Saving Stuff

Affordable marine conservation program?

I’m a recent high school grad and am going to college next year to study marine biology/biological oceanography. I’ve been searching for a volunteer program somewhere in the U.S. (I’m from New Jersey) that would allow me to do some field volunteer work with coral reefs or sea turtle conservation or something along those lines (anything hands-on). However, I’m dealing with a severe monetary constraint. I would love to volunteer abroad, but everything just seems to be too expensive. Because I’m only going to be a freshman, most internships will not be interested until I am an upperclassman or entering graduate school. Does anyone know of AFFORDABLE volunteer programs that would allow me to do some hands-on work?

Check with the marine bio/bio oceanography graduate department at the college you will be attending. Grad students and postdocs always need help with fieldwork. It’ll give you a leg up on your college work as well. Graduate department secretaries are invariably helpful and knowledgable people.