Hosted by GVI

GVI, Ethical Impact: Internships in Tenerife

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5.00 Rating

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Location

Spain
- Tenerife

Length

2 to 24 weeks

Industry

Conservation and Preservation Ecology Environmental Studies Marine Biology

General grants/scholarships

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Program Details

Timeframe

Year Round

Pricing

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation Wifi

What's Not Included

Airfare Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: Sep 10, 2024

Last Reviewed: Sep 08, 2024

Wish List

4 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Located in the stunning Canary Islands, our volunteer program in Tenerife offers an incredible setting. Picture this: loggerhead sea turtles and playful pods of Atlantic spotted dolphins gliding through clear waters. Plus, you'll even spot long-finned pilot whales, usually nomadic but now settled between La Gomera and Tenerife.

Our internship programs in Tenerife, immerse you in the world of marine science and conservation. You'll gain hands-on experience identifying and documenting whales and dolphins, utilizing techniques like photo identification and hydrophone usage. Venturing to La Gomera, a key migration stop for 21 cetacean species, you'll collect vital data that can support your research projects or university work. Alongside practical skills, you'll develop critical thinking abilities, time management, teamwork and data analysis proficiency. Additionally, the program offers online courses focusing on sustainable development and marine conservation.

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Program Highlights

Hone your research expertise through hands-on training in data collection, analysis, reporting and presentation.
Embrace the island lifestyle with opportunities for diving, kayaking, hiking and island hopping among the Canary Islands. Alternatively, bask on Tenerife's pristine beaches.
Gain valuable exposure to a wide range of conservation fieldwork projects and training initiatives, enhancing your skill set.
Collaborate with a team of esteemed scientists and academics, actively contributing to groundbreaking research that makes a real-world impact and gets published.
Tackle critical environmental issues in the region by working on projects for conservation partners, making a tangible difference in conservation efforts.

Popular Programs

Marine Conservation Research Fellowship

Live in Tenerife, a UNESCO World Heritage site for cetacean conservation. Help to protect dolphins and pilot whales using photo identification techniques. Gain hands-on skills in data collection, analysis and research. Contribute to ongoing initiatives and get published. Receive academic supervision and recognized qualifications.

Marine Biology Internship

Dive into marine conservation on Tenerife with our internship. Master technical skills in data analysis and contribute to resolving cetacean research gaps. Explore the Canary Islands, gain hands-on experience and earn four recognized qualifications. Join us for a unique opportunity to make a real impact in marine science.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating

based on 3 reviews

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Rating Spread Intern

5 rating 100%
4 rating 0%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Growth 5
Support 5
Fun 5
Housing 5
Safety 5

Good for Solo Travelers

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

I just returned from a 4 week internship in Tenerife, Spain with GVI and it was a truly life-changing experience. Ale, the program leader, has perfected the art of balancing fun with work, and is an inspiration to all the participants along with the other staff. Let's not forget Tiny, the base cat, who likes to think he runs the place. I am leaving with new friends from all over the world, more self-confidence and being a conservation student, a clearer perspective on my career goals. Also, the local pilot whales are super cute, which always helps. I could not recommend GVI, and GVI Tenerife enough. Thank you!!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

There's a preconception about Tenerife that it is solely a resort-based destination, but this programme really opened my eyes to how tourism can hide the true beauty of places. I was lucky enough to be able to explore the whole island with GVI and some of the participants I met, including hiking up Mt Teide overnight to see sunrise above the clouds, Europe's tallest volcano at 3715 metres. Also, by addressing issues with the tourist boats and having some beautiful encounters with the local pilot whales, you really get a new sense of the impact of human activities, even those that advertise themselves as eco-friendly. It truly will change your outlook on the world, it's incredible.

Pros

Enriching
Welcoming
Exhilarating

Cons

You won't want to leave - saying goodbye is the hardest part

Response from GVI

Hi Eloise,

Thank you so much for leaving a review on your time in Tenerife.

We are so pleased that you had a memorable time, connecting and immersing yourself in this program! It is great to hear that you also connected so well with all those around you, including Tiny, the cat!

We hope to see you again on any of our GVI programs!

All the best,
Katherine (GVI Outreach Team)

By GVI on September 10, 2024

Gained valuable hands-on experience on collecting data on cetaceans (mainly short-finned pilot whales), sea turtles, and dolphins sometimes during boat survey! We also conducted meaning land surveys and rewarding beach/community clean-ups. The hub we stayed was clean, comfortable and spacious, with a pool right outside the house. I was also so lucky to have met a bunch of interesting people from different backgrounds and age groups. So far I enjoyed my time in Tenerife so much and wish I could stay longer!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

over 80 Atlantic spotted dolphins surrounding our RIB during one of the boat surveys!

Pros

comfortable housing
excursions provided
sufficient self-study time

Cons

30 mins walk from the house to the harbour
weather could be dangerously hot

Response from GVI

Hi Tiffany

Thank you for your review. I'm so glad to hear you gained such valuable experience during your experience - this is really a game-changer for your career growth! It's also lovely to hear you made such great connections and I hope you join us next time for a longer stay!

All the best,
Tiffany (GVI Outreach Team)

By GVI on June 12, 2024

I met the most amazing and kind people. They are truly still my best friends even though they live halfway across the world. I stayed in Tenerife working on a whale and dolphin conservation project. We got to see pilot whales, atlantic spotted dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins so closely. It was surreal. Beach cleans were incredibly rewarding and actually fun with the friends we made. There were all kinds of cool activities for when we weren’t busy- surfing, canarian cooking, and hikes. It was very cool and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything!

What was your funniest moment?

During the program we had a talent show, just for fun, and me and my roomate did our own version of the real slim shady by eminem. we drew mustaches on our faces and surprisingly, we won.

Pros

fun activities (hiking, surfing, cooking class, etc)
great opportunity to meet new people
interesting work in marine conservation

Response from GVI

Hi Olivia

Thank you so much for your review on your time in Tenerife, as well as your recommendations for using GVI for those who might be solo travellers or u18. It sounds as though you had a wonderful time and explored all that this incredible base has to offer! We hope to see you again soon, either back in Tenerife or perhaps at another base.

All the best
Katherine (GVI Outreach Team)

By GVI on March 1, 2024

Questions & Answers

About GVI

GVI is an award-winning organisation that tackles critical local and global issues through our travel-based volunteer, internship, fellowship and apprenticeship programs as well as online courses, and virtual programs. At GVI, we believe that long-lasting impact is locally-led, which is why our programs are run in partnership with local...