Dolphin Research Volunteer Project, Greece

We had the most amazing week with the Dolphin Project and could not be more grateful to JoAn and Carmen for sharing their knowledge, hospitality and friendship with us. They adapted their program seamlessly to fit the dynamic of our young family, engaging our two boys, ages 6 and 8, in the most inspirational way possible. Watching JoAn and Carmen connect to our kids and inspire them with the power of science and research is something that will stick with us all for life. I only wish we had more time and hope that we can return soon to continue to learn from JoAn and Carmen.

I attended the Dolphin Research Volunteer Project, Greece on the 4th of July for one week and it was the best week I’ve had! The researchers we stayed with were lovely and great cooks! My favourite part of the week was seeing the dolphins out on the boat and identifying the dolphin seen on the current day and matching that photo to a photo of the same dolphin from previous years: it was so interesting and I learnt so much. The locals were so welcoming and the village was beautiful. I enjoyed the food and meeting new people also on the project. I would recommend it to anyone considering applying!

I spent the most amazing week in Greece with Joan and Carmen. We looked at how to photo ID the dolphins and group them together after spending the morning on the boat taking photos of them. Once we grouped the dolphins together, we matched them to pictures in a catalogue to see how the dolphins have changed over time. It was incredible to see dolphins in their natural habitat and it’s an experience I’ll never forget and has inspired me to pursue a career in marine biology.

I had a fantastic time volunteering. It was an awesome experience and made some good friends.

The project was so amazing, it was the best experience of my life honestly. It also was so well put together and I learned so much. There’s nothing that I could add to have made it any better. I made some amazing memories, and I hope to have the opportunity to participate in another program through WorkingAbroad Projects. Thank you for this opportunity.

My time volunteering with the dolphin research project was amazing. The team was so welcoming and made sure I was comfortable. Actually, when I first arrived to Greece my luggage got left behind in Toronto, and instead of having to cab to the airport to get my luggage, my research manager drove me, so they definitely made my stay a great and accommodating one. The research itself was great, I learned so much and I could tell that everyone there was really passionate for the work that they do. I was able to not only research dolphins but also monk seals which I was so thrilled about. Every day went smoothly and I would do it again 100%.

I had a wonderful time and a great experience, the environment was very friendly and helpful, but more important the spirit of the team was excellent! Our instructor Joan and his assistant Sara were very professional and helpful! I wish I could have a chance to go there again! Its a lifetime experience. I also got inspired and I am thinking about focusing on Marine Biology! Dolphins are amazing social animal but they need our attention to survive in continuing changing and polluted environment!

Thanks a lot for the opportunity!

The Dolphin Project was a very enjoyable, learning experience, much better than I personally expected. I really had a great time in Vonitsa, and I am grateful that I was actively involved in data collection and contributed to the research of the project.

As a co-Founder of WorkingAbroad, I am fortunate to be able to visit the projects we run abroad and this summer, I went with my family and we participated in the Dolphin Research Project in Greece as volunteers for one week.

The first thing we experienced upon arrival in Greece was the warm welcoming southern wind that caressed our faces whilst taking our first steps down the stairs of the aircraft. It was a moment similar to sinking into a bath after a long working day. Within minutes we had removed any wool left over from the UK and reached for our flip flops – and those flip flops would stay on our feet for the rest of the week.

Once through customs, we were greeted by Ioannis and Beatrice, two young and bright-eyed biologists who were there to lead and work with us during our stay. The journey from the airport to Vonitsa, where the volunteer house is based, is only a short drive through meandering roads flanked by a the sun-baked landscape of cypress, juniper and ancient olive trees. Ioannis, the Principal Investigator of the programme, was verbose and enthusiastic from the start and after five minutes into the journey, he had already captivated us by the world of cetacean science and dolphin observation. The stories he told us in the car inspired us and made us all eager to get on the research boat.

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The town, the people, the animals, the adventures, and the new family I made over the past week have imprinted upon me something that I cannot express. This was a life changing experience.

I had a great time in Vonitsa: I love this quaint, Mediterranean town and the valuable research that the project conducts.  I chose this research expedition to explore a new country and to gain practical experience in marine biology – mission accomplished!

Thank you so much for introducing me to the wonders of the Seas. Our oceans are a part of our planet that until recently I have had little time to explore. Your project has not only educated me on the issues in this breathtaking region but also on serious conservation issues worldwide. I will always be grateful for this.

I have come to Greece to learn about dolphins and about our past connected to this historic land. I feel I will leave this country feeling a sense of ownership for the intertwined nature of our world- people, animals and ideas- in a way that I never would have imagined.