CEI Research Internship

O verview

The Island School , a not-for-profit organization based in The Bahamas, was founded to create and support transformational educational experiences with the vision of leadership effecting change, on the island of Eleuthera. The diverse educational initiatives, including our High School Semester and Summer Term, Deep Creek Middle School, Elementary Learning Center, and our Community Engagement and Partnerships, deliver unique educational journeys in conjunction with the authentic and meaningful work our organization undertakes in research and sustainable development at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, our research and innovation hub. We are reimagining what education is for, and redesigning how education is delivered.

Job Summary

The Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) serves as the research, innovation and systems branch of The Island School, working hand in hand with the organization’s educational programs to chart a path toward a more livable future. CEI conducts environmental research and innovates systems and designs that model how to live sustainably in South Eleuthera, throughout The Bahamas, and in other island nations.

Internships at the Cape Eleuthera Institute are available in the following areas:

Marine research and conservation

Sustainable agriculture

Sustainable systems

Please indicate your preferred area during the application process. The research projects running at CEI are continually changing as we answer old questions and move on to new ones. As such, the intern experience is highly dynamic and will be different every term. More information on specific research projects can be found on our website and can be discussed during your interview.

You should be comfortable working in challenging field conditions, have a passion for environmental conservation and a love of teaching students of all ages. Interns are expected to take initiative, be well-organized and resilient, working flexibly across teams within the organization.

Internship Requirements

Aged 19+ with at least one year of professional or college experience

Completed or be in the process of completing a relevant undergraduate degree

Working toward a career in marine science, sustainability, chemical/environmental engineering, agriculture or a related field of environmental conservation or education

Ability to work independently as part of a team, and be adaptable to a flexible schedule

Additional requirements for sustainable agriculture/systems internships:

Prepared to work in sunny, hot and humid conditions

Able to lift at least 15 lbs. and comfortable handling livestock

Permaculture design/ waste management or agriculture certification recommended but not required

Additional requirements for marine research and conservation internships:

Physically fit and comfortable swimming

Prepared to work on boats in adverse weather conditions

SCUBA diving certification highly recommended but not required

Schedule

During a typical work week, you will be expected to work Monday through Friday. Usually 2-3 of these days are spent in the field and the remaining time is spent maintaining equipment, processing data, and completing other related activities. Occasionally, you will be expected to work evenings or weekends. Whenever possible, you will be given time off during the week as compensation. There are also opportunities to help out with local outreach initiatives both during and outside of work hours.

Intern Sessions available:

Spring 2027: January 10 - May 2027 -deadline is September 22nd, 2026