INTERNS & STUDENTS

The Cape Tribulation Tropical Research Station provides opportunities for students who wish to examine aspects of the biology, geography, sociology, or other aspects of this lowland wet tropical environment. It does so through the provision of internships or student placements.

The Station subsidizes student and internships costs; they are lower than costs to researchers and include a significant proportion of Station staff time and involvement.

Student Placements

These are usually undertaken as part of programs such as that provided by the School for International Training (SIT), or as part of other Institutional programs, which require that a student undertake a supervised research project, usually extending over a 3-4 week period.

Student placements are usually 1 month in duration, but can be longer, depending on the project undertaken.

Internships

Internships have a much higher proportion of station volunteer responsibilities in addition to the research project, and most internship placements have the advantage of a longer opportunity to work on their projects. Interns will usually spend 50% of their time on research projects and the remainder on Station projects as a volunteer. The idea is that the intern will be exposed to a wider range of activities than would a student, who will of necessity, be highly focused on the research problem at hand.

Student placements and internships are provided full room and board at the Station, access to Station laboratory facilities (computers, library, microscopes, field equipment, etc), and laboratory bench space as required, as well as a minimum of 6 hours/week supervision (students), or 3 hours (interns). Those undertaking a student placement will be expected to spend 100% of their time on the project, be responsible for general cleaning around the laboratory and accommodation, and assist with kitchen duties.

Limitations

• The Station can usually accommodate a maximum of 3 students or interns at any one time (more depending on weather, accommodations and the type of project).
• Students and interns should not expect access to vehicles - most projects can be carried out within walking distance of the Station.
• E-mail, web access and telephone are not usually available for personal use by visitors.
• We must have at least a week's notice of specific requirements, particularly dietary. We prefer residents who are prepared to eat a wholesome low meat diet.
• We do not have wheelchair access and most field research in the wet tropics is not really suitable for wheelchair-bound individuals.