The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, based in Greece, offers internship opportunities for IE3 students interested in gaining hands-on experience in marine conservation, environmental sciences, GIS applications, media production, environmental policy, and education.
These year-round internships allow participants to engage in meaningful conservation efforts while gaining practical experience that directly contributes to protecting endangered species and ecosystems, in one of the most important remaining biodiversity hotspots of Europe. Since 2001, they have hosted over 22,000 students and young graduates and continue to provide enriching opportunities for students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world conservation challenges.
Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is a Greek, non-profit, non-governmental organization active since 1998. It was established to address the urgent need for protection across the seas of the northeastern Mediterranean. Archipelagos’ international multidisciplinary team combines research, in cooperation with leading universities and organizations, with active conservation work by which local communities play an important role. Present in the field year-round, Archipelagos Institute has worked for over two decades at in the Aegean Sea and in coastal island regions. This foundation has enabled and strengthened research and participation in efforts to protect marine and island ecosystems at a local, national, and international level. The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation offers exciting opportunities for students with a desire to acquire hands-on field experience in applied marine research, GIS & Remote Sensing and community-based conservation.
There are 3 main categories of Archipelago Internships:
1. Marine Research, Monitoring & GIS
This category combines Marine Mammal Research, Marine Systems Monitoring, and GIS & Remote Sensing. These positions involve ocean-based science, data collection, and habitat mapping.
2. Conservation Science, Ecology & Media
This category merges Coastal Ecology & Conservation, Terrestrial Research & Conservation, and Media Production for Conservation. These positions are focused on protecting ecosystems and communicating conservation priorities.
3. Environmental Law, Policy & Education
This category combines Environmental Law & Policy and Environmental Education. Both positions are centered on governance, advocacy, and community engagement.
Intern responsibilities will include learning and completing all assignments given by the local team, completing pre-departure training so as to maximize competency development during the program, participating in engaged observation and shadowing in clinical settings, and professionally engaging in available projects and operations in any available NGO settings aligned with best practices for global health engagement.
Marine Mammal Research: Interns monitor dolphin, whale, monk seal, and sea turtle populations on board the research boats, focusing on bioacoustics, photo identification, behavioral analyses as well as conservation threats (e.g. interactions with fisheries).
The Marine Systems Monitoring Laboratory Team: Interns measure microplastic pollution in seawater, sediment, wastewater, and biota. Monitor plankton populations and biodiversity. Support climate impact monitoring through chemical and physical analysis of the sea. Work aboard research vessels collecting data from various depths and in our field labs. The intern will take part in at-sea data collection when possible, and conduct lab work (field sample analysis) continuously throughout their internship.
GIS & Remote Sensing: Interns work on mapping critical marine habitats (e.g. seagrass meadows and coralligenous) using drones, kayaks, and various specialized equipment on board the research vessels, as well as remote sensing and other data sources for supporting marine and terrestrial habitat conservation efforts.
Coastal Ecology & Conservation: Interns participate in surveying coastal ecosystems via snorkeling and camera-based census monitoring invasive and alien species and monitoring the health of seagrass meadows. Our team also focuses on replanting Posidonia oceanica seagrass and measuring carbon sequestration.
Terrestrial Research & Conservation: Interns monitor the rare island biodiversity of Samos and nearby islands, with a focus on key species like golden jackals, Mediterranean chameleons, and migratory birds to support the development of tangible conservation measures.
Media Production for Conservation: Interns create videos and other visual media, animations, and scientific illustrations, to support awareness and public engagement on critical conservation efforts.
Environmental Law & Policy / Education: Interns research EU and international laws and regulations promoting the enforcement of conservation measures to address IUU fisheries and plastic pollution, as well as the effective protection of protected habitats and species.
Environmental Education: Interns design lesson plans, workshops, and public awareness campaigns to raise awareness of local communities and global audiences on marine conservation.
Preferred qualifications vary between specific internship opportunities:
Marine Research, Monitoring & GIS
Conservation Science, Ecology & Media
Environmental Law, Policy & Education
Estimated One-Time Expenses
*Check with your university's Global Opportunities Office for their pricing
**At time of posting visa not required for U.S. citizens completing a single-term internship
***Varies based on medical history, doctor’s recommendations, and insurance coverage
Additional Expense Information
The host site fee includes:
The bases of Archipelagos consist of offices, laboratory, basic dormitory style rooms for accommodation and a kitchen, as well as lecture rooms. Food is prepared by a cook serving basic Greek food.
Check out highlights from a past intern about their time working with the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, specifically 3D modeling of seagrass beds.
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 15
Spring: November 15
Summer:
- Strong interests in Environmental issues.
- Clear ethical engagement commitment.
- Demonstrated cross-cultural competency.
- Adaptable, proactive, and resourceful.