Research Intern Programme is aimed at individuals who are looking for a research site in which to conduct academic research at Masters level or above. Researchers working independently of Universities are also welcome. We also have a number of long-term research projects for which we are always recruiting interns.
Colobus Conservation is eager to contribute to the scientific knowledge of this unique habitat found in Diani, the primates, wildlife that depend on it and the conflicts and solutions we are using to allow the wildlife to continue to survive alongside the human population and development. We have a number of long term research projects that research interns are able to participate in, these include, but are not limited to behavioural, home range and habitat use studies of the wild primates, enrichment engagement
of our captive monkeys and pre-release assessments. Research interns must have completed and graduated from an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, have some field experience and ideally will commit for a 6 month duration, however, shorter terms may be possible for some projects. You will be assigned your research project prior to arrival and be provided with anticipated working hours and methodology.
With prior discussion and agreement it may also be possible for MSc level students to use the data they collect from a long term project towards their thesis. We strongly encourage independent researchers of all levels to use Colobus Conservation as a research base accessing both our knowledge, contacts and accommodation facilities. In order to begin this process a proposal should be submitted to
Colobus Conservation for our approval. Following this the independent researcher is responsible for gaining research permits and all associated payable fees from NASCOTI and KWS. You should allow a minimum of three months for this process. Please note researchers working on a Colobus Conservation
research project do not need to apply for these permits. Independent researchers are responsible for the hiring and payment of their own additional field assistants.
Undergraduates are also encouraged to conduct their final year thesis under the guidance of Colobus Conservation, but due to the time limitations usually experiencedfor this research (i.e. less than three months) and the level of input required from our staff members they are requested to apply as Eco-volunteers. Colobus Conservation also has long term data and data from on-going studies. We would be interested in students analysing this data for their degree program in a collaborative effort.
Sustainability
What’s Included
Please note airport transfers are included in the volunteer donation for Eco volunteers. Researchers are most welcome to request us to arrange your airport transfer but you will be responsible to cover the cost of this transfer at Ksh 3,500 each way from Mombasa or approximately Ksh 800 from Ukunda.
What’s Not Included
When travelling to Kenya, you will need to get a tourist visa for your entry into the country. Although you will be a volunteer of Colobus Conservation, you will in effect be on holiday. Entry visas are for a maximum three month period, however, once in the country, it is fairly straightforward to extend this to a six-month visa, for an additional Ksh 4,000. Visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport (please check with your embassy that this option is still available) or you can apply online here.
All volunteers must have medical insurance. Travel insurance is recommended but is at your discretion. Due to recent security issues within Kenya, some international volunteers have found obtaining the required insurance difficult and expensive. There is an in-country option available to international travellers offering competitive rates and coverage. Contact AIG for further details at www.aig.com or aigkenya@aig.com You will need to send confirmation of travel/medical insurance prior to arrival and you must provide us with a copy of your medical arrangements.
Program And Price
The research fee is set at a flat rate of Ksh 11,000 per week, regardless of the
length of stay and covers all your accommodation requirements including a bed in a
single sex 4 bed dormitory, three meals a day, two of which are prepared by our
cook, housekeeping, laundry, drinking water, security, We also request, where possible,
a donation of equipment used during the research. Researchers are responsible
for all costs involved in getting from their home country to Colobus Cottage including
airport transfer (which we are happy to arrange on your behalf for Ksh 3500).
