The Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) invites Bermudian college/university students to apply for environmental-related internships. Students are provided with a stipend for a period of six weeks. Interns gain valuable experience and acquire a greater understanding of delicate island ecosystems. Student must be Bermudian or PRC.

Since 2000, this programme has been supported by the Ernest E. Stempel Foundation - the foundation named for the late philanthropist and Island resident. Mr. Stempel began his philanthropic partnership with the BZS in 1993 because he believed in supporting young people and producing a better Bermuda for future generations.

Named after longtime board member James W. Babcock on the occasion of his retirement, the internship was established to honor his dedication to conservation education. This six-week unpaid internship program gives an American undergraduate or graduate student the opportunity to take part in research and monitoring activities within a range of marine conservation projects, to gain experience in hands-on animal husbandry, or to participate in the delivery of classes and field trips focusing on conservation at the BAMZ. Interns must bear the cost of travel to and from Bermuda. The ACP will pay for meals and accommodations and provide a monthly public transportation pass for each intern.

Established by Lorraine and Ron Lucas in 2001 in memory of John and Karen Pye, Lorraine's brother and sister-in-law, to honor their keen interest in the marine environment. The internship provides education and research opportunities at Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) and is awarded annually to a Canadian studying marine science. The intern is responsible for the cost of travel to and from Bermuda. The scholarship provides a weekly stipend for food and incidentals, and pays for accommodations and a monthly public transportation pass.

When will I know if my application was successful?

Successful candidates will be notified by March 15th, 2023.

Once accepted it is the student’s responsibility to contact Joanne Chisnall, Volunteer Engagement Officer to confirm your placement acceptance by March 29th. Your acceptance letter will state the department head and contact information who will contact you for further information.

Will late applications be accepted?

No, all applications must be emailed by 11:59pm of the deadline.

Who Oversees the Programme?

Volunteer Engagement Officer on behalf of the Bermuda Zoological Society

Animal Care and Quarantine Officer on behalf of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo

Bermuda is an international destination

A valid passport and a return airline ticket are required. Bring the letter that confirms you are studying at the Aquarium. On the airplane you will receive an immigration form. In addition to your passport number, date of birth etc., you need to check the box that says you are on vacation and include your local address. You will be met at the airport.

Can I volunteer before or after my Internship?

Bermudian students – yes with approval from the volunteer engagement officer and department head.

US and Canadian students – No. Entry for this programme is based on a letter of permission from Bermuda Immigration for the duration of the Internship. However, you can extend your stay as a visitor before or after your Internship (You will have to organize your own accommodations for any extension beyond your internship period)

What Currency is accepted?

The US dollar is accepted throughout the island and is on par with the Bermuda Dollar. Credit cards are accepted island-wide.

Accommodations for US and Canadian Interns

Accommodations will be organized by the Bermuda Zoological Society with the addition of a monthly transportation pass and a food stipend. Interns are responsible for air transportation to and from Bermuda.

What hours will I work?

We are a seven day-a-week operation. Your schedule will be based on a 35 hours per week with an hour for lunch. This may include public holidays.

Do I have to be SCUBA certified?

SCUBA certification is not a requirement for an internship unless specified by your supervisor. However, interns who intend to dive must provide proof of certification and pass a local dive checkout. Note: Persons who have asthma or diabetes will not be allowed to SCUBA dive in Bermuda. Additionally, interns who have had incidents of childhood asthma - but have had no recurrence as an adult are required to provide medical certification before being allowed to undertake a checkout dive in Bermuda.

What do I Need?

• You will be issued two volunteer shirts and are expected to wear them while at BAMZ. Navy blue shorts/trousers are recommended for work.
• Covered shoes with non-skid soles, preferably water resistant
• Lightweight sweater or windbreaker
• Rain jacket or slicker - it does rain in Bermuda quite often.
• Swimsuits, beach towels, mask, snorkel, flippers, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and cover-up
• If you intend to SCUBA dive, bring your own regulator, BCD and proof of certification. Underwater camera/dive light optional. A wetsuit is essential; a 5ml full length wetsuit is recommended for summer diving; 7ml for winter. Cloth collecting gloves.
• A lap top computer is recommended
• Notebook - You will need to keep a daily journal.
• Personal hygiene needs (toothpaste, shampoo, motion sickness patches, etc.)
• Prescription medicine. (As needed)

What else should I know before coming to Bermuda?

