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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Want to join a veterinary internship in the Maldives?
Our Travel Roots Vet Student Internship is a unique opportunity for veterinary students and recent graduates to gain focused, practical experience in wildlife rehabilitation—particularly with sea turtles.Unlike general volunteering, this internship is tailored for those pursuing a veterinary career, with structured learning goals, more technical involvement, and mentoring from experienced marine professionals.
As an intern, you won’t just be feeding turtles and cleaning tanks—you’ll assist in health assessments, observe treatments, contribute to medical documentation, and learn the ethical and practical considerations of wildlife care. You'll gain real insight into the challenges of marine veterinary medicine and conservation in a frontline setting.
This is an ideal stepping stone into careers in wildlife rescue, aquatic animal medicine, marine biology, or conservation research. Not only will you develop professional skills, but you’ll also expand your global perspective and contribute to a facility that relies on veterinary interns for crucial support.
Key Activities:
Participate in daily turtle husbandry and clinical observations
Conduct basic physical assessments under supervision
Assist with wound management, nutrition tracking, and rehabilitation planning
Maintain patient logs and veterinary treatment notes
Join ocean swims to monitor mobility and progress in recovering turtles
Educate the public on sea turtle anatomy, threats, and care protocols
Collaborate with marine biologists and broaden your knowledge of ecosystem-wide impacts
Project Site:
This internship takes place on a local island in the Maldives, home to a volunteer-driven rescue centre for injured sea turtles. It’s a hands-on, high-impact setting where you’ll work in close proximity to patients, conservationists, and the ocean itself.By joining our Vet Student Internship, you will:
Gain direct, hands-on experience treating and caring for injured sea turtles
Shadow marine biologists and learn about conservation-focused veterinary care
Support real-time rehabilitation efforts in a functioning marine rescue centre
Contribute to data collection, case tracking, and patient recovery plans
Strengthen your skills in animal behaviour, anatomy, wound care, and aquatic nutrition
Build a strong foundation for a career in wildlife, conservation, or exotic animal medicine
Work in one of the most ecologically rich and threatened marine environments on Earth
What to Expect: A Day in the Life on a Veterninary Intern
As a vet intern, your days are structured to balance practical animal care with shadowing, learning, and contributing to meaningful wildlife rehabilitation.
Example
7:30 AM – Breakfast & Morning Briefing
Start your day at the volunteer house with a team briefing to review turtle cases, task rotation, and clinical goals.8:30 AM – Turtle Health Checks & Cleaning Routines
Join the team at the marine centre to assist with wound dressing, physical exams, feeding, and tank hygiene. You’ll record behavioural notes and track progress for each patient.11:30 AM – Ocean Swim Monitoring (Weather Permitting)
Support recovery by guiding selected turtles through ocean swim therapy, observing mobility and buoyancy.1:00 PM – Lunch & Review Session
Have lunch with staff and fellow interns, then regroup to update veterinary logs and review data collection methods.2:30 PM – Public Education or Case Study Analysis
Lead or assist in visitor education sessions on marine animal care, or review treatment protocols and past case studies with guidance from a marine biologist.4:00 PM – Independent Study or Project Contribution
Work on a small independent research task or help with enrichment design, tank maintenance, or centre improvements.6:30 PM – Dinner & Free Time
Enjoy a group meal and unwind with beach walks, snorkelling, or catching up on your journal or studies.Days Off
Relax or explore the islands, go diving, visit neighbouring communities, or join an eco-excursion arranged by the centre.Your Impact as an Intern
Your presence as a veterinary intern goes far beyond observation—you become an essential part of a working marine rescue team. Every physical exam you assist with, every treatment you help deliver, and every log you update contributes directly to the rehabilitation and long-term wellbeing of endangered sea turtles.
Many of the turtles you'll care for were found entangled in ghost nets or kept illegally as pets. Some are non-releasable; others are fighting for a second chance at life in the wild. Your work helps tip the balance toward recovery and release.
This internship also strengthens the centre’s ability to deliver professional, consistent care by bringing in fresh eyes, energy, and up-to-date veterinary knowledge. You’ll support not only the animals, but the staff and community who rely on this centre for education and environmental advocacy.
And the skills you gain here won’t stay on the island. Whether it's recognising symptoms of buoyancy disorder, assisting in turtle wound management, or leading an education session on marine threats, the knowledge you build is practical and transferable—ready to be applied in conservation projects across the world.
This is your opportunity to grow as a future veterinary professional while becoming part of a global effort to protect and heal our oceans.
Your Home on a Local Maldivian Island
Intern stay on a welcoming local island—far from luxury resorts but full of authenticity, natural beauty, and warm community spirit. You’ll be based just a short walk from the marine centre and have the choice between two accommodation options to suit your comfort and privacy preferences.
Option 1 – Volunteer House
This is our classic shared accommodation for up to three people per room. Each room includes an en-suite wet room, and the house has a communal space and kitchen with a fridge/freezer, kettle, and washing machine. Please note that the volunteer house only has cold water and limited Wi-Fi—enough for messaging, but not suitable for video calls or streaming. We recommend downloading shows or movies in advance for evenings.Option 2 – Island Guesthouse (Optional Upgrade)
Situated closer to the centre and beachfront, this guesthouse offers more privacy and comfort. Each room includes hot water, a private fridge, TV, and laundry services, plus faster, more reliable Wi-Fi. It’s ideal for volunteers who’d prefer a quieter retreat at the end of each day. Although located closer to amenities, the entire island is walkable, and the volunteer house is just 10 minutes away.No matter which option you choose, you’ll be staying in a clean, safe, and welcoming space, surrounded by fellow ocean enthusiasts and the gentle pace of island life.
