Are you passionate about marine biology, marine mammal conservation, and field research?

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) presents a unique internship program, offering aspiring individuals a chance to become research assistants and receive comprehensive training in marine ecology and mammal research. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences, providing interns with the chance to work alongside experienced marine scientists and gain field and laboratory proficiency. Participants engage in groundbreaking research on charismatic marine mega-fauna in one of the world's most productive oceanic regions—Galicia, located on the north-western coast of Spain.

 

Located on the north-western coast of Spain in Galicia, BDRI's research projects focus on the rich marine biodiversity of the region, including 22 different cetacean species such as bottlenose dolphins, harbor porpoises, Risso’s dolphins, common dolphins, striped dolphins, pilot whales, humpback whales, minke whales, sei whales, fin whales, and blue whales. The institute also conducts ecological studies on marine birds, Eurasian otters and sharks.

 

Interns have the opportunity to engage in the entire research process, from field data collection to lab analysis. Working closely with renowned marine biologists like Dr. Bruno Díaz López and Dr. Séverine Methion, interns benefit from specialized research training in marine mammal sampling methods and data analysis. The international environment at BDRI, with English as the everyday working language, fosters a collaborative and enriching experience. Interns can undertake personal projects, including writing a thesis or dissertation for their university, or for themselves. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, BDRI ensures that interns are well-prepared to actively participate in multiple research projects.

 

 

BDRI's Inclusive Educational Programs and Global Impact: Nurturing Young Scientists from Diverse Backgrounds

Crucial to the BDRI project are the young scientists who volunteer in exchange for valuable research experience. Interns, typically students or recent graduates with backgrounds in biological, environmental, or marine science, play a vital role in the organization. Many interns choose to complete their thesis work with the BDRI.

 

At present, the BDRI operates with a dedicated team of 6 staff members. Simultaneously, we are committed to training and nurturing up to 16 interns, accommodated in two separate flats, fostering a dynamic and collaborative learning environment.

 

Over the years, the BDRI has welcomed over 1000 interns from more than 60 countries, including Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela.

Applications are open for the 2026 research season!

 

Where?

Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute, BDRI
Avenida Beiramar 192, 36980 O Grove, Spain

Check out how to reach O Grove here

 

When?

From January to November, every year. In 2025, we are receiving interns up to November 28th. In 2026, we are receiving interns between January 12th and November 27th. Start and end dates are flexible based on the BDRI's needs and intern availability.

 

 

Internship Dynamics:

A Blend of Lab and Field Experiences at BDRI

The contribution of interns is integral to the success of our projects, as they actively engage in various stages of our research, providing assistance in both lab and fieldwork.

 

Interns work five days a week, from Monday to Friday, with two days off, typically on Saturdays and Sundays. Generally, no activities are scheduled on Spanish public holidays (schedule for 2025 includes October 12, November 1st and 11) (schedule for 2026 includes March 19, April 2 and 3, May 1st, June 24, July 16 and 25, August 15, October 12, November 11).

 

There is no standard template for a day. A day may involve an entire day at the lab, an entire day in the field, or be divided between field and lab work. On non-fieldwork days, interns engage in lab work, operating from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm with a 30-minute lunch break. Fieldwork takes place once or twice a week, contingent upon prevailing weather conditions, with the start time and duration varying (up to 8 hours). Our decisions on fieldwork hinge on weather conditions. Unfavorable elements such as wind, rain, or fog restrict fieldwork, impacting data collection accuracy. Even with planned field days, unexpected weather changes may lead to the cancellation of field surveys, redirecting the team to lab activities. Please be aware that weather conditions may impede fieldwork on certain weeks. It's crucial to grasp that a field project involving data collection in the wild inherently embraces unpredictability.

 

While participating in an onsite internship at BDRI, students have the unique opportunity to write a thesis, whether for their bachelor's or master's degree or out of personal interest. Click here for more information on thesis opportunity.

 

Lab activities encompass a range of tasks, including reviewing field data collection, data sorting, data input, photo-identification of cetaceans, GIS, data collection from remote platforms (e.g. satellites), otter diet analysis, bioacoustics (if the thesis carried out on this topic), and thesis presentation of interns and staff. All interns have the opportunity to rotate and engage in various tasks. For additional information about our lab, click here.

