Laboratory Research & Microplastics Internships in Samos
Laboratory Research & Microplastics interns collaborate with a local and experienced Marine Conservation NGO, broadly experienced in addressing data gaps related to marine ecology and conservation. The internships take place in the island of Samos, Greece, situated in the eastern Aegean of the Mediterranean. Despite being an important region for marine biodiversity, heavy maritime traffic, illegal fishing, and unsustainable tourism practices contribute to the accumulation of plastic pollution. Join year-round laboratory and fieldwork activities dedicated to research, policy, and awareness projects.
Internship Highlights:
- Learn about the primary sources of plastic pollution, its impact on marine ecosystems, and the extent of contamination.
- Assist efforts dedicated to public awareness, education, and changing environmental policy.
- Gain practical research and laboratory experience.
- Help assess the dispersal of plastic waste fragments and fibers in the ocean.
Type of host organizations:
- Marine Institute of Conservation
Internship details
Wondering how you can have an actual impact on protecting our environment? As a Laboratory & Microplastic intern, you can gain experience across diverse fieldwork and laboratory activities. The Marine Conservation NGO which supports interns on this program offers opportunities to obtain sample collections, conduct research, and contribute to related policy projects and environmental awareness campaigns. Come prepared to learn more about how multidisciplinary NGOs operate, working to educate and generate lasting change for our precious environments and ecosystems.
This is an in-country internship, with accommodation and meals provided. Click here to view remote Environmental Science internships you can undertake from home.
The Laboratory Research & Microplastics internship program in Greece is primarily based in the island of Samos, situated in the eastern Aegean Sea. Within the waters of the Mediterranean, large accumulations of plastic debris have been recorded. Such pollution causes significant threats to both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Collaborating with an experienced and long-established marine conservation non-profit organization, interns may support the program in either a general role - collaborating on current research topics - or in a more specialized role, where you have time and scope to contribute one pre-defined project. The research conducted is intended to help address data gaps related to the presence and impact of microplastic/macroplastic pollution.
Generally, interns assist (or even lead) fieldwork activities to obtain samples for statistical data analysis. There can be a large intern-to-supervisor ratio on this program, so interns must have some relevant technical skills, to participate with confidence and understanding. For example, previous lab and microscope analysis experience, knowledge in the application of statistics, previous experience related to sample collection, etc. Some examples of key projects include:
- Collection and analysis of diverse marine sediment samples, to quantify microplastic distribution.
- Assessment of microplastics in surface waters, across sample regions, to analyze seasonal and spatial patterns of contamination.
- Assessing the contamination of marine habitats near wastewater outlets.
- Assessment of macro/microplastic contamination found within the gastrointestinal tracts of stranded and deceased marine mammals and sea turtles found along the region’s coastlines. (Extractions of microplastic fibers and fragments are identified and the samples are sent to university laboratories for further analysis).
- Analysis of contamination impacting commercial fish (comparing aquaculture and wild populations) including investigation of microplastics entering commercial foods (review of microplastic content found in commercial products).
- Analysis of contamination from the laundering of synthetic textiles and research related to the mitigation of pollution.
- Investigation into the role of seagrass meadows as a sink for microplastics.
Interns can likewise become involved with a range of other conservation-related opportunities, in addition to lab tasks, so flexibility and adaptability are required. For example, collaboration with environmental awareness campaigns, public relations, education initiatives within the community, support to other project teams, and more.
Interns must come prepared to assist with office/admin based activities, in addition to hands-on fieldwork. All tasks related to data collection and data analysis in the field require follow up work on a computer, which is an essential aspect of research and scientific progression. Prior to participating on certain surveys, all interns are required to complete theoretical training/preparation tasks related to species identification, data sheets, etc.
Depending on your goals and academic level, proactive participants can collect data for independent research purposes (provided that new ideas/projects are relevant to the organization’s key conservation goals/themes). Preferences are subject to availability, as conservation and research priorities vary throughout the year. The laboratory schedule and consumable availability will also impact whether or not specific research preferences can be accommodated.
Expect that the first week of your experience will focus on settling in, building new relationships, gaining introductory and foundational knowledge. Being able to balance the motivation to get stuck in as soon as possible must be balanced with teamwork, patience, the willingness to try new things, achieve learning milestones, and ask questions as you progress.
You might find yourself using equipment to collect and analyze data, using software and other methods, which are all new to you - however, this can greatly benefit your future career, as it adds so much more practical experience to your resume! A commitment to responsible communication and self-management is required. Supervisors will assign tasks and projects but interns are required to organize and put suitable timelines in place for achieving the best outcome.
Typical Schedule
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Monday to Friday, approximately 9am until 5pm. Activity schedules can vary based on weather conditions and seasonal projects.
