Marine Conservation Research Expedition Internships: Intern abroad in Samos, Greece
Open to students and graduates of all disciplines, the Marine Conservation Research Expedition offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in applied research and conservation. Join our experienced team on board research vessels and at field bases in the Aegean Sea, and learn how to contribute directly to active marine conservation projects.
What to expect from your Marine Conservation Research Expedition internship:
- Gain training in the use of specialized marine research equipment.
- Learn about the mapping and monitoring of protected habitats and species.
- Develop survey experience using boat-based, snorkel-based and kayak methods.
- Assess anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems.
- Learn how various datasets are used to support targeted conservation projects.
Your internship abroad host organization:
- Marine Institute of Conservation
Internship details
The Aegean Sea represents a unique biogeographical crossroad between three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. The eastern Aegean, where our efforts are focused, hosts some of the most important remaining populations in the Mediterranean - marine mammals, turtles, seagrass meadows and deep-water coralligenous reefs. The Marine Conservation Research Expedition begins and ends in Samos Island, but often involves travelling throughout the Northeast Aegean islands.
Due to the immersive and structured nature of this program, start dates are limited and advance reservations are strongly encouraged. The next available start date for 2026 is October 11th. Spaces are strictly limited. Don’t miss your chance to join this dedicated mission and make a tangible impact on Mediterranean conservation.
Unlike independent internship projects, this structured itinerary focuses on a multidisciplinary introduction to practical conservation work. Embark on a high-impact, 7-day research expedition that goes far beyond a standard internship. Spending time aboard a flagship research sailing vessel, you will be at the heart of the action, supported by a full-equipped researchboat, for specialized parallel operations.
Set against the backdrop of the Eastern Aegean Sea, a global biodiversity hotspot, this experience offers a deep dive into the front lines of Mediterranean conservation. Guided by scientists, students transition from the classroom to the field, utilizing research vessels as mobile platforms to study, monitor, and protect one of the most ecologically significant regions in the world.
Core Learning Modules & Research Areas
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Marine Mammals: Engage in the monitoring of the Aegean’s diverse cetacean populations, including four dolphin species, two whale species, and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.
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Marine Ecology: Monitor the coastal community of fish and invertebrates and the health of seagrass meadows, and study the presence of invasive alien species and their impact on the ecosystem in areas of the Aegean Sea.
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Habitat Mapping & Applied Technology: Effective conservation requires precise data. Students gain hands-on experience combining drones, satellites, sonars, and ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) to create high-resolution distribution maps of endemic seagrasses and reef systems.
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Fisheries & Resource Management: By analyzing the 10,000-year history of Aegean fishing alongside modern over-exploitation, students explore the socio-economic and ecological risks of industry collapse. Combine fieldwork with online research to investigate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, analyzing historical productivity data, and identifying sustainable paths forward for coastal communities.
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Plastic Pollution & Impact Analysis: The Mediterranean is the world’s sixth-highest region for plastic accumulation. Students confront this crisis through laboratory and field analysis.
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Coastal & Terrestrial Management: Conservation does not stop at the shoreline. This module examines the delicate balance between island biodiversity and human development.
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Environmental Law & Policy: Data is only effective when translated into action. Students explore how scientific findings influence national and international legislation. Learn how to understand the role of targeted lobbying and legislative research in enforcing conservation measures and managing protected habitats.
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Media & Science Communication: Conservation efforts can only be successful when shared with local communities and the general public. Contribute to conservation efforts through the communication platforms of documentary, photography, video production, journalism, illustration, graphic design, animation design and public relations
Typical Schedule
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9am to 6pm; the daily schedule will depend on weather conditions. Participants are expected to be flexible and enthusiastic to join longer or earlier boat surveys, according to opportunity.
What are the career benefits of interning abroad as a Marine Conservation Research Expedition Intern?
Marine Conservation Research Expedition interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Training in the use of state-of-the-art oceanographic equipment, including Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs), sonars, biomass scanner, drones, hydrophones, multiparameter probes.
