Towards the end of an aquarium internship I needed to start searching for the next step in marine conservation. My desires to learn about community centered conservation research led me to apply for the internship opportunity with Community Centered Conservation (C3). I was the first intern for Mauritius and anxious to be a part of the initial developments. I learned more than I even imagined. I acquired a taste of what kinds of obstacles must be overcome for such influential research to occur. I gained an understanding of the dire importance to obtain support from locals. I saw how C3 developed positive relations with university staff, fishermen, their neighbors, and many more islanders.
As an intern I was also able to interact with locals and learn about the cultural melting pot Mauritius is comprised of, from Muslim to Buddhists. I also saw the grant writing process and how to successfully finance projects in a developing country. Conserving the biodiversity of the Indo-Pacific, an ocean surrounded by developing countries, presents challenges that C3 boldly addresses. As a result, they carry out unique, valuable, and innovative research topics that truly impact marine conservation around the world. The internship provided me with life experiences in what it takes to set up a new organization, how to adapt to different cultures, introduced me to the Indo-Pacific and some of its biodiversity, and gave me some great friends I continue to keep in contact with.
I truly appreciated C3’s approach to establishing relations with Mauritians. They were never pushy but never taken advantage of either. They maintained healthy relations at all times. I also appreciated the respect and opportunities they gave me as an intern. They were always open minded to any new ideas I might have and supportive of trying some of them too! They truly provided an environment of growth, intellectually, culturally, and personally.
On a personal note, Mauritius was a beautiful island full of unique foods, fabulous markets, and great beaches. I still miss some of the foods and cannot find anything comparable! Weekends of exploration could guide you to gorgeous sugar cane fields, immaculate temples, or even just a secluded beach. C3 truly equipped me with unique experiences I almost always get asked about in an interview. In addition, I acquired skills I apply on a regular basis and memories I will never forget.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Esther Copete – Comoros 2008
Being stuck in a dead end job I decided to take the internship in Comoros to get some work experience and prepare myself for the competitive conservation and development job market. What I didn’t realize at that time was the enormous impact it would have in my personal life: I met wonderful people who taught me about their way of life in the Muslim culture of Comoros. Here I gained project management skills and was involved in the planning, monitoring and managing of the ecotourism project and looked after project teams. My internship inspired my passion for marine conservation and made me aware of the multi-faceted nature of the subject and the many ways to participate in coastal community development. I am now focusing on environmental education for sustainable development in coastal areas. Esther Copete
Michelle Cuzner-Charles – Madagascar 2010
I wanted to get some GIS experience in a dedicated conservation organisation and that is exactly what I got! During my time with C3 I concentrated on mapping seagrass distribution, dugong sightings, turtle nesting locations and fishing threats. It it was a great experience for me as I had to figure out a lot of things that I had previously not done and I found that tremendously rewarding. Furthermore I know that the results I produced in my time there were of real relevance to the organisation and their goals in marine conservation which is great as it is not the case in every job that you feel that you have really contributed something positive.
Diego, Madagascar is a great place to work as you are smack in the middle of where the action is so to speak; you can see with your own eyes the wonderful natural resources and also see the plight of the people and their need for survival. C3 is a good organisation to work for as they are serious about their aims and work at a grass roots level. They have high standards with regards to their scientific research which means that you know that the work which you do for them has value. There is also a high level of personal integrity within the organisation, all of these factors combined encompasses some of the best aspects of what you can expect from an NGO.
Diego, Madagascar is a great place to work as you are smack in the middle of where the action is so to speak; you can see with your own eyes the wonderful natural resources and also see the plight of the people and their need for survival. C3 is a good organisation to work for as they are serious about their aims and work at a grass roots level. They have high standards with regards to their scientific research which means that you know that the work which you do for them has value. There is also a high level of personal integrity within the organisation, all of these factors combined encompasses some of the best aspects of what you can expect from an NGO.
