Sea Turtle Conservation
The FOSTUR Sea Turtle Conservation Internship Program offers students and early-career professionals the opportunity to gain real-world experience in marine conservation, biological research, and community-based environmental protection. Based in Costa Rica, our internship program places participants at the heart of active sea turtle conservation efforts, combining fieldwork, data collection, technology, and education.
Hands-On Sea Turtle Internships in Costa Rica
The FOSTUR Sea Turtle Conservation Internship Program offers students and early-career professionals the opportunity to gain real-world experience in marine conservation, biological research, and community-based environmental protection. Based in Costa Rica, our internship program places participants at the heart of active sea turtle conservation efforts, combining fieldwork, data collection, technology, and education.
This immersive internship is ideal for students pursuing degrees in biology, marine science, environmental science, ecology, engineering, or conservation-related fields, as well as those seeking meaningful hands-on experience in wildlife protection.
About FOSTUR
FOSTUR (Friends of Sea Turtles) is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to protecting sea turtles through conservation, STEM education, scientific research, and community engagement. Our programs focus on safeguarding nesting beaches, improving hatchling survival rates, and developing innovative technologies to advance conservation outcomes.
Internship Focus Areas
Interns participate in a wide range of sea turtle conservation activities, gaining practical skills that translate directly to careers in conservation and research.
🐢 Sea Turtle Conservation & Fieldwork
- Night and early-morning beach patrols during nesting season
- Identification and protection of nesting sea turtles
- Nest data collection and biological measurements
- Safe relocation of nests to protected hatchery sites when necessary
- Hatchling emergence monitoring and release support
📊 Research & Data Collection
- Collection of nesting, hatching, and environmental data
- Use of digital tools and mobile applications for data entry
- GPS-based patrol tracking and standardized reporting
- Contribution to long-term datasets used for conservation research
🌡️ Technology & STEM Integration
- Monitoring hatchery and beach conditions using temperature sensors
- Assisting with data analysis related to incubation, climate, and hatch success
- Exposure to conservation-focused software and hardware systems
- Opportunities for engineering and technology interns to support system development
👥 Community Outreach & Education
- Environmental education for visitors and local communities
- Participation in guided hatchery tours and conservation presentations
- Support for outreach programs that reduce poaching and habitat disturbance
Learning Outcomes
By completing a sea turtle internship with FOSTUR, interns will:
- Gain hands-on experience in sea turtle conservation
- Develop field research and data management skills
- Understand real-world conservation challenges and solutions
- Build experience applicable to graduate programs and conservation careers
- Work alongside experienced conservation practitioners
Who Should Apply
This program is designed for:
- University students seeking academic credit or field experience
- Recent graduates pursuing careers in conservation or marine biology
- STEM students interested in conservation technology
- Individuals passionate about wildlife protection and sustainability
No prior sea turtle experience is required. Training is provided on-site.
Internship Location & Duration
- Location: Costa Rica (Pacific Coast)
- Duration: Flexible placements from 2 weeks to several months
- Schedule: Seasonal programs aligned with sea turtle nesting seasons
Internships may be tailored to meet university requirements or capstone project goals.
Why Intern with FOSTUR
- Work directly with an active sea turtle conservation program
- Participate in meaningful, measurable conservation outcomes
- Gain experience with modern conservation technology
- Contribute to the protection of endangered sea turtle species
- Live and learn in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions
Apply for a Sea Turtle Conservation Internship
Join FOSTUR and help protect sea turtles while building the skills and experience needed for a career in conservation.
Apply today to become part of the next generation of sea turtle conservation leaders.
