The stunning island of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is famous for its year-round sunshine, charming coastal villages, and breathtaking coastline. For students and young professionals passionate about marine conservation, this immersive Marine Biology internship offers a unique blend of scuba diving training and hands-on experience in marine research and conservation.
Eager to explore her future career, Thalie embarked on a four-week Marine Biology internship in Tenerife. Join her journey to discover the projects she tackled, the lessons she learned, and the exciting path she’s forging toward becoming a Marine Biologist.
Hi Thalie! Why did you decide to do this Marine Biology internship in Spain?
I am a Junior in college majoring in Sustainability of the Environment, and planning to minor in marine biology. I have always had a passion for travel and always been so intrigued with the ocean and its ecosystems, and marine biology is something I want to pursue. This internship will allow me to establish if I want to pursue this as a career and potentially get a second degree towards marine biology only. I also would like to gain knowledge on how to protect marine species and ecosystems to better protect our oceans as a future career.
How did you find settling into your first week of the internship?
To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I started this internship, but it exceeded my expectations. It offered a great balance of hands-on experience and classroom-based learning. Our instructor was incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and attentive to the different skill levels within the group, particularly in diving and marine biology.
One of the most memorable moments from my first week was our initial dive, when we spotted a shark - it was an unforgettable and exciting way to kick things off. Staying at the hostel and exploring Los Cristianos also stood out as highlights, giving me the chance to settle in and experience the local area.
What were you most surprised to discover while interning in Tenerife?
One thing that surprised me was how little Spanish was actually spoken in Los Cristianos. Because it’s such a popular tourist destination, many locals spoke multiple languages - including English, Italian, German, and Spanish - which made communication much easier than I had expected. I was also pleasantly surprised by how familiar it felt in terms of lifestyle. People were friendly, helpful, and very accommodating, which made settling in easy.
What kind of tasks were you involved in as a Marine Biology intern?
During the internship, I conducted daily dive-based data collection on seagrass and rocky reef ecosystems, contributing to long-term monitoring efforts. I supported research on nutrient cycling and marine food web dynamics, helping to enhance the organization’s understanding of local marine environments.
My responsibilities also included assisting with data collection, analysis, and reporting for ongoing conservation projects used for both research and educational purposes. Additionally, I carried out field research to assess marine biodiversity, generating valuable data to inform conservation initiatives, and analyzed ecological data using Excel to support evidence-based marine conservation efforts.
In what way did your internship expectations change?
My expectations shifted once I realized how professional and well structured this internship was. I hadn’t anticipated the level of organization, responsibility, and academic rigor required. The program included multiple classroom sessions, independent research, data collection and analysis, and a strong emphasis on professionalism - particularly given that scuba diving is an inherently high-risk activity. As a result, the internship demanded a great deal of focus, energy, and discipline, which I was more than happy to provide!
How has your internship supported long term career goals?
This internship directly supported my long-term goals by providing hands-on experience in marine biology, data collection, and applied conservation research. Through the program, I developed practical skills including conducting vertical and horizontal transects, underwater data collection, plankton sampling and analysis, basic statistical analysis using Excel, and scientific writing. I also strengthened my diving abilities, teamwork, and communication skills while working in a professional, safety-focused environment.
Beyond the technical experience, the internship deepened my curiosity, critical thinking, and ability to collaborate effectively within a team. These skills are highly transferable and relevant to future roles in environmental research, conservation, and policy-oriented work, particularly within international or multidisciplinary settings. Overall, the experience confirmed my interest in pursuing work at the intersection of science, conservation, and large-scale environmental decision-making.
In what ways do you feel differently about your own culture and lifestyle having completed this internship?
Living in Europe exposed me to a way of life where eating well, walking everywhere, and living sustainably felt normal. There was less emphasis on accumulating possessions or constantly buying the newest products, and relationships felt more genuine and less superficial. People seemed more connected to one another and more attuned to their passions, rather than being driven solely by income. The most significant change for me was how this experience reshaped my values regarding community and place. It made me realize that I want to live somewhere with similar priorities, surrounded by people who value connection, purpose, and quality of life.
Now that your Marine Biology internship is complete, what’s next for you?
My goal is to work on issues at a broader scale, creating meaningful impact aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially in environmental protection, equity, and sustainability. I plan to pursue internships, coursework, and volunteer opportunities focused on policy, international cooperation, and community-based solutions. Personally, I hope to carry forward the mindset I developed abroad, prioritizing balance, intentional living, and meaningful connections.
FAQs
Our Marine Biology internships in Tenerife are available from March through July and again from September through December. Start dates are available once per month. Interns may choose to spend a minimum of 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 12 weeks (or 16 weeks, for people who are eligible to spend more than 90 days in Spain).
Yes, all interns are required to have a Padi open water certification in order to participate. If you are not already certified, you are welcome to complete your certification in Tenerife prior to your start date, or in your first week of interning at an additional cost.
Interns in Tenerife are accommodated in a beachfront hostel near Los Cristianos Beach. In most cases, up to six guests can be accommodated per room, so participants should be prepared to share living arrangements. Female only dormitories are available for request. Common areas such as kitchen, laundry, terrace, and solarium are shared.
Spanish language proficiency is not a requirement to join.
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