• Water is a most precious commodity in Bermuda and we depend on rain to fill our tanks. Be prepared to take short showers and turn off water when brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Bermuda is a semitropical island. The Gulf Stream that flows between Bermuda and North America keeps the climate temperate. There is no rainy season as such. Showers may be heavy at times and unpredictable, so bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella. The weather is cooler from mid-December to late March with an average temperature of 70°F falling to low 60°F. Summer temperatures prevail from May to mid-November. Relative humidity can be high, rising to 70%- 90%. Average sea temperatures are in the low 60s in January rising to mid-80s in July/August.
• If you intend going out in the evenings the bus service out of the main town, Hamilton, runs until 11:00pm to many destinations. However, you should ensure that you have sufficient money for a taxi fare.

Talk to your service provider before coming to Bermuda to ensure your cell phone will work while on the island. If you have a SIM card it is possible to purchase a new card locally and set up a prepaid account with a local provider. Prepaid Bermuda calling cards are available at BAMZ in denominations of $10 and $25. If you wish to make use of these, please bring cash for the required amount. Do not purchase calling cards in the US-they will not be accepted in Bermuda.

Purpose
To provide a scholarship for applicants in the final two years of study for a Bachelor, Master Degree or Doctorate in the Environmental Sciences with an accredited institution. The scholarship will be awarded primarily on candidate interest and commitment in protecting the environment together with financial need and secondarily on academic achievement.

Annual Amount
Up to $10,000 p.a. in 2 equal amounts of up to $5,000 payable in August/September and December/January in each academic year for up to 2 years until completion of degree. The scholarship will normally be awarded for one year with successful applicants reapplying for the following year if they have not completed their programme of study.

Criteria for Selection of Candidates & Application Procedure

1. Eligible Students must have successfully completed the first year of a three year honors bachelor degree or the second year of a four year undergraduate first degree with a major in a related field at an accredited overseas university. Students entering or studying in a master’s or doctoral degree programme will also be considered, including part time candidates.
2. Students must be in good academic standing and submit current academic transcripts for consideration. Where grades are not available by the deadline for applications e.g. UK, applicants are required to submit letters from tutors attesting to the applicant’s academic standing.
3. Students must be Bermudian or have applied for and be eligible for Bermuda Status. (A letter must be produced from Bermuda Immigration Department to this effect).
4. Students must also submit a letter of application with accompanying references (at least 2) outlining their field of study, accomplishments to date in and outside the environment field and career. They should submit a statement outlining their annual academic expenses and sources of income including awards, academic fees, airfares and living expenses at College.
5. In addition, students must submit an essay of not less than 500 words outlining their reasons why they have chosen to study Environmental Science and Conservation. Applicants should also clearly state their career goals.
6. Students must submit a medical certificate.
7. Applications must be received in full by 30th April of each year.
8. Applicants will be interviewed by a Scholarship Committee in June of each year.
9. Successful Applicants may hold scholarships or grants from other institutions provided that the total amount awarded does not exceed the annual cost of overseas study.
10. Consideration will be given to related work and volunteer experience to date including volunteer service at BAMZ e.g. junior volunteer.
11. In addition to candidate interest and commitment to protecting the environment and financial need, the Scholarship Committee will consider academic achievement.
12. The Scholarship Committee will review continued payment of the scholarship for the second half of the year following submission of transcripts (or letter from tutors confirming that holder is in good academic standing). Where awarded for more than one year scholarship holders will be interviewed if available.
13. Scholarship holders will be encouraged to accept practical internship opportunities during vacation periods at Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) or other conservation institutions either in Bermuda or overseas in order to gain appropriate practical experience.
14. Scholarship Holders will be encouraged to return to Bermuda following completion of studies and related work experience overseas.
15. The Scholarship Committee reserves the right not to make awards if in its opinion there are no suitable candidates.

The Scholarship will be advertised on BermudaScholarships.com, the newspapers January through April and through Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) publications. Online applications ONLY will be accepted. 

To apply for this scholarship, please click here to complete the form through the BermudaScholarships.com.