Chelsea Ricketts – Madagascar 2010
In 2010, I did a 3-month internship with C3 in Diego Suarez, Madagascar. I chose C3 over all of the other available internships for several reasons: (1) the program has a strong belief in community participation and empowerment, (2) there are opportunities in a variety of areas to do independent projects, and (3) interns are carefully selected and thus highly qualified. While in Madagascar I learned, among many things, how to map sea grass, conduct interviews with local fisherman, and design socioeconomic surveys. My internship has definitely given me an edge against other candidates when applying for work.
Living in Madagascar was an amazing experience. I miss the country, my fellow interns, and my Malagasy friends
Living in Madagascar was an amazing experience. I miss the country, my fellow interns, and my Malagasy friends
Elsa Ordway – Madagascar and Comoros 2009
"Community Centred Conservation (C-3) leads the direction of modern conservation with a scientific approach that engages the community on a closely local level. While interning for C-3 I was able to experience the setbacks and rewards from such an involved approach. I had access to some of the most culturally and environmentally rich corners of the world. The opportunity for cultural learning can be as great as the skills gained in marine conservation and outreach methodologies. C-3 is a rapidly growing and expanding organization with a committed goal to conservation, thus creating a work environment that I found nurtured my creativity, independence and ambition.”
http://c3experiences.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/the-story-of-an-internship-at-c3%E2%80%99s-headquarters-dahab-south-sinai-egypt/#comments
http://c3experiences.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/the-story-of-an-internship-at-c3%E2%80%99s-headquarters-dahab-south-sinai-egypt/#comments
Arabella Bramley – Comoros 2007
I did an internship with C3 in the Comoros in 2007. My experience of working with C3 as an intern was excellent. I wanted to gain some valuable experience to get back into the field of international conservation and the internship allowed me to get involved in planning and managing field work as well as just assisting. Having had some previous experience in working on conservation projects abroad I found that C3 offer so much more than many gap year type volunteering experiences. During my internship with C3 I really came face to face with the realities and challenges of carrying out research and conservation work in a small developing country which really helped to build my confidence as well as experience.
I also had an amazing time on a personal level and found the Comorian people to be incredibly friendly and welcoming. I made some really good friends out there who I am still in touch with now!
I am now a programme manager with WWF-UK managing an EC funded project based in China, India and Vietnam so I’m happy with how my career has progressed and think that the internship certainly contributed significantly to this.
http://c3experiences.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/the-story-of-an-internship-at-c3%E2%80%99s-headquarters-dahab-south-sinai-egypt/#comments
I also had an amazing time on a personal level and found the Comorian people to be incredibly friendly and welcoming. I made some really good friends out there who I am still in touch with now!
I am now a programme manager with WWF-UK managing an EC funded project based in China, India and Vietnam so I’m happy with how my career has progressed and think that the internship certainly contributed significantly to this.
http://c3experiences.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/the-story-of-an-internship-at-c3%E2%80%99s-headquarters-dahab-south-sinai-egypt/#comments
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Kim Reuter – Madagascar 2010
http://www.facebook.com/backpackingchica
Climbing out of my tent into the fresh cool of a summer morning inMadagascar, I couldn’t believe I was actually working as a field assistant in a rural African village. Three weeks of on-the-ground conservation, living cut off from civilization, and truly making a difference; it was as if my biologist fantasy had lifted right off the cover of National Geographic and turned into reality.
Six weeks earlier, I’d landed fresh-faced inMadagascar, ready to take on three months of internship work with C3. I’d been referred to the position by a past intern, but aside from superficial notions, I had a very limited idea of what to expect. True, I’d worked elsewhere inAfrica, but that in no way prepares someone for how life-changing the C3 experience can be.
As a general intern, I was free of academic obligation, and worked closely with the local Program Officers to create a project that was both beneficial for myself and for the program. C3 was extremely flexible with what kind of work I was able to take charge of; they care about the future careers of their interns, and if you are willing to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to you, it will be a win-win arrangement!
As a C3 intern, I worked together with the Program Officers to start an in-country outreach conservation program to local schools. Not only did I work closely with local teachers, but I became learned in the local culture, and was even able to become familiar with some of the school students. I loved walking through the urban high school and hearing cheeky teenagers calling out to me in Malagasy, “Mbola tsara Kim!” In fact, the experience affected me so much, I started a small non-profit specifically to help the communities I had worked with.
