Rarotonga, South Pacific Internship
June, 2016
overview
Rarotonga is one of the main islands in the Cook Islands archipelago located in the South Pacific. It is known as one of the friendliest islands of the South Pacific where you will find smiling islanders known for their peaceful, happy demeanor welcoming you to share in their culture. The remoteness and size of these islands have left them mostly untouched by tourism and instead of high rise hotels you will find tranquil blue lagoons. This research expedition will be focused on the development of a cultural and natural resource guide to the island. Rarotonga is a small island comprising only 24 square miles. We are currently recruiting a group of 8-10 researchers to help in investigating and documenting the natural and cultural resources of the islands in order to develop a publication on this breathtaking region.
How this internship works
- Based on your background and academic interests, we will help you narrow your project goals to a corresponding section of the publication.
- You generate your contribution to the book from completed research at home and from your travel experience in Rarotonga.
- You will conduct preliminary research from home during the weeks leading up to the field portion in order to prepare yourself and hit the ground running.
- Once at the location you will have the opportunity to document what you find, interview locals, complete surveys, search through local resources, and gain first-hand knowledge on your subject and the location.
- Once the field portion is completed you will spend the remainder of your time working from home synthesizing the information you have found and organizing it into a section for the published guide.
- Once all work is completed all sections will be compiled into one final document and editing will begin in order to complete a clear and concise publication.
WHAT THIS INTERNSHIP OFFERS YOU:
1. Contribute in the development of a Global Treks Publication.
2. The opportunity to design a study, conduct interviews with local experts, collect and synthesize data, compose a cited research report while working alongside college faculty and professional scientists.
3. Immerse yourself into the Maori island culture of the South Pacific.
4. The opportunity to participate in and complete a collaborative project with fellow researchers.
5. Build your resume with job experience that will help set yourself apart.
Research Expedition Highlights
Snorkeling
Hiking
Culture
POSITION DETAILS
- 8 Positions available. We are looking for students in all majors. Focus areas include wildlife, plants, geography, natural resources, marine life, anthropology, tourism, economics, political science, GIS, creative writers, travel writers, and documentary film making.
- Mobile Research from any location (3 months/10 hours per week)
- Action Field Research in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. [7 days in country (June 26-July 2), 3 flight days, for a total of 10 days.]
-Interested in earning college credit? We will work with your university to ensure that you receive 3-6 credits for your contribution to the field guide. Credits can be applied to spring/summer/fall semester. Site specific field work will be conducted on the trip in June. The time commitment for independent research after the trip will be determined by the number of credits pursued.
OBJECTIVES
1. Develop and publish a cultural and natural resource guide to the south pacific island of Rarotonga.
2. GPS hiking trails
3. Conduct research on the area's natural resources, cultural history, economics, tourism, marine life, and other pertinent information.
5. Document the health and biodiversity of the reef and marine life, the natural resources, and cultural resources in order to document what visitors can expect to encounter.
4. Collect video and photographs to include in the making of a documentary of the expedition.
Program Cost
$1,950 per person*
Airfare is not included. We will gladly help to arrange your flights. Airfare typically starts at $950 departing from Los Angeles and $1,400 from Chicago. The best prices can be found on AirNewZealand's website. Staff will be present on site the day before and after the field research dates so if you need to book a flight that arrives a day early or departs a day late please contact us.
Essential Information
7 days will be spent researching on the island of Rarotonga (June 26-July 2); 4 flight days; 11 days total. Flights will be coordinated to arrive the same day. We will meet you at the Rarotonga airport and transport you to our private lodging. Rooms with be shared. All food, local transportation, and trip costs will be covered once we pick you up at the airport.