At Indo Ocean Project, we are always inspired by the resourcefulness and determination of our interns. Kert-Kaspar’s journey to Nusa Penida is a testament to the creative ways students and recent graduates can access life-changing opportunities in marine conservation. By leveraging the Erasmus+ program, Kert was able to finance his Divemaster and Research Diver Internship, enabling him to gain invaluable field experience and advance his career. In this interview, Kert shares his insights on how he navigated the Erasmus+ program, from application to implementation, and offers practical advice for others who may wish to follow in his footsteps.
Where did you first hear about the Erasmus Program?
Erasmus programs were constantly advertised on my University webpage and in student organisations. In Tartu University, Erasmus is well-known by students and most have had some kind of experience with them. It is promoted as a great opportunity for students to gain international experience, both academically and professionally.
My mother is also a lecturer at another university in Estonia, and she has had a lot of exchange students visit their uni through Erasmus programmes. So I was well aware of Erasmus’ existence and different possibilities even before I knew about IOP.
What inspired you to apply for this program, and how did it align with your academic and career goals?
I was inspired to apply because the program supports mobility and professional development, which aligned perfectly with my goal of advancing my career in conservation. Erasmus internships are also quite flexible because you can either do it while you are still enrolled in university, or you can do it after graduation (which is what I did). It is often true that in the field of conservation, unpaid internships and volunteer work are common entry points for gaining experience and making connections. So in that sense Erasmus+ programmes are a great way to navigate unpaid internships and really help kickstart your career.
How long in advance did you apply for the program before starting your internship program?
I started looking into Erasmus+ programs about 10 months before I started my internship.
How long did the application process take and what were some of the key steps?
For Erasmus+ internships the process is a bit more complicated because you need to do all the work – find an internship, contact the organisation, get accepted, and then apply for Erasmus program/funding.
In conclusion – first I needed to apply for IOP and get accepted; then I applied for the Erasmus+ internship program; then had to sign a contract between me, IOP, and my Uni/Erasmus coordinator; then there was the contract between me and Erasmus (for the actual funding).
All in all, I think the application process is not that complicated and can be done in a few months. The most time-consuming steps are waiting for responses from organisations and getting signatures. I also went to a webinar where I was explained what the application is all about and I could ask questions.
Were there specific academic, professional, or extracurricular criteria you focused on to meet the requirements?
You have to be enrolled in a university to apply, and the internship had to be in my field (biology and conservation). So in that way, I did not have to focus on any special criteria to meet the requirements. Candidates must also be registered before their graduation date, and the scholarship will only be granted for a period up until 12 months after the date of graduation
What challenges did you face during the application process?
One of the main challenges was navigating the administrative procedures, like coordinating between my university and the Erasmus program while also finalizing my internship details. It can be quite daunting applying to internships before knowing that you get support from Erasmus, but that’s where I found that having contact with your Erasmus coordinator and going to webinars beforehand is helpful. There you can ask questions, and they can give you an idea of how likely it is for you to get funding.
Did the Erasmus program directly impact your ability to finance your Divemaster and Research Diver Internship with Indo Ocean Project?
Yes, the Erasmus program provided me with enough resources to live on Nusa Penida for three months and take part in the internship with IOP.
Who would you recommend to apply for this program?
I would recommend this program for everybody who is eligible. If you are a student looking to get more practical experience in your field, Erasmus programs provide a great opportunity. You can either do an internship during your studies and get credits for it, or you can graduate and then do the internship without having to worry about finishing your studies afterward (which is what I did). This was ideal for me because I could experience firsthand how conservation is done elsewhere, gain practical skills that complement my academic knowledge, and build an international network of professionals in the field. Additionally, the Erasmus+ internship program provides financial support, making it more accessible to participate in unique opportunities like this. It’s a fantastic way to explore your passions, enhance your career prospects, and immerse yourself in a different culture while contributing to meaningful work!
Kert-Kaspar’s success story demonstrates the value of thinking outside the box when it comes to funding and pursuing conservation careers. At Indo Ocean Project, we are proud to provide a platform for aspiring professionals like Kert to gain hands-on experience and build a foundation for their future in marine conservation. His story is a reminder that with determination, resourcefulness, and a little creativity, achieving your dreams in marine science and diving is within reach. If Kert’s journey inspires you, consider exploring the Erasmus+ program or similar opportunities to take the next step in your career.
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