Program Reviews

This placement gives the opportunity to take part in so many different areas of interests and studies. I was primarily on the Marine Mammal team but they really allow you to join a variety of teams (so long as you're not taking over tasks from people who are primarily on that team) and I would even recommend it. I was often on about four teams and absolutely loved it. I recommend doing that because I found some people who decided to just stick with their one team struggled a bit, since depending on the weather or work necessary at that time there is not always full busy days with just one team. And the work opportunities provided were absolutely amazing, it gave me so many ideas for different ways I can help out and take part in conservation. The people you meet there are wonderful too - its great to get together with a group of like minded individuals from different countries.

During my time at Archipelagos as a marine mammal researcher, I was able to reaffirm my passion for marine mammal science. As a rising senior majoring in marine science, I came to archipelagos to try and find what I wanted to do following graduation. I was lucky to have found a passion in photo-ID work, and spent my days both on the boat and back at base analyzing my data and photos. Archipelagos provided me a platform where I learned how to be a leader, worked on my organization/time management skills, and was allowed to collaborate with other scientists . Besides working on my own project, I also had the opportunity to assist in land/ boat surveys, and help in other projects that weren't in my particular area of expertise. The marine mammal team supervisor constantly inspires us not only to be better scientists, but to be more of an environmentally conscious individual in society. Theres something special about being surrounded by a group of people who have the same passions as you do, working towards a common goal.

My experience at Archipelagos was a great one.
It is the perfect place if you want to meet lots of people involved in Conservation, coming from all over the world. Everyone there, including the staff, is very focused on their preservation goal.
You will see many animals, in a preserved and beautiful environment.
Be prepared for the living conditions which can be pretty basic, sometimes tough in winter with the wind and cold, but no worries, it is not the Costarican jungle! ;)
Also, if you like to be supervised closely, talk about it with the supervisors in the beginning. Otherwise, if you like to work independently, it is going to be perfect for you. They are open to new suggestions and new projects, so don't hesitate to go for it, and communicate about it.
Overall, I learnt many interesting things and met amazing people during this enriching experience.

I was fortunate enough to be part of a dedicated scientific team for 3 months as a marine mammal researcher for Archipelagos. I was able to develop my communication, leadership and scientific skills by participating in a Photo ID project where I had the chance to work in collaboration with scientists and students from all over the world. I was able to gain experience in my field, and apply scientific methods that were taught to me. We were doing land-based and boat-based surveys to study a large spectrum of the cetaceans behavior , communication etc. that allowed me to have a hands on learning experience. I would definitely recommend an internship in Samos with Archipelagos, it was an educational and cultural experience. The supervisors are always there to help by giving you the best advice and tools to accomplish your goal.

My time at Archipelagos was pretty amazing. I was on the marine mammal team and had the opportunity to go on quite a few boat trips which were fantastic. I learned more about data collection and surveys as well as about various aspects and projects that go along with marine conservation. The main projects I worked on were fish identification and dolphin behaviour. Both of these along with the other projects I helped out with allowed me to gain valuable experiences doing field work. I was also part of the stranding and response team which meant I got to help out with necropsies of dolphins and gastrointestinal analyses of dolphins, monk seals and turtles which were extremely interesting. Most of all I made friends from all over the world with my fellow interns and had extremely helpful supervisors. I would suggest Archipelagos for people who want to gain a further understanding in various aspects and projects surrounding conservation and people that are writing a thesis.

You must be independent, self motivated and ready to learn as you go if you really want to get the best experience out of this.

Work: as mentioned above unless you have a project already in mind or are self-motivated to find work and help where you can, you will be bored. This is not a place to have your hand held.
You’re encouraged to feel out all the projects in your first week. Once settled, you can jump on something or identify an issue not being assessed, collaborate with interns and supervisors and see if it’s something worth exploring in-depth.

Rota: yes you have chores, yes they aren’t fun, get over it. You’re paying for an experience working first hand in a conservation NGO, which if you don’t know receives scant attention because “climate change/global warming doesn’t exist.
Remember this is not a 5-star luxury hotel. These are shared accommodations, so respect the furniture and others privacy, keep the washrooms clean (your mama/papa/maid aren’t here to clean up after you) and also, this isn’t your home where you can pile up dishes in your room or the office: SHARED ACCOMMODATIONS.

