Greece Shark and Ray Internship

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Want to gain a unique career experience? Ready to travel internationally with both independence and support? Consider joining one of our incredible internships abroad!

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 [email protected] 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

Tuition

The duration of the internship will be at least 2 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks. Note: The internship placement is priced below for up to 6 weeks, but can be extended up to 12 weeks.

2 weeks: $2,770
3 weeks: $3,500
4 weeks: $4,230
5 weeks: $4,960
6 weeks: $5,690

Included:

  • 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

Not included:

  • Airport drop-off
  • Local activities
  • Medical insurance
  • Meals/drinks
  • International/local travel costs (including public transport)
  • Visa (if required)
  • Vaccinations
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory)
  • Background check (mandatory)
  • Any other service not mentioned

Gilman Scholarship

The Gilman Scholarship could fund $5000 of your tuition plus there is an additional STEM Supplemental Award of $1000 you an apply for. The next round of applications opens mid-August and the deadline is March 5, 2026, at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

If you are a US citizen receiving a Pell Grant and currently enrolled in college or university, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship! See the official website for the latest details and read about Loop Abroad students who have received this scholarship.

Housing and Meals

Interns are accommodated in shared housing near the research site, offering a comfortable and community-oriented environment. Housing includes basic amenities such as Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities, and shared living spaces. Daily breakfast and lunch are provided, featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional Greek cuisine. Interns will also have access to local grocery stores and restaurants for additional meal options.

Hours And Credit

You can receive one credit hour from Culver-Stockton College for every 40 internship hours for this program. (Optional. Additional fee applies.)

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Locations

The Amvrakikos Gulf, located in northwestern Greece, is one of the country’s most ecologically significant marine environments. This semi-enclosed gulf is home to a diverse range of habitats, including lagoons, wetlands, and seagrass meadows, making it a hotspot for marine and bird biodiversity. It is particularly known for its population of bottlenose dolphins and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, as well as numerous fish and bird species.

Due to its ecological importance, much of the Amvrakikos Gulf is part of a protected national park, with ongoing conservation efforts aimed at preserving its delicate ecosystem. Sustainable tourism is growing in the region, with eco-tours, dolphin-watching excursions, and nature-based activities allowing visitors to explore the area’s rich marine and coastal landscapes. Traditional fishing villages, historic sites, and scenic beaches make the region an attractive destination for travelers looking to experience both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Interns participating in the conservation program will have the unique opportunity to study and contribute to the protection of this vital marine area while experiencing the region’s rich environmental and cultural offerings.

Itinerary

Your schedule will vary day to day, depending on the day and project you are working on. Some itinerary items may include: Fieldwork (marine species monitoring, habitat assessments, conservation interventions), Data analysis, project discussions, workshops, Community engagement activities, or snorkeling/survey dives (if applicable)