What’s Included:
Shared or private rooms (depending on chosen option)
Ensuite or shared bathrooms with Western-style toilets and showers
Fans or air-conditioning
Communal dining and lounge areas
Wi-Fi access (island-wide connectivity may vary)
Three fresh meals per day, including vegetarian options
History
Our partners on the ground in the Maldives have been active since 2000, when a group of passionate locals launched a grassroots effort to support their island community through youth programs, education, healthcare, and marine conservation. What started as a local initiative has since grown into a vibrant, international volunteer platform that connects global changemakers with meaningful, community-led projects.
Today, their marine centre is one of the region’s most impactful operations for turtle rehabilitation and ocean awareness, supported by both local and international volunteers. Every project they offer is deeply rooted in their island culture and designed to meet real needs while creating life-changing experiences for those who come to help.
Mission & Vision
Their mission is to create lasting positive impact through community development and environmental conservation. By aligning local needs with global support, they ensure that every volunteer hour contributes to something meaningful—whether it's rehabilitating injured turtles, teaching English, or assisting in medical outreach.
They believe that volunteering should be both purposeful and joyful. Their vision is a world where helping others goes hand-in-hand with adventure, personal growth, and unforgettable connection. Volunteers are welcomed not just as helpers, but as friends, and invited to experience the “real” Maldives—idyllic islands, vibrant reefs, and a community ready to share its heart.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Veterinary Internship Fees
Duration Total Fee (€) Weekly Equivalent
2 Weeks €1,455 €728/week
3 Weeks €2,067 €689/week
4 Weeks €2,705 €676/week
6 Weeks €3,941 €657/week
8 Weeks €5,100 €638/week
10 Weeks €6,247 €625/week
12 Weeks €7,419 €618/week
Upgrade to the guesthouse option is available at an additional cost: €42/week (solo) or €52/week (shared).
What’s Included
✔️ Accommodation in the volunteer house (or optional guesthouse upgrade)
✔️ Three nutritious meals per day
✔️ All project materials and resources
✔️ Domestic return transfer from Malé to your island base
✔️ 24/7 volunteer support and program orientation
✔️ Field training and supervision by marine biologists
✔️ All scheduled conservation activities and excursions✔️ Welcome pack with all the essential and helpful information
✔️ Certificate of completion at the end of your placement✔️ Full support before, during, and after your program
✔️ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✔️ And so much more...
Your Investment in Wildlife Medicine, Conservation & Your Career
As a veterinary intern, your fees don’t just cover meals and accommodation—they power a high-impact marine rehabilitation centre and support your development as a future wildlife professional.
This program gives you access to real clinical experiences, expert mentoring, and case-based learning in a marine environment few ever get to work in.
Whether you're aiming for a career in exotic animal care, wildlife rescue, or marine conservation, this is your opportunity to gain applicable skills and confidence—while making a tangible difference.
Where You’ll Be – A Real Island Experience in the Maldives
Your journey takes place on a local island in the Lhaviyani Atoll, far from the polished luxury of resort life and deeply connected to the everyday rhythms of Maldivian culture. Here, you’ll be surrounded by turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a welcoming island community that invites you to experience the Maldives as it truly is—beautiful, raw, and inspiring.
The marine centre is located just minutes from the beach, where you’ll see turtles swimming in the lagoon, locals fishing at sunrise, and kids playing in the sand after school. While the island is small, it’s full of life—local shops, schools, cafés, and colourful homes painted in tropical hues. You’ll be living where the work matters most.
About the Maldives
The Maldives is a breathtaking island nation made up of over 1,000 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. Famed for its turquoise lagoons, thriving marine life, and palm-lined beaches, it’s also one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world—making conservation efforts here more important than ever.
Beyond the postcards, the real Maldives is a place of contrasts. Traditional fishing villages meet rising sea levels. Coral reefs bloom beside coral bleaching. But through it all, there’s a strong sense of community, resilience, and connection to the ocean.
Why You’ll Love It Here:
Wake up to the sound of waves and the call of reef herons
Live in a safe, tight-knit island community
Explore snorkelling spots, hidden beaches, and colourful coral gardens
Learn about traditional Maldivian life and its deep ties to the sea
Witness both the beauty and fragility of one of the world’s most unique ecosystems
Your downtime is just as meaningful as your volunteer hours. When you're not working hands-on with turtles or supporting marine outreach, you’ll have the chance to explore the magic of island life in one of the most stunning regions on Earth.
Snorkelling Coral Reefs
Swim among parrotfish, eagle rays, reef sharks, and vibrant corals—some of the best snorkelling in the world is just a few fin-kicks from shore.
Island Hopping Excursions
Join boat trips to nearby islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, to experience local life, remote beaches, and untouched sandbanks.
Night Fishing with Locals
Try your hand at traditional handline fishing under the stars—an authentic and peaceful way to connect with the culture.
Cultural Evenings & Events
Take part in Maldivian music and dance nights or help cook traditional dishes like mas huni and coconut roshi.
Sunset Beach Walks
End your day with a walk along the shore—watch fruit bats soar overhead and bioluminescent plankton light up the water after dark.
Scuba Diving Add-Ons
Optional PADI courses are available through a trusted local dive shop, allowing you to explore reefs and wrecks beneath the surface.
Turtle Releases
If you're lucky, be part of a turtle release day—watch your hard work come full circle as a rehabilitated turtle returns to the ocean.
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