 

Field days involve extended periods spent outdoors, encompassing the collection of environmental and anthropogenic data, searching for cetaceans with binoculars, tracking of dolphins, and recording behavioural data. Interns participate in three main field projects:

- Dolphin and marine bird land-based surveys

- Otter land-based surveys

- Cetacean and marine bird boat-based surveys (onboard our research vessel Benur)

Once again, all interns rotate and gain experience in tasks across all platforms.

 

In 2025/2026, interns participate in field data collection focusing on coastal bottlenose dolphins, marine birds and otters.

 

Interns can typically anticipate the following opportunities:

- An introductory day featuring a presentation on BDRI's research activities.
- Engagement in learning activities at the lab, spanning one to five days per week (as detailed above).
- Participation in fieldwork, with one or two days allocated per week for involvement in ongoing research projects (dependent on weather conditions and the institute's current research activities during the internship).

 

Internship Eligibility & Requirements

Prospective interns must meet the following criteria to align with the nature and demands of the role:
 Minimum age of 18
 Strong motivation and keen interest in marine mammal research
 Ability to work a flexible and full-time schedule
 Enthusiasm and open mindedness to work, live and communicate with people of diversed nationalities and backgrounds
 Minimum commitment of 4 consecutive weeks for a long-term internship (internships start on a Monday and end on a Friday, with arrivals recommended on Sundays and departures possible on Saturdays)

 

In addition to internships, the BDRI also offers the public shorter participation opportunities, such as the short-term internship program (minimum stay of 5 consecutive working days, click here for more information) and the "Researcher for a day" program (click here for more information).

The BDRI values hard-working, team-oriented individuals. Interns are expected to dedicate significant hours to identifying dolphins and entering data into a computer database. Additionally, interns should be comfortable standing from a land-based point or on a boat for up to 6 hours continuously, using binoculars to search for cetaceans and recording data. Patience and flexibility are essential qualities, as interns need to understand that weather conditions and cetacean movements are beyond our control.

 

Interns must be in good health, possess good physical fitness, and have the ability to lift/carry 35 lbs (16 kg). They should be capable of walking without difficulty, covering long distances in challenging terrain, and feeling comfortable on boats in both near-shore waters. Proficiency in swimming is necessary for safety reasons. Fieldwork may entail long days and exposure to the elements. Interns should therefore have the ability to work in harsh weather conditions, such as standing up in cold and windy environments. Individuals who are prone to seasickness may find the fieldwork challenging.

 

Benefits of BDRI internship:

Stand Out, Learn and Contribute

 Stand out on your resume with a unique internship experience at the BDRI.

 Develop a diverse set of valuable skills extending beyond the typical internship.

 Collaborate closely with experts in the field.

 Gain hands-on experience in both fieldwork and lab work.

 Acquire general knowledge about the marine environment and marine mammals.

 Contribute to the advancement of cetacean knowledge for improved conservation efforts.

 Learn about various research instruments and techniques.

 Take ownership of your work and become an integral part of a research project.

 Engage with and live alongside individuals from diverse global backgrounds.

 Embrace the outdoor beauty of Galicia!

 

 

Internship fee

The program fee varies depending on the number of weeks participants join us. This system ensures fairness while rewarding longer commitments with a lower per-week cost, reflecting the growing contribution of long-term interns to our research projects.

 

Fee breakdown (2026)
- 4–5 weeks: €500 per week (4 weeks → €2000; 5 weeks → €2500)

- 6–7 weeks: €450 per week (10% less than the 4–5 week rate) (6 weeks → €2700; 7 weeks → €3150)

- 8-9 weeks: €425 per week (15% less than the 4–5 week rate) (8 weeks → €3400; 9 weeks → €3825)

- 10 weeks or more: €400 per week (20% less than the 4–5 week rate) (10 weeks → €4000; 11 weeks → €4400, etc)

 

Please note that the internship program is a full-time voluntary position without financial compensation. Successful applicants are responsible for their transportation expenses to and from the research station in O Grove, Spain, and for providing and preparing their food during their stay.

The fee covers:

- Daily scientific supervision, training, and tuition

- Access to BDRI facilities and research equipment

- Participation in ongoing field research, laboratory and data analysis work

- Shared on-site accommodation in O Grove with other BDRI members (see below for more details)

- Thesis supervision (if applicable)

- A certificate of completion.