In addition, I worked together with other interns to write and start a traveling conservation-themed play with a local boyscout group. It was fantastic to help spread understanding about the need to conserve and protect the Malagasy environment. Better yet, the locals loved our play, and traveling from village to village is an experience I’ll never forget!
Many of people have asked me, rather frankly, whether the experience was worth it. I can answer, unequivocally, that the investment of interning with C3 has paid back triple or quadruple in terms of professional and personal advancement. I was able to learn conversational French, and the experience of working with a multi-cultural team and creating outreach programs are unmatched by my peers who opted for more traditional internships. After returning to theUnited States, I was granted a prestigious fellowship and according to the granting organization, it was in large part because of my experience with C3. Even better, I was able to secure PhD placement which will take me back to Diego Suarez, just a few miles from my C3 internship site. As you might guess, having that connection with my future professor (and even knowing some of the same Malagasy locals!), was a great ice breaker during my interviews!
Finally, and all clichés aside, the friends you will make will last you a lifetime. One year after my internship, I’m still in close contact with my C3 coworkers. In fact, one of the girls will be a bridesmaid in my upcoming wedding! Living in Madagascar changes you in ways that are difficult to describe, and surrounded by like minded professionals and friends is a perk unto itself.
I can promise you: if you are looking for something to set you apart, vault you up to a higher level of your career, or simply for a fantastic way to get deeply involved, C3 is the way to go.
http://c3experiences.wordpress.com/
Climbing out of my tent into the fresh cool of a summer morning inMadagascar, I couldn’t believe I was actually working as a field assistant in a rural African village. Three weeks of on-the-ground conservation, living cut off from civilization, and truly making a difference; it was as if my biologist fantasy had lifted right off the cover of National Geographic and turned into reality.
Six weeks earlier, I’d landed fresh-faced inMadagascar, ready to take on three months of internship work with C3. I’d been referred to the position by a past intern, but aside from superficial notions, I had a very limited idea of what to expect. True, I’d worked elsewhere inAfrica, but that in no way prepares someone for how life-changing the C3 experience can be.
As a general intern, I was free of academic obligation, and worked closely with the local Program Officers to create a project that was both beneficial for myself and for the program. C3 was extremely flexible with what kind of work I was able to take charge of; they care about the future careers of their interns, and if you are willing to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to you, it will be a win-win arrangement!
As a C3 intern, I worked together with the Program Officers to start an in-country outreach conservation program to local schools. Not only did I work closely with local teachers, but I became learned in the local culture, and was even able to become familiar with some of the school students. I loved walking through the urban high school and hearing cheeky teenagers calling out to me in Malagasy, “Mbola tsara Kim!” In fact, the experience affected me so much, I started a small non-profit specifically to help the communities I had worked with.
In addition, I worked together with other interns to write and start a traveling conservation-themed play with a local boyscout group. It was fantastic to help spread understanding about the need to conserve and protect the Malagasy environment. Better yet, the locals loved our play, and traveling from village to village is an experience I’ll never forget!
Finally, and all clichés aside, the friends you will make will last you a lifetime. One year after my internship, I’m still in close contact with my C3 coworkers. In fact, one of the girls will be a bridesmaid in my upcoming wedding! Living in Madagascar changes you in ways that are difficult to describe, and surrounded by like minded professionals and friends is a perk unto itself.
I can promise you: if you are looking for something to set you apart, vault you up to a higher level of your career, or simply for a fantastic way to get deeply involved, C3 is the way to go.
http://c3experiences.wordpress.com/
David Hunter – Comoros 2009-2010
http://c3experiences.wordpress.com/
A cursory glance at any conservation related job application makes it pretty clear that experience is a must. My time with C3 gave me one of the most rounded conservation experiences that I believe you can get. The size of the NGO means that you get to try your hand at everything. One moment your main concern is whether or not question 8 in the socio-economic survey you’re helping to design is really necessary, the next you’re desperately trying not to lose count as the 105th egg pops out the backend of a green turtle. You may find yourself standing at the front of a class of young students wanting to learn English in the morning and then in the afternoon, you’ll be wondering if you can fit the breadfruit as well as the cassava into the last remaining space under your left arm. I got a chance to be involved in all walks of life in a conservation NGO, from the day to day tasks of keeping a camp in a developing country running well, to helping in the design, data collection, and writing up of scientific research.
