Our internship programs offer aspiring conservationists, marine biologists, and field researchers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sea turtle conservation and research in a tropical environment, working alongside our fully trained field team.

The Osa Peninsula is an important nesting habitat for multiple species of sea turtles, and the high number of turtles that visit our beaches throughout the nesting season provides interns with a unique opportunity to gain meaningful experience working directly with nesting females, nests, hatchlings, and the ecosystems that support them.

Our internships are designed for participants who want to move beyond general volunteering and develop practical skills, scientific knowledge, and a deeper understanding of how long-term, applied conservation programs operate in the field.

Internships are available through two different tracks, depending on your academic goals and the type of experience you are looking for.

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Independent Research Track

The Independent Research Track is designed for interns who need to develop and complete their own scientific project as part of a thesis, internship report, university requirement, or other academic output.

Working with Dr. Christine Figgener, Scientific Programme Lead for COPROT, interns develop a focused research question that aligns with the broader conservation and research goals of our program.

This track is best suited for students who are ready to take scientific ownership of a project and who are comfortable working independently. Interns are expected to carefully collect and manage their data and produce a final written or academic output based on their research.

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Depending on the project, interns may gain experience in:

• Developing a research question and project methodology

• Conducting literature reviews and scientific research

• Collecting and managing field data

• Applying standardized sea turtle monitoring protocols

• Taking biometric measurements of nesting females

• Conducting night patrols and morning censuses

• Nest monitoring and excavations

• Hatchery monitoring and management

• Data analysis and interpretation

• Scientific writing and research communication

Research projects must be developed in collaboration with COPROT and fit within the scope and objectives of our ongoing conservation and research program.

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Applied Conservation & Research Training Track

The Applied Conservation & Research Training Track is designed for longer-term interns who want to move beyond general volunteering and receive structured training in sea turtle conservation, field research methods, monitoring protocols, data collection, and supervised project responsibilities.

Rather than developing an independent research project, interns in this track contribute to the broader conservation and research work of COPROT. Through hands-on experience and structured training, interns progressively build their knowledge and practical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how applied conservation and scientific research work together in a long-term sea turtle conservation program.

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This track is best suited for interns who want to:

• Develop practical field skills in sea turtle conservation

• Gain experience with established scientific monitoring protocols

• Learn how to collect, manage, and maintain high-quality conservation data

• Take on increasing levels of responsibility within the field team

• Understand the day-to-day realities of running a long-term conservation program

• Explore how scientific research can inform and strengthen conservation action

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Training and responsibilities may include:

• Taking biometric measurements on nesting females

• Conducting night patrols and morning censuses using established protocols​

• Nest monitoring and excavations

• Sea turtle hatchery management

• Monitoring techniques and field equipment

• Scientific data collection and management

• Database management

• Education and community outreach

• Supporting ongoing research and conservation projects

Interns in this track work closely with the COPROT team and receive practical, hands-on training throughout their placement. As their knowledge and experience develop, they may take on additional supervised responsibilities within the program.

 

A Hands-On Experience in Sea Turtle Conservation

Both internship tracks provide the opportunity to experience sea turtle conservation from the field level, while contributing to a long-term program dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their nesting habitats.

Whether you are developing your own research project or building practical skills through structured conservation training, you will work alongside an experienced local field team and gain insight into the challenges and opportunities involved in real-world conservation.

Internship placements are available from 6 weeks onwards, with longer placements particularly encouraged for interns participating in the Applied Conservation & Research Training Track.

Because our work is field-based and dependent on the nesting season, specific activities and responsibilities may vary depending on the timing and length of your placement, field conditions, and the needs of the conservation program.

If you are interested in joining COPROT as an intern, we encourage you to get in touch with us to discuss your academic background, interests, goals, and which internship track may be the best fit for you.