If you want to make waves in your marine biology career, you need real-world experience with experts who are willing to show you the ropes. The most valuable opportunities are found in regions teeming with diverse marine life and supported by dedicated conservation and research efforts. Many of these marine biology hotspots lie beyond U.S. shores, and the best way to chart your course there is with an international marine biology internship.
An AIFS Abroad internship will give you the opportunity to build necessary marine biology fieldwork and lab skills while you expand your global perspective and connect with new cultures. AIFS Abroad offers incredible opportunities for internships in some of the world’s most iconic destinations, so here are our top cities for marine biology internships!
Currently looking to develop your marine biology career? Explore AIFS Abroad’s top cities for marine biology internships!
1. Sydney
Sydney is an excellent choice for your marine biology internship thanks to Sydney Harbour’s diverse marine life and strong research facilities. The city’s universities support marine ecology and preservation, boosting environmental awareness and understanding of how human actions affect marine life. These academic institutions attract marine science students and professionals from all over, so by doing a marine biology internship in Sydney, you’ll be living amongst a community of people just like you—passionate and eager to make an impact. Sydney’s accessible coastline makes conducting fieldwork easy, allowing for short commutes from the city to dive sites and boat launches. Plus, the harbor is filled with a wide variety of marine life including sea horses, kingfish, sea dragons, endangered green sea turtles, and sea anemones, to name just a few. With an internship in Sydney, you’ll be able to explore an incredible array of marine life in one of the top cities for marine conservation.
When you’re back on land, you’ll realize there’s also tons of activities for you to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of the city’s renowned music scene—go to a jazz bar, enjoy techno and house in an underground venue, or visit the famous Sydney Opera House to watch the Sydney Symphony Orchestra perform. If you’re still craving the ocean, visit one of Sydney’s famous beaches like Bondi Beach to relax on the sand or go for a swim in the warm water. There are also so many sites to visit near the city. Hike the beautiful Blue Mountains, which are less than an hour away, or travel to Port Stephens and slide down towering sand dunes. Choose Sydney for your marine biology internship, and you’ll be swimming in both career opportunities and fun adventures!
2. San José
San José is an ideal base for a marine biology internship, offering access to some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world. With coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica provides a unique opportunity to study a vast range of marine habitats, including coral reefs, mangroves, and deep-sea environments. Interns can gain hands-on experience in marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and ecological research while working alongside experts dedicated to understanding and protecting marine life. Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable practices makes it an excellent location for anyone looking to work towards a career in marine conservation. Whether you’re conducting field research or participating in conservation initiatives, your internship here will help you build essential skills for a future career in marine biology.
While Costa Rica’s waters are jaw-dropping, the same can be said of its land—the country is home to lush rainforests flush with unique wildlife, incredible volcanoes, and sky-high mountains, waiting for you to explore. In addition to its conservation efforts, it’s also a nation that is famous for its colorful culture. You can witness and take part in the country’s many festivals, including Puntarenas Carnival, where dancers, men on stilts, masquerades, and local bands parade through the streets; Virgin of the Sea Day and see local fisherman sail out in a procession to ask the Virgin for another successful year at sea; and the week-long Limon Carnival where visitors can enjoy parades, music, bright and colorful decoration and costumes, and traditional food. Take the plunge with a marine biology internship in San José, and experience culture and career opportunities like no other!
3. Dublin
With easy access to Ireland’s diverse marine ecosystems and a strong focus on environmental conservation, Dublin is a great place to launch your marine biology career. Situated on the Irish Sea and close to the Atlantic Ocean, Dublin provides the chance to study coastal biodiversity, marine sustainability, and climate change impacts on marine life. Interns can work on various projects, including studies of animal behavior, the impact of marine invasions, and community ecology in a city known for its vast maritime history. Ireland’s commitment to preserving its coastal and marine ecosystems ensures that as an intern, you’ll be engaged with a cultural and political sphere that prioritizes environmental protection. Whether you’re collecting data along the rugged coastline or analyzing phytoplankton under a microscope, an internship in Dublin will help you sail towards a successful future in marine biology.
Beyond the waters of your internship lie plenty of opportunities to enjoy your free time in Ireland’s coastal capital. Explore Dublin’s historic streets filled with world-class museums, canals that crisscross the city, charming cafés, and colorful street art. Or venture forth from the city and explore the country’s magical coastal landscapes like the Cliffs of Moher or the Wild Atlantic Way. Dedicated surfers will be happy to learn that there is plenty of quality surfing within a day’s drive of Dublin. If you choose Dublin for your marine biology internship, the city’s lively culture, welcoming people, and valuable career opportunities will have you positively hooked!
Want to reel in employers with an international marine biology internship? Connect with new cultures and advance your career simultaneously with AIFS Abroad!
An international marine biology internship is an incredible way to gain hands-on experience while immersing yourself in diverse cultures across the globe. AIFS Abroad provides unparalleled opportunities for aspiring marine biologists near some of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems. With inclusions such as housing, insurance, career readiness programming, excursions and activities, on-site staff, and emergency support, you’ll have a stress-free global education and professional development experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain hands-on marine biology experience with an internship abroad!