Career Benefits
Laboratory Research & Microplastics interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Collection and analysis of diverse samples (water, soil, etc) to quantify microplastic distribution.
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Identifying significant sources of micro/macro plastic pollution.
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Assessing the extent of contamination.
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Development of scientific evidence in support of marine and terrestrial conservation efforts.
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Environmental related policy and awareness raising projects.
Professional development opportunities:
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Obtain samples and execute proper laboratory protocols and statistical data analysis.
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Acquire practical research experience in coastal and marine environments.
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Support conservation campaigns by raising awareness.
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Deepen your understanding of microplastic pollution.
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Gather data on plastic waste fragments and fibers found in the sea.
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Enhance your research, communication and problem solving skills.
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Boost your employability and essential soft skills, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum.
Greece photo gallery
Academic credit available for all internships
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing an internship abroad or remote internship program with Intern Abroad HQ.
Learn about course creditProgram fees
It’s free to apply for this internship. Once we have reviewed your suitability and accepted you onto this program, you’ll need to pay a deposit of US$499 to confirm your place. The remaining balance of your Program Fee (less your initial US$499 deposit payment) will be due no less than 60 days before your internship start date.
Duration |
Program Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | $3,125 Equivalent to $55 /day |
| 10 weeks | $3,725 Equivalent to $53 /day |
| 12 weeks | $4,000 Equivalent to $47 /day |
| 16 weeks | $5,030 Equivalent to $44 /day |
| 20 weeks | $6,010 Equivalent to $42 /day |
| 24 weeks | $6,455 Equivalent to $38 /day |
- Airport pick-up
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- Program orientation
- Dedicated support before, during, and after your internship
- In-country guidance for social and tourist activities
- Sourcing and securing your internship placement
- Personalization of your internship plan
- Coaching from your supervisor
- Documented portfolio of your experiential learnings
- Academic credit facilitation
- International reference letter
- Certificate of Internship Completion
- In-country transportation
- Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
- Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
- Personal spending money for snacks, drinks, public transport, laundry, and leisure activities during your free time.
- A deposit of $499 (approximately 499) is required to secure your internship
- Note that internships in Greece are provided through an organization which is accredited to run projects under Erasmus+ Volunteering and the European Solidarity Corps. European students are encouraged to speak with their university Erasmus office regarding funding and grants for this internship.
- Balance of your Program Fee is due 60 days before your internship start date.
- All payments attract a 5% transaction fee to cover international banking fees and currency charges.
- Terms and Conditions apply.
Activities and tourism
Samos has emerged as peaceful destinations for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle. While the island receives tourism, it is not considered to be a destination for the masses. The island is relatively small and rural, with tight-knit communities, where social cohesion is expected. Spare time during the weekends is available to unwind and explore. There is no shortage of things to see and do, as the islands have ample scenery, hikes, beautiful beaches, restaurants, tourism attractions, culture and history. In the major towns of Pythagoreio, Vathi/Samos City, Karlovasi and Marathokampos, there are numerous shops and supermarkets, tavernas, cafés/restaurants, museums, archaeological sites and pharmacies. The Samos Island medical services include a general hospital in Vathi/Samos City, a health clinic in Pythagoreio, as well as pharmacies in most towns. Note that sometimes internship activities can take place over weekends, so a flexible nature is required.
Arrival and Orientation
Aegean Marine Science & Island Conservation internships take place on Samos Island in Greece. Start dates are available on the first and third Monday of each month only. Exceptions may be made to this when start dates are shifted to avoid public holiday disruptions or closed when the program has already reached capacity. Interns may choose to spend a minimum of 8 weeks, up to a maximum of 12 weeks (or 24 weeks, with advance visa arrangements). Airport pick up and accommodation are included in the Program Fee.
- Interns are asked to arrive on their chosen Monday start date (and no earlier). The accommodation is covered from the first Monday night of the program. If you arrive earlier than your Monday start date, you may be required to arrange your own transportation from the airport and check-in to alternative accommodation (at your own expense) prior to joining the program on the scheduled Monday start date.
- After having time to settle in, a formal orientation will take place the following day. Orientation covers important details for your internship, including introductions, information about customs, rules, expectations, safety, and more.
- The typical port of entry into Greece is the Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), the largest international airport in the country. From this airport, interns need to connect onto a further domestic flight to Samos Island, via Samos International Airport (SMI). Upon arrival at SMI, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred to the accommodation. No airport meet-and-greets are provided in Athens.
- The last night of the accommodation is the Friday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Saturday. (Prior to departure, extra nights of accommodation may be arranged in advance, if requested, but are subject to availability.)
- Return transportation to the airport is not included in the internship program fee.
