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We have decided to release this program in response to a constant demand from college students, professionals in the field of child development, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapist and even from high school graduates in search of an orientation to a possible career.

The most common request we receive is "to become involved in the work you do with children with special needs and dolphins".

We have also had students ask us to provide a platform for projects in field data collection for their Masters degree or PhD. in marine biology or in other fields. In 2003 and 2004, we had two marine biology students from two Belgium Universities for a research project on a dolphin population. The other interns, who were interested in this field were given the opportunity to be involved in the project by helping in data collection.

In 2006, we had selected a student of the University of Montreal and hosted her 2-month research project on "The impact of the Water Planet Harmony program on the adaptative behaviors of children with pervasive developmental disorders".
The 2005 June and July Interns had the chance to assist the Canadian student with various tasks like observing the children and take note of certain behaviors or shooting video during and after the dolphin encounters. The interns participation to the project not only improved the diversity of angles in the data collection but it also helped the interns get a feel for what it is like to prepare and to implement a research project. We will offer our 2006 Interns the opportunity to assist with data collection since we will continue with the project May through August. Different methods will be used for data collection.

We will share with you our experience helping children with disabilities by introducing applicants to their role and responsibilities, and by offering basic training sessions on case management, children profiles review and the Water Planet philosophy and intervention style. We will share with you our experience in eco tourism management and in educational strategies to raise the public's environmental awareness as a means of promoting the conservation and protection of our pristine marine ecosystem. You will be observing and assisting our staff both on land with the briefings and on board the boats with the dolphin encounter trips with participants from North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

You will be observing and assisting our staff during the therapeutic land sessions, bodywork, watsu, expressive arts and music. You will be on board the boats with the families and their children, assisting with their dolphin encounters and helping us with our data collection as well as with photo or video documentation.

You will learn about the importance of a respectful and educated approach to wild dolphins and about safety on board our boats. During swimming pool sessions we will show you the basic skills you will need to take care of yourself in the water and to be of help to others in an aquatic environment. Interns will also be trained in the art of free diving and communication with wild dolphins through body language.See our web site index page for details about the programs you will be involved in.

A testimony

Hi Denis and Nathalie!!!
I just received an email from Rachel letting me know that we are on your website for interns and it made me think about when we were there. Doing the internship with you was the best, most meaningful and beautiful experience of my life. I know I told you before I left that I would be back this year, and as much as I want to, I will not have time to do it. I am trying to talk my family into coming down and going out for a few days with you to swim with the dolphins. Rachel and I still keep in touch. She is planning a trip to see me this summer!! How are both of you doing? How is Marina and Aisha? Next time you talk to them will you tell them than I said Hi!! I should get back to my homework now, but I just wanted to write you a letter and let you know a little of what is going on. I hope everything is going great for you!!

Lindsay

Details about the internship