Research in the U.S. Virgin Islands

January 13-19, 2022 (7 days)

expedition Goal

This research expedition will focus on collecting cultural and environmental research in the U.S. Virgins Islands. Information that will be collected includes Caribbean culture, geography, geology, GIS mapping, wildlife, natural resources, economy, history and tourism. The ultimate goal is to develop a publication to provide sailors with insight into the world they will be traveling through by utilizing visual representations, interpretive maps, and storytelling.

Interested in receiving college credit?

Participants may received credit through the form of independent study or internship credit coordinated with their university. Receiving college credit offers the opportunity to work remotely completing pre-trip investigative research, conduct action research for 1 week in the U.S Virgin Islands, and spend 2 months working remotely while wrapping up your research from your home or university during J-term or spring semester.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

We work with each intern/researcher to set up an individualized focus of research. You will spend 10 hours per week for the fist couple of weeks, working remotely from home or school, researching your assigned topic. You will then spend 1 week in January one our research boat conducting field research in the Virgin Islands. It is during this time that you will investigate your research topic and work with our field team to document what you discover through surveys, observations, interviews, literature reviews, and photographs. For those earning college credit, you will then spend 10 hours per week for the next 2 months synthesizing the information you collected to be included in a future publication. You will work with our office team and editor to get assistance and feedback on your content and grammar. 

What this internship offers you:

1. Gain experience designing, researching, collecting, and synthesizing information.

2. Experience traveling abroad and immersing yourself in another culture. 

3. The opportunity to participate in and complete a collaborative project with fellow researchers.

4. Build an impressive resume with job experience that will set you apart from other candidates.

Trip Highlights

The Sailboat

We will be sailing and living on a 40’ catamaran that sleeps 9 people with multiple cabins, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen. Cabins will be shared. You also have the freedom to sleep on deck under the stars or sting up a hammock.

WHAT PAST INTERNS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE:

JOHN K. | VIRGINIA TECH

"I found these expeditions to be such great experiences that I decided to do two in one summer. I can honestly say I learned a ton from the guides and my peers that I will take with me back to school. If you want an experience you’ll never forget apply for an adventure internship!"

MARY S. | BOSTON COLLEGE

KELLY B. | CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

“Global Treks pushes students to experience an internship outside their comfort zone which is the best place to learn new information. As a Global Treks intern you will be exposed to new and outstanding opportunities that are difficult to find but help you grow as a person and as an academic. Going on a Global Treks expedition, you should be prepared to travel with an open heart and an open mind, as you will likely experience things you never have before.”