Wintersession Internship Opportunity
at
Vieques Conservation & Historical Trust (VCHT)
on the Island of Vieques, Puerto Rico
| Eligibility: | Current sophomores, juniors and seniors |
| Award: | $500 + housing and airfare |
| Deadline: | Tuesday, November 18, 2008, Noon |
| Application: | Click here for application forms |
Wintersession 2009
Site Description
During this three-week Wintersession internship, the student will work for the Vieques Conservation & Historical Trust (VCHT) (http://www.vcht.com/) to help promote and carry out its mission to develop a community actively involved in the protection of the environment. The Island of Vieques, only 21 miles long and 5 miles across at its widest point, is located 10 miles off the eastern shore of Puerto Rico. Although it is the poorest of all 78 municipalities in Puerto Rico, the island is dedicated to protecting and preserving its natural resources, one of which includes the most abundant bioluminescent bay in the world. The VCHT operates several educational and research programs that benefit the Vieques community, including programs to educate children and young people about the importance of natural resources.
Internship Description
The intern's projects may include but are not limited to the following:
- snorkeling under the guidance of VCHT staff to collect marine specimens
- maintaining tanks for marine exhibits
- researching a project on light pollution
- leading children in group educational activities
- assisting with computer and photography projects
- maintaining and updating the exhibition space
- An interest in biology, marine life, and the environment (At least one college level biology course is required.)
- Working knowledge of Spanish with a strong emphasis on oral skills
- A passion for and ability to connect with the community, and work with especially the children as a part of the educational outreach
- Ability to swim
- Physically able individual as lifting and paddling kayaks will be a routine occurrence
- Highly organized
- Strong visionary outlook, takes initiative
- A self-starter who is highly aware of her surroundings and can adapt and contribute when necessary
Eligibility
All currently enrolled sophomores, juniors, and senior are eligible to apply.
Internship Logistics
| Housing: | The intern will live in a one-bedroom apartment with an approximate six minute walk to VCHT. The apartment is equipped with cooking and cleaning materials and supplies. Additionally, sheets and towels are provided. The cost of housing will be supported by the Littleford Internship Fund. |
| Airfare: | Roundtrip airfare from the continental United States to San Juan, Puerto Rico, will be supported by the Littleford Internship Fund as well as the roundtrip ticket on the ferry from San Juan to Vieques. |
| Living Costs: | The intern will be provided a $500 stipend to subsidize her additional living and travel expenses. |
| Dates of the internship: | Interns will fly to Vieques by the end of the week of January 1 and will work until the end of the week of January 19. Specific dates will be finalized with the selected intern. |
Application Procedures
Students must complete the attached application. All applicants will receive an email notifying them if the committee has or has not selected them for an interview no later than Friday, November 30.
Deadline
NOON, Tuesday, November 18, 2008, Center for Work and Service, Green Hall, Room 441.
For more information contact Melissa Hawkins, Director of Service and Stipend Programs, Center for Work and Service, x2357, mhawkins@wellesley.edu.