness about marine conservation through educational activities and citizen science initiatives.
• Small Group Experience: Work closely with researchers in a highly personalized setting with a maximum of two interns at a time.

Impact and Legacy

By joining this internship, you will contribute to the long-term conservation of dolphins and marine biodiversity in the Thermaikos Gulf. The data collected through the project supports scientific research, marine spatial planning, conservation policy development, and sustainable management of marine resources.

At the same time, you will gain valuable professional experience and develop practical skills that can help launch a future career in marine biology, conservation science, environmental management, or wildlife research.

Make a Difference—Apply Today!

Experience the rewarding world of marine conservation while contributing to the protection of one of Greece’s most important marine ecosystems. This is more than an internship, it is an opportunity to become part of a long-term effort to safeguard dolphins and marine biodiversity for future generations.

Fees include:
– 24/7 in-country support
– Airport pick-up
– Customized internship plan
– Fully furnished shared accommodation
– Local English speaking coordinator
– International reference letter
– Program & host city orientation
– Support before, during, and after your internship
– Sourcing and securing your internship placement
– Supervisor coaching
– Support to gain academic credit

Fees do not Include:
– Airport drop-off
– Local activities, meals/drinks (of any sort)
– International/local travel costs (incl public transport)
– Visa (if required), vaccinations
– Travel Insurance (mandatory), background check (mandatory)
– Any other service not mentioned

Important Things to Note:
– A deposit of US$350 is required to secure your internship
– The balance of your Program Fee is due 60 days before your internship start date
– Terms and Conditions apply
– To convert fees to another currency visit the XE currency converter
– Our fees are transparent with no hidden fees or extra charges