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Mapping and monitoring the distribution of protected habitats and species, such as marine mammals, Posidonia seagrass and coralligenous habitats.
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Surveying experience using boat-based, snorkel-based and kayak methods.
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Assessing the anthropogenic impacts on our coastal ecosystems.
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Interview-based surveys to record Local Ecological Knowledge.
Professional development opportunities:
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Obtain training in boat-based surveys, monitoring behavioral patterns, and assessing the impact of anthropogenic threats on population dynamics.
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Explore themes related to sustainable tourism, green infrastructure, and environmental preservation.
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Understand the role of targeted lobbying and legislative research in enforcing conservation measures and managing protected habitats.
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Boost your employability and essential soft skills, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum.
Are you eligible for this internship?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
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Academic credit available for all internships
Get course credit from your college or university while completing your internship abroad or a remote internship program. It's a great way to meet your academic requirements and gain valuable experience at the same time.
Learn about course creditProgram fees
Applying for our Marine Conservation Research Expedition Internship is completely free! The support package covers the assistance we provide in finding your internship and arranging your living accommodations in your host country, ensuring you thrive during your program.
Please note that a deposit of US$499 is required to confirm your place. The remaining balance (minus your initial US$499 deposit) is due at least 60 days before your internship start date.
Duration |
Program Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 week | $2,279 Equivalent to $325 /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
- Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
- Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
- Personal spending money for snacks, drinks, public transport, laundry, and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Samos
Take your internship to the next level with Intern Abroad HQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Samos! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto an internship program.
History, mythology, cobblestone streets, golden beaches, and the legendary Mt. Olympus — what more could you ask for? Journey from west to east on this epic seven-day adventure from Athens to Istanbul. Walk in the footsteps of warriors at the Thermopylae battlefield, the inspiration for the movie 300, and dive into the myths and legends that make Greece so captivating over a spread of delicious local meze. Wander through the rugged beauty of Mt. Olympus National Park, standing in the shadow of the gods, before crossing into Turkey and arriving in Istanbul — a city where East meets West in a vibrant swirl of culture, history, and incredible food. One unforgettable week, two incredible countries, and memories to last a lifetime.
Paradise lovers and beach enthusiasts, this one’s for you: eight days island hopping from Athens to the most incredible destinations in the Greek islands, ending in Santorini. Ancient sun-bleached ruins, piercing blue skies, and the balmy Aegean Sea provide the stunning natural backdrop for this trip that’s packed with culture, local music, tasty cuisine, and activities for the mind, body, and soul.
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
Airport pick up and accommodation on board the research vessel and full board are included in the Program Fee.
Interns are required to arrive on the start date. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated. If you arrive earlier, you will 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 date.
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.
Participants are advised not to book flights until they have first registered to confirm their participation and placement details.
Check what's required to visit Greece
Check out the widget below to learn about the visa requirements for the Marine Conservation Research Expedition internship in Greece, based on your country of residence.
Accommodation and WiFi
Land-based accommodation in Samos is provided through the Marine Research Institute, at their main base. Guest bedrooms can be shared between up to 3-4 people of the same gender. Each room also includes a shared bathroom. Most guest bedrooms also feature access to a balcony. Private rooms are not available.
Expedition accommodation is shared onboard the research vessel, a three-mast sailing boat that serves marine conservation action at sea. It is equipped with specialized equipment, offering the capability of real-time processing of environmental, oceanographic and other data necessary to address modern and ever-increasing threats to marine species and ecosystems.
Cabins onboard the research vessel can be shared between between 2, 4 or 6 people of the same gender. These cabins provide basic single beds, with communal washrooms on board.
Meals
The Research Expedition includes three meals per day, served on the research vessel or at one of the Conservation Institute’s research bases.
Dishes are simple and intended to be hearty and healthy (based on seasonal produce which is locally available), but not indulgent. If there are special snacks you like to have, please bring them, to take care of your own preferences independently.
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 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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