Please note that all participants are advised not to book flights or confirm any other travel bookings until they have first paid the internship program fee deposit, in order to confirm placement and receive further guidance.
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Accommodation and WiFi
Aegean Marine Science & Island Conservation internships primarily take place on Samos Island, as this is where the main research base is located. The base is located in the village of Agios Konstantinos in the NW of Samos Island. It is a few minutes walk from the seafront where you can find restaurants and cafes, a small shop and a pharmacy. The bus stop is right in front of the base to go to Vathi (also known as Samos Town), Karlovasi or Pythagorio.
Living is comfortable but basic. The shared accommodation offers electricity, running water, shared common dining area, washing machines and a dryer. The guest bedrooms are shared between 3-4 people of the same gender (each room also includes a shared bathroom). Most guest bedrooms also feature access to a balcony. Please note that private rooms are not available.
The whole team helps out in the on-site organic garden, which provides pesticide-free fruits and vegetables in order to become self-sufficient. (Recently, 75 more fruit trees were planted, and we are looking forward to them all producing fruit within the next couple of years!) The base is gradually being equipped with solar panels as a source of green energy, while ongoing efforts are made to minimize the use of single-use plastic.
It’s important to note that there can occasionally be short-term power or water cuts, which cause temporary inconvenience. In such cases, local staff will ensure that proper reports are made to local authorities so that services can be restored as soon as possible. The base has back-up water tanks for such events. Interns are recommended to keep their devices charged, in case of short-term power outages.
Showers are heated partially by solar power, so they are warm but not always piping hot. At times, the showers may be cold or lukewarm. During the colder months of the year, temperatures can be quite low, so it is important to pack accordingly with warm clothing.
Accommodation is not air conditioned. If you are sensitive to hot temperatures, this should be considered when planning a summer internship. (Likewise, if you are very sensitive to cold conditions, then it is better to schedule your internship outside of winter months - but the rooms do have access to heating systems).
Wi-fi is available but the speed can often be slow during busy periods. It should not be used for streaming videos or music during working hours, as this will affect connectivity for people who are working and conducting research. Wi-fi is also very easily accessed in towns, with just about every cafe and restaurant offering connection to customers.
Interns are strongly advised to ensure that their own smart phone has data for personal use, and encouraged to rely on their own mobile plan for personal connection needs, while also being able to hotspot to their laptop, if need be. Sim cards can be purchased locally for this purpose or you may speak with your own provider about an international roaming plan.
Please note that the accommodation pictured in the photo gallery of this webpage represents the main base, described in this section. However, occasionally interns may have the opportunity to spend time at alternative research bases, on Lipsi island for example, where alternative accommodation is utilized.
Meals
Internships in Greece include three meals per day, served at the accommodation/base. Breakfast is available from 8am until 8:45am. Catering is self service.
The style of food is typically Greek and dishes are simple, including dishes such as pastas, salads, legumes, seasonal fruit and vegetables. The meals provided are intended to be hearty and healthy (based on seasonal produce which is locally available), but not indulgent. Please let us know of any specific dietary requirements that you have in advance, so that we may ensure your hosts are aware and make recommendations accordingly.
In all cases, we advise interns to budget independently for their own snacks and treats. You’ll find the meals to be sufficient but likely different from what you’re used to eating at home. If there are special snacks you like to have, please budget for them and take care of your own preferences independently.
Interns usually report that they spend approximately €30-40 per week on extra food supplies and shopping at the supermarket/bakery (including a meal out). There are many tasty eateries around, so you can enjoy supporting local businesses and trying the delicious specialties. Keep in mind that, depending on your own spending habits and lifestyle choices, personal budgets can vary enormously.
Essential country information
| Capital | Athens |
| Population | 10.75 million |
| Languages | Greek |
| Currency | Euro (€ - EUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate:
In Samos, the climate follows typical Mediterranean patterns. The summers are hot, arid, and clear; the winters are long, cold, wet, and partly cloudy. It is windy in the Aegean Islands year-round.
The main summer period runs from mid June to mid September, with an average daily high temperature above 84°F / 29°C. The hottest month of the year is July, with an average high of 90°F / 32°C. The summer months are also the driest. The Spring period is moderate and (as it’s not so hot) also a popular season for tourism.
The winter months are from late November through to late March. The coldest month of the year is usually January, with an average low of 43°F / 6°C and high of 54°F / 12°C. Rainfall is more common and the winter months on the Greek islands are fairly slow with tourists.
The nature of activities that interns are involved with varies depending upon seasonality, as all internship activities are subject to weather conditions. Therefore, over the winter months, interns should expect less boat surveys (and tasks related to marine mammals) and more tasks related to marine ecology, microplastic assessment in the laboratory, and (subject to availability) marine sanctuary project priorities.
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