Internships at the Foundation for the Center for Whale Research

Interns are instrumental to the Foundation. The Foundation has two areas of focus: (a) providing environmental education to students near Puerto Lopez, (b) supporting environmental research in Ecuador and preserving the research already completed.

There are several types of internship positions:

(a) Educational interns which work with local environmental educators to promote eco-system education within students.

(b) Oceanic research interns. This short internship is available during January (Dophins and Coral) and from June through Sept (Humpback whales). Two-week oceanic research internships are designed in cost so four people can participate per section (4 sections, one per month). To view a prior years' sample schedule of two-week internships click on dolphins (View Schedule) in January, humpback whales (View Schedule) in June through September.

(c) Six-week Senior Project Internships are designed to fulfill the need that many universities/colleges have in regards to senior thesis. Research topics are selected by the student and can vary widely as the ecosystem in Ecuador is rich. Topics such as humpback whales in the summer, manta rays in August, coral reefs, bird migration, botany of dry rain forested regions, water quality, health issues, archaeology of the region, anthropology etc are all possiblities. These six-week long internships can occur at the discretion of the student unless it is limited to particular months such as whales, rays or dolphins.

The selection of educational interns as well as research internships will be based upon how well applicants meet the needs of the Foundation in relation to the areas of focus. Interns are responsible for providing sponsor dollars to support the cost of the Foundation. Senior thesis six-week long internships are available although non-competitive.

~~Internship Duties~~

**For educational interns, this assignment will include assisting program staff, working with schools and students in environmental-related curriculum and quite possibly working with the local community teaching English. This is an important component to our Foundation as we try to encourage a more eco-tourist economy. Many locals have a desire to learn English although they lack the motivation over the longrun. Educational intern assignments from 2 weeks to 6 weeks.
**For research interns, this assignment will include performing all duties associated with their research area and recording the research data. The length of internship will vary but usually a full two-week time frame will be allocated for whale and dolphin research. Data is collected on whale behavior, GPS coordinates of whale pods and recording the number of individuals within a pod, sonar and most importantly foto-id’ing. Each whale tail is unique and offers researchers the opportunity to label the whale, identify and to see if the whale is working their way between various pods found in the Pacific.

In addition, interns will be provided with tutoring in Spanish and depending on the time of the year, salsa dancing lessons!

~~Housing~~

Interns will be housed at the Whale Discovery Center in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador. The Center is equipped with apartments to house Interns in addition to board being provided. If the Center is full, local hostels or apartments can provide excellent housing. Where possible, we will pair individuals with buddies or friends so travel is made easier and you have someone to lean on within a third-world environment. In many cases Interns have found that they prefer to “eat out” and enjoy the night life and culture of Puerto Lopez. In those cases, Interns will be expected to pay for their own meals. Meals are relatively cheap with breakfast costing $2 on the average, lunch $3-4 and dinner ranging from $3 - $5 dollars. Ecuadorian currency is US dollars. The night life of Puerto Lopez is both very busy, and very slow, it simply depends.

Six-week long senior thesis internships will still have the opportunity to work with and utilize the knowledge of staff in Ecuador. But since their thesis projects will vary greatly, in most cases they will be designing and working on their own. They will be included in all functions, dinners etc. They will also be given the same opportunity to whale watch (if in season, visit the Isla de la Plata, snorkle, take Spanish lessons etc.

Although Interns are kept busy, there are off days. During those days there is plenty to do such as visit neighboring villages such as Agua Blanca, Salango, and Montecristi (Where Panama hats are made) or spend time snorkeling the waters off Isla de la Plata (the poor man's Galapagos), observing a vast array of bird life in the Ayampe region or immersing themselves in the local culture near Aqua Blanca. Renting bikes, taking a sulfur spring bath, surfing etc are all possibilities found around this area.

~~Travel~~

Interns pay for their own airfare to Ecuador. Interns book airfare to Quito, and proceed to Manta via an Ecuadorian Airline (ICARO--approximately $110). Airfare can be arranged via ICARO. From Manta, they will be met by a member of the Center and driven to Puerto Lopez. This will most likely be by bus, so you can experience another facet of Ecuadorian life.

Interns in Ecuador are limited and highly coveted. Ecuador is a very relaxed environment. The opportunity to become immersed within a different culture while being a part of research and education is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

~~Cost~~

Educational Interns Contribution is for a 2-week commitment. Your contribution fee ($850) supports our educational programs here in Ecuador in addition to paying your room and board. Airfare is on top of this cost. The contribution fee includes room and board (not outside food), taxis to and from Manta, and materials. Costs that are not included in the Intern sponsorship are incidentals (eating out, souvenirs etc), insurance for personal medical expenses or the loss of any personal items.

Research Interns Contribution is $1,450 per a two week stay (Airfare not included). Costs that are not included in the Intern sponsorship are incidentals (eating out, souvenirs etc), insurance for personal medical expenses or the loss of any personal items. This is a contribution fee that supports our research and education programs.

Six-week Senior Thesis Internship Sponsorships will vary. This variance will depend on the time of the year, availability of housing, whether boats or motorcycle taxi is needed, location of research etc. Costs will vary depending on length of stay and what your internship consists of. Costs that are not included in the Intern sponsorship are incidentals (eating out, souvenirs etc), insurance for personal medical expenses or the loss of any personal items. This is a contribution fee that will also support research and environmental programs we promote in the Puerto Lopez area. The contribution fee does not support Foundation salaries.

~~Eligibility ~~

18 years minimum age--Gap-year students are encouraged to apply
Under-grad education or science majors
Grad science majors in archeology
Teaching staff of K-12 institutions
Individuals (Grads or post-grad) interested in the conservation of whales, dolphins and the marine Environment.

~~Apply~~

There are two ways to apply for consideration:
1. Fill out the form above and submit it.
2. Download this word document, complete it and e-mail it to edecuador@yahoo.com