However, what made my experience with C3 so unique was its dedication to working at the community level. This of course has massive benefits for the sustainability and effectiveness of C3’s projects but also gives you the incredible opportunity to really become part of a different culture. What I learnt culturally, the people I met and the experiences I had are equally important to me as what I learnt about science.
I am in no doubt that my experience with C3 gave me the edge I needed to get a job in the competitive world of conservation.
https://c3experiences.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/the-story-of-an-internship-at-c3%E2%80%99s-headquarters-dahab-south-sinai-egypt/#comments
A cursory glance at any conservation related job application makes it pretty clear that experience is a must. My time with C3 gave me one of the most rounded conservation experiences that I believe you can get. The size of the NGO means that you get to try your hand at everything. One moment your main concern is whether or not question 8 in the socio-economic survey you’re helping to design is really necessary, the next you’re desperately trying not to lose count as the 105th egg pops out the backend of a green turtle. You may find yourself standing at the front of a class of young students wanting to learn English in the morning and then in the afternoon, you’ll be wondering if you can fit the breadfruit as well as the cassava into the last remaining space under your left arm. I got a chance to be involved in all walks of life in a conservation NGO, from the day to day tasks of keeping a camp in a developing country running well, to helping in the design, data collection, and writing up of scientific research.
However, what made my experience with C3 so unique was its dedication to working at the community level. This of course has massive benefits for the sustainability and effectiveness of C3’s projects but also gives you the incredible opportunity to really become part of a different culture. What I learnt culturally, the people I met and the experiences I had are equally important to me as what I learnt about science.
I am in no doubt that my experience with C3 gave me the edge I needed to get a job in the competitive world of conservation.
https://c3experiences.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/the-story-of-an-internship-at-c3%E2%80%99s-headquarters-dahab-south-sinai-egypt/#comments
Sarah Duddigan – Comoros and Madagascar 2010
Back at university Madagascar was always a common example for environmental issues. Media paint this bleak picture of mass deforestation with half the island’s soil spilling into the ocean, silting up corals, mangroves destruction and poaching.
Learning and reading about Madagascar and and the issues it faces made it a real goal in life to get out there and see it for myself. That’s when I discovered C3, an NGO that was working hard in marine conservation in Madagascar through projects concentrated within the local community. This strong emphasis on community based work sounded fantastic and something I believed in strongly and really wanted to get involved with. When offered the opportunity to work in Comoros as well to work monitoring the nesting sea turtle population alongside community integration, I jumped at the chance.
Moheli, Comoros, is an absolutely beautiful island and home to some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. Days were spent with friends in the village we were often invited round for tea and had our hair braided, eat Comorian treats and learn Comorian dances. We would often talk about our work and they would help us with naming the turtles on the beach, a new scheme that year. It got to the point where everyone knew who we were and knew our names, even people I’d never met! In a community this small that receives very few tourists we were a bit of a novelty.
The nights were spent on the beach monitoring the nesting sea turtles and collecting data on them. Nothing quite prepares you for how amazing these animals are.
After two months on Moheli it was time to leave for Madagascar. Moving into a town in Madagascar from a small village in the Comoroswas a bit of a culture shock, but also a welcome one. We were still given the opportunity to integrate with the community through awareness raising days in the town centre. We also toured to coastal villages in the North to carry out questionnaires with fishermen on sea turtles, important information would be gathered and used in future research.
I wrote reports on the data collected in Moheli, helped to write the questionnaires, made a ‘pin the tail on the dugong’ game and filed data sheets. Seeing Madagascar for myself, and working with C3 made me realise that the outlook for Madagascar may not be as bleak as first made out. There are people working hard to actively protect Madagascar environment both on the coast and in the forests. It wasn’t all glamour and there were times when all you wanted was for your feet to be clean and a big chocolate cake but it was an amazing experience and one that will stay with me for a very long time.
