Unparalleled Opportunity

The opportunity to work with a Marine Conservation NGO in Greece is an unparalleled one. The best part of working with an NGO means that you are on the front-line of their work, and you not only get to witness science in action but be part of it too. It was refreshing to be doing work of evident value – and Archipelagos ensures that everyone gets to take part in work for all of their teams. This means that while my main role in the GIS team was to research and conduct analysis on various spatial data, I also partook in marine mammal boat surveys, terrestrial surveys and public-engagement exercises. While working with an NGO comes with its expected pitfalls, such as mild disorganisation and basic living conditions, these are the necessary trade-offs when doing such a placement.

Not only does working with many other interns from all over the world create a fun working and social atmosphere but living on Greek islands means that out-of-work hours were just as enjoyable. However, the best thing about this placement was how much I learnt. Daveron, the supervisor of the GIS team, ensured that all interns coming on to the team walked away from the placement – no matter how long – with a greater knowledge of geospatial analysis and GIS programs. It is Daveron’s drive of the GIS team which made it so successful; I’m extremely grateful for all that he, and everyone else at Archipelagos, taught me.