The internship program with Innoceana Ojochal is one of the best ways to participate in marine conservation, research, protection, and restoration projects.

Interns play an integral role for our program. We have hosted dozens of interns over the past three years and believe that each individual brings something valuable to our team.

Throughout this program, you will not only receive training and ample hands-on practice in diving and conservation techniques, but you will also contribute to leading and involving new students in our activities.

Marine Conservation Program Intern and Research Assistant.

• Location: Ojochal, Costa Rica.
  
  
• Salary: Unpaid (School credit, thesis assistance, work experience, and other opportunities are available).

• Dates (every year):
  • Dec 15th – Mar 15th
  • Mar 15th – Jun 15th
  • Jun 15th – Sep 15th
    
    
• Time Frame:  3 months (extension programs are also available for qualified interns).
  
  
• Internship Hours: 5 days a week, 8 am – 4 pm (35 hours per week).
  
  
•  Internship Supervisor: Felipe Thomas, Program Director  Innoceana Costa Rica.
  
  
• Mentor: Laura Vanopdenbosch, Reserch Director at Innoceana Ojochal.

This intern position is open to applicants who have a suitable academic background in science or technology and possess the ability to develop their own project in alignment with the goals of a larger organization.

Marine Conservation Program Social Media & Marketing Intern

• Location: Ojochal, Costa Rica.
  
  
• Salary: Unpaid (School credit, thesis assistance, work experience, and other opportunities are available).
  
  
• Dates (every year):
  • Dec 15th – Mar 15th
  • Mar 15th – Jun 15th
  • Jun 15th – Sep 15th”
    
    
• Time Frame: 3 months (extension programs are also available for qualified interns).
  
  
• Internship Hours: 5 days a week, 8 am – 4 pm (35 hours per week).
  
  
• Internship Supervisor: Flavio Güell, Marketing Manager at Innoceana Ojochal.

This intern position is open to many different kinds of profiles and people with diverse backgrounds. Whether you are a photographer, videographer, web designer, illustrator, marketing professional, artist, social media wizard, or something else, you would be a perfect fit for creating awareness about our marine conservation projects and helping us attract the attention of individuals who might be interested in joining our activities.

• Be enrolled in your 2nd year of a bachelors program at least OR have relevant experience.
  
  
• Commit to a minimum of 12 weeks.
  
  
• Hold at least an Open Water Diver certification before or at the start of your internship (you can do it with us).
  
  
• Display proficient English written and verbal skills
  Bring your own laptop for work and data entry.

• Onsite mentorship from professionals in marine biology, engineering, marketing, conservation & diving.
  
  
• Weekly meetings with your mentor & supervisor to assess and provide feedback on project direction.
  
  
• Training about safe conservation diving practices and monitoring methods.
  
  
• 2 guaranteed dive trips per month; all dive gear and marine park fees included: a total of 4 dives a month
  10% discount on expeditions, additional dives, and dive courses.
  
  
• 2 recreational trips per month during the work week, i.e. waterfalls, secret beaches, river swimming holes, other local NGOs.
  
  
• Accommodation including a bed in shared mixed dormitory (8 beds), linens, towel, weekly cleaning service, washing machine, high speed wifi.
  
  
• Full kitchen including appliances, pots, pans, silverware, fridge space, dry food storage.
  
  
• A weekly trip to the supermarket to buy food of your choice.
  1 Innoceana t-shirt or tank top.
  An inspiring and fun working environment of local and international conservationists, volunteers and scientists.
  Letter of recommendation, reference for CV, etc. at the end of the internship.

• The weekly fee for our internship program is $306.

• This cost does not include flights, transport to and from airport, insurance, or food.

• * Minimum commitment of 12 weeks.

• What is the internship schedule like?

During the high season, Innoceana Ojochal is open 7 days a week. Interns will work 5 days a week with 2 days off. Which days you work may depend on the activities going on at the center. We will try to put your two days off together but occasionally it will not be possible. We will also try to overlap your days off with other interns so that you may enjoy your time off together.

• What project can I expect to work on?

We highly recommend browsing through the website to get familiar with our ongoing research. Project priorities and needs can change very quickly. The assigned work will then very much depend on Innoceana Ojochal’s current priorities and, of course, on your skills as well.   

• Are we required to stay at Innoceana Ojochal?

Interns are required to stay at Innoceana Ojochal for logistical reasons.

• Is Innoceana Ojochal in Uvita or Ojochal?

Innoceana Ojochal is located in Ojochal. Uvita is the closest and most famous town nearby to live, eat, grocery shop, etc. It is 15 minutes away by car.

• What is  Innoceana Ojochal location like?

Innoceana Ojochal is located right off the highway and just outside Ojochal. It is possible to walk to a nearby gas station and a few restaurants within 10-15 minutes. You will have to walk along a busy highway with a narrow walking area so we recommend doing this with caution.

• What is transportation like around Innoceana Ojochal?

At the moment there are not many options for public transportation between Uvita and Innoceana Ojochal. We are working on providing a timetable for the buses that pass by Innoceana Ojochal on a regular basis. You can take a taxi one way for around $16 USD to Uvita. Rental cars are around $800-$1,000/month. We recommend this option and splitting the cost with driver interns.

• Is Innoceana Ojochal close to the beach?

The two closest beaches are within 15-25 minutes walking distance: Playa Tortuga north and south.

• Can I use my phone in Costa Rica?

You can purchase a chip from a Costa Rica cell phone service. We recommend Kolbi as it works best in our area of the country. There is a Kolbi store located in Uvita that is open 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday. There are specific plans that are designed for tourists that you can pay for on a one-time basis and recharge when needed.

• Is there an ATM in Uvita?

Yes, Banco de Costa Rica has an ATM located in Uvita. Most places also accept credit/debit cards. Like in most situations when traveling abroad, there is at least a 3% fee when taking out cash from an ATM. Depending on your local bank or credit card company there may also be transaction fees when using your card.

• I am vegan, can I find vegan food in Uvita?

There are several restaurants with vegetarian and vegan food options. You can find lots of options at   local stores to make vegetarian and vegan meals.

• What are the electrical outlets like?

Costa Rica uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2-pronged flat type, so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter. Please research what adapters you will need according to what country your electronics are from.

• What do I have access to in the kitchen?

You will have access to pots, pans, baking pans, rice cooker, tico coffee maker, stove, oven, microwave, fridge, cupboards, food containers/tupperware.

• How do I pay for my internship?

You will be required to pay the first four weeks in advance in order to reserve your space on the team. For the second and third month, you will be able to pay here at Innoceana Ojochal either by cash or by card (VISA/MASTERCARD).