Learning and reading about Madagascar and and the issues it faces made it a real goal in life to get out there and see it for myself. That’s when I discovered C3, an NGO that was working hard in marine conservation in Madagascar through projects concentrated within the local community. This strong emphasis on community based work sounded fantastic and something I believed in strongly and really wanted to get involved with. When offered the opportunity to work in Comoros as well to work monitoring the nesting sea turtle population alongside community integration, I jumped at the chance.
Moheli, Comoros, is an absolutely beautiful island and home to some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. Days were spent with friends in the village we were often invited round for tea and had our hair braided, eat Comorian treats and learn Comorian dances. We would often talk about our work and they would help us with naming the turtles on the beach, a new scheme that year. It got to the point where everyone knew who we were and knew our names, even people I’d never met! In a community this small that receives very few tourists we were a bit of a novelty.
The nights were spent on the beach monitoring the nesting sea turtles and collecting data on them. Nothing quite prepares you for how amazing these animals are.
After two months on Moheli it was time to leave for Madagascar. Moving into a town in Madagascar from a small village in the Comoroswas a bit of a culture shock, but also a welcome one. We were still given the opportunity to integrate with the community through awareness raising days in the town centre. We also toured to coastal villages in the North to carry out questionnaires with fishermen on sea turtles, important information would be gathered and used in future research.
I wrote reports on the data collected in Moheli, helped to write the questionnaires, made a ‘pin the tail on the dugong’ game and filed data sheets. Seeing Madagascar for myself, and working with C3 made me realise that the outlook for Madagascar may not be as bleak as first made out. There are people working hard to actively protect Madagascar environment both on the coast and in the forests. It wasn’t all glamour and there were times when all you wanted was for your feet to be clean and a big chocolate cake but it was an amazing experience and one that will stay with me for a very long time.
Michelle Cuzner-Charles – Madagascar 2010
I wanted to get some GIS experience in a dedicated conservation organisation and that is exactly what I got! During my time with C3 I concentrated on mapping seagrass distribution, dugong sightings, turtle nesting locations and fishing threats. It it was a great experience for me as I had to figure out a lot of things that I had previously not done and I found that tremendously rewarding. Furthermore I know that the results I produced in my time there were of real relevance to the organisation and their goals in marine conservation which is great as it is not the case in every job that you feel that you have really contributed something positive.
Diego, Madagascar is a great place to work as you are smack in the middle of where the action is so to speak; you can see with your own eyes the wonderful natural resources and also see the plight of the people and their need for survival. C3 is a good organisation to work for as they are serious about their aims and work at a grass roots level. They have high standards with regards to their scientific research which means that you know that the work which you do for them has value. There is also a high level of personal integrity within the organisation, all of these factors combined encompasses some of the best aspects of what you can expect from an NGO.
Diego, Madagascar is a great place to work as you are smack in the middle of where the action is so to speak; you can see with your own eyes the wonderful natural resources and also see the plight of the people and their need for survival. C3 is a good organisation to work for as they are serious about their aims and work at a grass roots level. They have high standards with regards to their scientific research which means that you know that the work which you do for them has value. There is also a high level of personal integrity within the organisation, all of these factors combined encompasses some of the best aspects of what you can expect from an NGO.
Enrico Andreini – Comoros 2008
Working as an intern for C3 has proven to be one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. The city, the climate, the staff, and the local people I interacted with helped in making the stay even more enjoyable. These past three months have been an intense hard working session of local village awareness raising programs, socio-economic surveys conducted throughout the island, staff training, and planning for future events. The hard work was rewarded with time to relax and learn more about the local culture, do some traveling up to the mountains close by, or enjoy some time off snorkeling among the coral reefs which surround the island. So much has happened in three months, and unfortunately time flew by, but none the less the C3 experience has proven to be the best internship program a marine biologist like me could have participated, as it gave me loads of insight of the issues that third world countries have to deal with on a daily basis.
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