Brilliant internship!

I took part in the internship September-December 2012 and went back for another season February-April 2013 in Sardinia. I then went to complete my master's dissertation June-August 2014 at the new study site in Galicia.

I loved my time at the BDRI, and learnt so much about research techniques and recording behavioural observations. All interns are given equal opportunity to perform all tasks during the boat based surveys, since positions on the boat are rotated. Boat based surveys are conducted when the weather conditions are suitable. This is both for safety, and because sighting the dolphins becomes difficult if the weather conditions are poor. If we were lucky enough to be on the boat several days in a row, we were given plenty of breaks to relax and recover.

When weather conditions weren't suitable, we spent time in the lab. Again, jobs were shared around the interns and was a brilliant way to learn skills that are essential to the research. We spent time doing photo identification, using GIS, analysing stomach contents of stranded animals and writing up the data that we collected on the boat. There was a good wifi connection in the lab.

We were given plenty of time in the evenings to socialise with the other interns. We usually got at least one day off at the weekend, but if the weather conditions were good we would go on the boat and get another day off during the week. There are plenty of shops in the town and two supermarkets very close to the apartment, as well as many bar, clubs, restaurants and cafes (many with free wifi). The apartment is quite new, nicely painted and very clean! There is a washing machine in the apartment and space to dry your clothes.

Overall, I had a brilliant experience, which is why I kept going back! I had a lot of support during my master's dissertation, and all of the interns were made to feel appreciated. Together with the research side of the internship, I also really enjoyed the social side. It was a great opportunity to meet people from different nationalities and cultures, and I have made friendships with many of the interns, who I am in regular contact with.