 

The internship fee plays a crucial role in enabling the BDRI to cover the expenses associated with our research. Your contribution is essential for making this work possible. Students carrying out an internship are encouraged to apply for extramural or university funding to offset these costs.

 

Why does the internship has a fee?

The fee reflects the real-world costs of running the program and ensures that the "Internship" experience is worthwhile for participants. The fees therefore directly support:

- Expenses related to the interns' participation

• - The continuation of BDRI’s long-term scientific research projects

• - Educational programs and outreach activities

 

The internship fees not only cover immediate expenses but also form the foundation that enables the BDRI to conduct impactful marine research and conservation work.

 

Financial Support and Erasmus/ Mobility Grants

If you are a European student, you may be eligible to apply for an Erasmus or mobility grant to help cover some of the expenses related to your internship at the BDRI. We highly recommend that you contact the international office of your university or school, as they may assist you in finding additional grants or funding opportunities to support your internship.

In certain cases, if an individual is unable to fully cover the expenses associated with the internship, BDRI may provide financial support in the form of a percentage of the total internship fee. Please note that the budget allocated for this financial aid is limited annually, and not all requests can be fulfilled. Decisions regarding financial assistance are made based on the information provided in the application and are typically awarded to those who stand to benefit the most from the internship experience compared to other candidates. We encourage applicants to request financial assistance only if truly necessary, as the funds supporting this assistance come from the same resources used to sustain our research activities and benefit other eligible applicants. If you believe you are eligible for financial assistance, please request the financial aid form at internship@thebdri.com.

 

 

Application procedure

How to Apply for an Internship at BDRI

• ✓ Please carefully review the information provided on this page and our Policies and Guidelines before proceeding.

  ✓ Complete the application form available here: https://forms.gle/GoPvZmXRPSquaiic8

  ✓ After completing the form, email us at internship@thebdri.com with your CV. This step is essential to complete your application. In your email, please:

  • - Indicate that you have submitted the application form.
  • - Use the subject line "Internship Application Submission - [Your Full Name]" to ensure your email is easily identifiable.

  ✓ Once both the form and email are received, we will review your application. We will contact you within two weeks to inform you of the outcome and provide the next steps if your application is successful.

•  

Upon emailing internship@thebdri.com, an automatic response will be sent to you. If the email does not appear in your inbox, kindly check your spam folder.

 

✓ Applicants are strongly encouraged to request a reference from a professor or someone familiar with their academic or professional background. References should be sent directly to us via email at internship@thebdri.com. Alternatively, applicants may send a letter of recommendation along with their email application.

 

Applications are evaluated based on the information provided. Positions are generally offered to candidates whose application materials demonstrate the potential for the greatest educational benefit from this opportunity, taking into consideration their alignment with BDRI’s goals and mission.

 

Applications are accepted on a first-come first served basis, and positions remain open until filled with no set deadline for applying. Apply early! Positions are open until filled!

 

 

• Acceptance

✓ If you are accepted into the program, you will be notified by email through an 'acceptance email'.

✓ Within 10 days* of receiving the email, a booking fee (40% of the total internship fee) must be sent to BDRI to confirm your participation.

✓ Three (3) months* before the internship start date, a confirmation fee (40% of the total internship fee) must be sent to BDRI.

✓ The booking fee and confirmation fee should be sent via bank transfer in Euros (with additional bank expenses included) to the BDRI bank account. Bank account details will be sent with a quotation upon acceptance.

✓ The balance (20% of the total internship fee) can be paid either by bank transfer or in cash on the first day* of participation in the program.

 

*If not paid on time, a late payment fee of 2% of the remaining amount will be added to the balance on the day it is due.

Notes:

- If you have been accepted and need to cancel your participation in the program, please inform us as soon as possible. There are students on a waiting list eager to fill any openings.
- The fee is non-refundable, except if, due to some external cause, the project is canceled.
- Upon arrival, interns are required to sign a statement accepting the research and volunteering conditions and taking full responsibility for all associated risks.

 

 

BDRI Accommodation and Local Amenities

The BDRI offers on-site accommodation for staff, interns, and volunteers. This ensures convenient proximity to essential facilities such as the BDRI research lab, harbor, supermarkets, beaches, banks, post office, police station, medical center and pharmacies, among others.

 

The institute provides two shared apartments, each housing up to 10 people. Each apartment has multiple bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room. Interns share a bedroom with up to three other participants. While we try to keep genders apart, this cannot always be guaranteed for logistical reasons.

