What they are saying about the internship: - Hallie Repeta from Maine USA. 2016 " Looking back, I can honestly say that this has been the best summer of my life, and so much more than I could have ever hoped for. I expected to help out with basic tasks and maybe help out in the field once in awhile. Little did I know that after 3 days of training we would be measuring and tagging turtles during the night and patrolling in order to collect nest data during the day. This internship is extremely hands on, and really provides the opportunity to truly learn about the endangered species of turtles in the area as well as actually help them. One of my favorite parts of my experience was working along side Luis, because every moment he makes you feel like you are making a difference because of his enthusiasm and passion for this work. The experiences, knowledge and opportunities I gained from this internship can not be described with words, and I would never trade them for the world." Juan Sánchez from Puerto Rico. 2016 "My summer internship with ATMAR has been one of my best summers experiences I have had so far. Since day one I have been working hands on with leatherbacks and have learned almost everything there is to know about them. I feel like this this internship has helped me prepare myself for what field work as a marine biologist will be like. It’s not easy work so one’s interest in sea turtles or marine biology must be genuine in order to completely enjoy the internship. I have just loved working with the sea turtles and all of the wonderful people here at Maunabo. Besides on our free time we get to explore the island which is really nice to be able to do while on an internship. " Scout Frewer from British Columbia Canada. 2016 " As a Psychology major from the University of Victoria, I thought I had my degree plan set. Thanks to the past few weeks here in Puerto Rico, now I’m not so sure. Being a part of the ATMAR project in Maunabo has been an eye-opening experience, to say the least. I already know it will be very difficult to leave, as Mr. Crespo, along with his dedicated team of local volunteers have made Maunabo feel like home. The passion behind Mr. Crespo’s work is evident. It has been a pleasure working alongside him while gaining so much experience and knowledge in such a short period of time. The program here at ATMAR is incredibly hands-on, with everything from tagging nesting female leatherbacks, to ensuring the hatchlings make it safely to the surf. Witnessing a hatchling reach the ocean for the first time is something I will never forget. Although it’s all turtles all the time at ATMAR, we have also had the opportunity to see parts of Puerto Rico on our days off. So far we have visited San Juan, El Yunque National Forest, and Culebra Island, with a few more trips planned for the remaining duration of the program. I knew this would be a great experience, but the few weeks I have been here have already far surpassed what I was expecting. Mr. Crespo’s work and the ATMAR project have instilled in me an even deeper passion for environmental conservation than before and I know this won’t be the last I see of ATMAR. I look forward to what the next few weeks will bring!" Geovanny del Valle from Puerto Rico. 2016 "ATMAR una experiencia educativa pero altamente divertida. Al empezar pensé que tendríamos un poco de teoría pero me encontré con una feliz sorpresa, ya desde las primeras noches patrullamos las playas y la teoría fue sustituída por experiencia. Con esta experiencia he conocido más personas y he hecho nuevas amistades, como los del internado y a medio Maunabo. Se disfruta cada día y se crean historias para contar para en el futuro. Mis expectativas se fueron volando por la ventana en los primeros días y las sorpresas no acaban, con el lado positivo que todavía el verano no ha acabado. "