Rooms: shared quarters, each room has its own bathroom (pretty cool aspect rather then shared bathrooms with EVERYONE).
If there’s a minimal problem like the toilet doesn’t flush: google how to fix it, if the drain is clogged: google how to fix it. If the heaters are not working, tell, tell, tell until something is done about it (much like the field you are interning in: keep pushing and eventually your demands will be heard).

Past interns leave behind a lot of crap, especially if it’s used or damaged. If you’re concerned bring your own sheets/pillows.
Golden Option: bring a sleeping bag.

Past interns have also ruined some basic things like using the kitchen freely or drinking alcohol on campus after hours. Certain rules are enforced that may seem unnecessary but must be followed.

I recommend this place to anyone who can work independently, wants to fight for conservation and understands that this is a team environment and shared space. Everyone you’re surrounded by is experiencing the same as you, so if needed: complain, laugh it off and enjoy your time in Greece!

When I came to Archipelagos I was expecting nothing specific. In the end, it became one of the best experiences in my life so far. I was planning to collect the data for my master thesis at Archi, so I had a fixed project before I arrived. I would recommend everyone to have at least an idea about what you want to do before you arrive. In Archipelagos, a lot of interns from all over the world come together and everyone has their own little project. That means that you have to work on your project independent and you have to do your work- no one will come and do your work for you or give you ideas! Of course, when you need help or need a supervisor you get the help, either by a supervisor or by one of the interns. I can imagine that for people who never worked independently before it could be hard in the beginning. But it is a great exercise for your job in the future.
Besides working, you also have the living. I have to admit that in the beginning, I was a little surprised. First of all, you have no privacy. I got used to that pretty quick and after a month I loved the fact that there are always people around me.
The interns and supervisors are amazing. They became my family! You spend every day with them and on the weekends you rent a car to see the island or go to the beach together. Another thing you need to get used to is the fact that you do not live in a hotel. There is no Luxus and things get broken when so many people live together. But they always try to do their best to fix it as soon as possible. Due to the fact that so many people work on so many projects sometimes, it gets a little chaotic but I think that's normal.
In the end, my conclusion about my stay is that for me it was one of the best experiences so far. I met amazing people and learned so many things about the sea, marine mammals and conservation. I would recommend it to everyone who I capable to work independently and who wants to meet amazing people!

I interned at Archipelagos to collect data for my masters thesis and it was such an unforgettable experience. The supervisors were amazing and supported me throughout (consistently answering my emails and providing help and advise even after I have left!). It was incredible to meet people from all over the world who shared the same love for marine mammals and the same drive to carry out research to protect the marine environment! Being able to go on boat surveys are carry out conservation in the field was INSANE! The team were so focused and boat surveys were always a success! It was a great opportunity to not only collect data for my degree (which the team were really eager to help any way they could) but was great to get some experience in the field of marine mammal conservation. Would love to go back!

Archipelagos offer an amazing opportunity to the ones who want to start to do a real research in Marine and coastal field, for me in the begging it was a little confusing, but when I started to do really my work and understand how Archipelagos work, was amazing, I was learning every days with the supervisors, and in the same time i was doing my one project and they were helping me to complete my schedule in time.

The life in Archipelagos it's very nice, after 6 we can have time to discover the greek culture, and in the same time Archipelagos give for free lessons of greek language. The possibility offer by Archipelagos it's the best thing for new scientists start to do something in conservation, do a real thing instead just do research.

What happens at this Institute and what is described on their website is totally different, do not believe this beautiful website : their goal is to attract people so they can have your money. I had to do a 3-months internship but left after one, I couldn't gain experience, and I went over there for a university internship. They are not respectful towards marine mammals : using noisy motorboat or buying a brand new sonar so they can "see where the fish are, to observe the dolphins", BUT sonars are the main cause of strandings. Their goal is to take as much photos as they can to publish it on Facebook or on their website, to lie to the world and show how much this Institute protects and studies the environment. What's more : really poor hygiene, several cases of pneumonias, infections, round-trips to the hospital because of humidity, bedbugs, no warm water in winter... They promise you to improve your knowledge, but you will end up cleaning one of the directors' house on an other island (experienced).