Interning with VSI means getting to participate in the experience of the VSI and BDLA community, while being empowered to pursue your own goals and ideas! 

Through the internship program, students and emerging professionals are supported in their learning journey through:

• Fostering sustainable relationships
• Providing development of meaningful skill sets aligned with the interns interests
• Creating space for meaningful, authentic, and lifelong experiences

Specifically, VSI has 5 different internship tracks, through which interns can pursue a path, or a combination of paths, that aligns with personal interests and passions:

1. Field Science and Data Management (Whale sharks, Marine Debris Prevention/microplastics) 
2. Community Engagement and Education (Aventureros, Marea Viva)
3. Communications and Relationship Development (social media, donors, fundraising) 
4. Non-profit management and strategy
5. Program Facilitation (learning how to interact with and manage groups that come through the station)

Though the tracks exist to inform interns of the different opportunities that are available to them, interns are free to mix tracks, as well as add tracks they think are missing! Learning opportunities range from data analyses, survey methods, and scientific monitoring of marine species, community outreach and environmental education, problem solving skills, communication skills, real life experience of how to navigate a non-profit facility, and so much more! 

While the specifics of this adventure necessarily vary to meet the needs of the individual, one thing is certain: VSI interns emerge from their experience empowered, connected, and focused on future action.

This internship program is available throughout the year and will be adjusted to meet the needs of interns and to best coordinate with VSI projects.

Interns are asked to contribute $500 per week to cover food and lodging expenses during the internship period. We understand that the cost may be prohibitive and are flexible about developing alternative payment plans and supporting external funding opportunities. Extra internship time conducted remotely is available and can be added to the program at no cost, with one month in-person commitment.

Note that interns can also accept contributions from supporters with a contribution campaign through this platform as soon as registration is active.

Situated along the shores of the Gulf of California within the Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vermilion Sea Field Station (VSFS) has hosted scientists, conservationists, educators, and students since the 1970’s. Bahía de los Ángeles is a sleepy little town unlike other crowded Mexican tourist destinations. It is primarily known for fishing and was formerly a mining town. It is authentic Mexico at its finest.

The Vermilion Sea Field Station is first and foremost a field facility for researchers and educators in the environmental sciences with rustic yet enjoyable accommodations. The field station is comprised of a central two story adobe and stone facility with 12 multi-purpose rooms, a large kitchen, indoor shower and changing room, outdoor bucket-flush bathrooms and an additional family house.

Sleeping is typically dormitory style, with cots available for sleeping either inside the field station or outside under the stars.

Most visitors to Bahía and VSI take the rare and special opportunity to embrace being “unplugged” and find they connect more deeply with the incredible local environment because of it. 

Internet access will be made available to interns for personal needs; however, we ask that personal use be limited to free time and conducted discreetly, away from visitors and participants who may not have the same level of access..