Our short-term internship program, often referred to as the volunteering program, presents an exceptional opportunity for marine mammal enthusiasts to gain hands-on research experience in marine mammal science and collaborate with leading marine biologists. This program is tailored for those passionate about delving into cetacean research and conservation.

 

No specific prior experience is necessary to join as a short-term intern ('volunteer') with the BDRI. This unique opportunity allows you to immerse yourself in real-life cetacean research—an experience that not only distinguishes you on your resume but also equips you with a diverse set of valuable skills beyond what is typical in volunteering.

 

Applications are open for the 2025/2026 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.

Duration & fee

Short-term internship (volunteering):

- 1 week (5 consecutive working days): €800

- 2 weeks: €1400

- 3 weeks: €1800

We also offer long-term internships with a minimum of 4 consecutive weeks, click here for more information

 

 

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. Volunteers, 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.

 

 

Internship Dynamics:

A Blend of Lab and Field Experiences at BDRI

The contribution of volunteers 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 (preliminary 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.

 

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 cetaceans, and recording behavioural data. Interns participate in three main field projects:

- Cetacean and marine bird land-based surveys

- Otter land-based surveys

- Cetacean and marine bird boat-based surveys (you can find details on our research vessels here)

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

 

Generally, a one-week volunteer can expect the following opportunities:

- One day dedicated to a presentation and introduction to BDRI's research activities.
- Two to four days spent at the lab, engaging in learning activities such as data input, photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, and/or otter diet analysis.
- One or two days allocated for fieldwork, participating in ongoing research projects (subject to weather conditions and current research activities conducted by the institute during the internship). Given the brief duration of the volunteering program and the unpredictable nature of weather conditions, we cannot ensure that one- or two-week volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork during their stay.

 

In 2025, the data collection primarily concentrates on coastal bottlenose dolphins, marine birds, and otters.

 

 

Volunteering Eligibility & Requirements

Prospective volunteers must meet the following criteria to align with the nature and demands of the role:
 Minimum age of 18 (a minor may participate as a volunteer if accompanied by a legal guardian, typically a parent, who also enrolls in the program)
 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 1 week (5 consecutive working days) for a short-term internship (internships start on a Monday and end on a Friday, with arrivals recommended on Sundays and departures possible on Saturdays)

The BDRI values hard-working, team-oriented individuals. Volunteers are expected to dedicate significant hours to identifying dolphins and entering data into a computer database. Additionally, volunteers 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 volunteers need to understand that weather conditions and cetacean movements are beyond our control.

 

Volunteers 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. Volunteers 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 volunteering:

Stand Out, Learn and Contribute

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

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

 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!

 

Short-term 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)

- 1 week (5 consecutive working days): €800

- 2 weeks: €1400

- 3 weeks: €1800

* Internships start on a Monday and end on a Friday. Arrivals are recommended on Sundays and departure are recommended on Saturdays.

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.

 

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!

 

1. • Acceptance

Once received, applications are reviewed within 2 weeks. Admissions are based on the information provided in the application. Positions are generally offered to applicants who, in comparison to others, demonstrate the optimal use and greatest benefit from this educational opportunity.

 

✓ 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.

 

BDRI has two apartments, each capable of housing up to 10 people. Each apartment is equipped with 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, including a bed sheet, pillow and pillowcase, and a thin duvet with a cover. Although the BDRI provides extra blankets, interns may choose 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 equipped with a full set of cooking utensils, a microwave, an oven, a kettle, and a toaster. Additionally, there is a washing machine available. The apartment includes a television, and a reliable 220-volt electricity supply with standard European plugs. Free WIFI is accessible within the apartment. Gas and electricity 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.

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

 

Contact

Feel free to send us an e-mail to: internship@thebdri.com for any additional information about the program.

 

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.