 

Basic bedding is provided (bed sheet, pillow and pillowcase, and a thin duvet with cover). Extra blankets are available, but interns may wish to bring an additional blanket or a sleeping bag, especially during colder months. Bath towels and personal toiletries are not provided by the BDRI.

 

The kitchen is fully equipped with cooking utensils, a microwave, oven, kettle, and toaster. A washing machine is available. The apartment includes a television, reliable 220-volt electricity supply with European plugs, and free Wi-Fi. Electricity and gas costs are included.

 

Smoking is strictly prohibited in the apartment, research base, and aboard the research boats. The use of any drugs and the abuse of alcohol are not tolerated. Pets are not allowed.

 

Interns are responsible for their own food preparation, cleaning, and leisure activities. Numerous supermarkets, open from Monday to Saturday (9:30 am to 9:30 pm) and on Sundays (9:30 am to 2:30 pm), are conveniently located near the apartments.

 

O Grove boasts a variety of local restaurants and bars offering seafood, fast food, roast dinners, and vegetarian options. Delicacy shops feature Galician specialties and fresh groceries, with many vegetables sourced from the Salnés Valley. The local market in O Grove, open from Monday to Saturday (9:00 am to 1:00 pm), offers a seasonal array of traditionally cultivated products, including lettuce, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, potatoes, onions, and various greens. This year-round market allows local fishers to sell a diverse selection of fresh fish daily (the market operates every morning from Tuesday to Saturday).

 

 

Additional information

If the student intends to receive academic credit, he/she will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions.

 

Entry requirements in Spain

Citizens of Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, the Holy See, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela require a valid passport for entry into Spain.

Citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein require either an Identification Card or a valid passport.

Citizens of countries not listed above will likely need a tourist visa to enter Spain and should check with a travel or visa agency for specific entry requirements. The purpose of an internship at BDRI is for vacation, holiday, or travel.

Interns should check official government sources or consult the Spanish embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date entry requirements.

 

Practical information

Local currency: European Euro (€)

Languages in O Grove: Spanish, Galician

Languages spoken by the BDRI staff: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Galician, Catalan.

Daily working language: English

International dialling code: +34

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz, generally round, two-pin plugs

Time zone: +1 UTC. Along with the rest of continental Europe, the clock is one hour ahead during summer (from the end of March to the end of October).

Packing considerations

Essential Items
o Identity document (compulsory)
o Passport and visa (if necessary)
o European Health Insurance Card (for European citizens – compulsory)
o Health insurance certificate (for non-European citizens – compulsory)

Clothing & Footwear for fieldwork
o Warm trousers and tops
o Rain and windproof jacket
o Hat/cap
o Winter hat, gloves and scarf (Fall, Winter, and early Spring)
o Comfortable shoes with non-marking tread* (or white colour) (compulsory)

Other personal belongings
o Personal toiletries
o Bath towels
o Sunscreen
o Sunglasses (polarized lenses recommended)
o Reusable water bottle
o Laptop (compulsory for interns writing their thesis / dissertation / report)

Optional items
o Sleeping bag/extra blanket (Fall, Winter, and early Spring)
o Slippers for the apartment
o Binoculars (e.g. 8x42, 8x50, 10x42, 10x50)

 

* Every participant must wear shoes with non-marking soles when on board. Non-marking shoes are designed not ti scuff or leave marks on the floor. Hard, stiff soles, often found in sport shoes, can cause scuff marks on the boat deck and are not allowed.

 

Note: It is essential to bring good windproof rain jackets and warm clothing throughout all seasons, including summer! Layers are recommended as humidity can create a cold feeling even in relatively high temperatures, both on land and on the boat.

 

Recommended reading

Your preparation for the internship will be enhanced by reviewing material available on the BDRI’s website. We recommend familiarizing yourself with BDRI's background, research interests, and scientific publications.

 

Contact

Feel free to reach out to us via email at: internship@thebdri.com for any additional information about the program.

Explore our social media pages for photos and videos showcasing our research and internship program (connect with us on Facebook & Instagram: @thebdri)

 

Upon emailing internship@thebdri.com, an automatic response with instructions for the internship program application will be sent to you. If the email does not appear in your inbox, kindly check your spam folder.

 

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