Introduction to the Life of a Marine Biologist and Island Life

Ratings
Overall
4
Housing: 2
Support: 4
Fun: 5
Value: 5
Safety: 4
Review

This marine conservation project was the first volunteering abroad program that I have ever participated in. It offered me a taste if what it is like to work in the marine biology field and gave me a taste of island life.
I had expected to be doing surveys multiple times a week in order to really contribute to the conservation efforts here in Belize. However, during the month that I was volunteering I was only able to submit five surveys to the conservation project. I do not think I made the difference that I had intended to make when signing up for this project, but I was able to practice a variety of surveys including; fish, conch, benthic, and coral surveys.
While gaining survey experience on this project and a peak into the life of a marine biologist, I also got to learn the pros and cons of living on a tropical island. First of all camp was right on the water making a swim easily accessible and of corse there was always plenty of sun. However, the sand flies are quite bad making camp life less enjoyable. Life on camp is very primitive with simple meals and tight living quarters. However, if you are looking for a project were you can get a first hand look at the work of a marine biologist and are prepared for some rough, but rewarding living conditions then I would recommend this project.

Would you recommend this program?
Yes, I would
Year Completed
2014