Hello there! My name is Emily Bogdanic and I am from the United States. Since last year, 2023, I have been granted the outstanding opportunity to be part of the Gili Shark Research team twice now! There are plenty of reasons why traveling to this small little island paradise is a wonderful idea, why not make a 
difference while you’re here? Here are a ten reasons why joining Gili Shark Conservation is a fin-tastic idea!
You can make lifelong friendships with like minded shark lovers!
Here at the Gili Shark Conservation Headquarters we are often working in close proximity to one another, this means we get to know each other very quickly! Once you settle into your new home away from home you’ll meet the team and other sharkies. We all share the same passion so there’s no doubt that you’ll instantly connect with shark lovers that come from all over the planet!
You can learn to scuba dive OR build upon your scuba diving experience!
Whether you have scuba diving experience already or you’re learning for the first time, you’re sure to have a wonderful experience furthering your education in the Gilis! Here at Gili Shark you can begin your open water course and kickstart your diving experience. Or, you can further your education and build upon your pre-existing certifications. For example, if you are advanced open water certified, we foster an encouraging environment for you to continue your certifications to become a rescue diver! Either way, you will gain immeasurable experience in the scuba diving realm alongside shark lovers such as yourself!
Having the opportunity to learn from well rounded marine scientists!
The staff at Gili Shark Conservation come from all different backgrounds and disciplines, however one thing is the same: they all share a passion for marine ecosystems! There are marine biologists and marine conservationists working alongside each other to foster an environment in which anyone from any discipline can learn about the importance of marine conservation.
Enhance your research skills!
Whether you are pursuing an education in marine science or just here for the experience, enhancing your research skills is very valuable. It gives you the opportunity to connect your experience and knowledge to your life back home. Participating in our research team will strengthen your overall understanding of conservation and why we work so hard to protect marine ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them. All of the underwater surveys that we conduct will give you hands on experience doing research, granting you a priceless skill set!
Indulge in a new culture different from your own!
Here in Indonesia the culture is rich. There are so many things to learn and immerse yourself in. Primarily, the cuisine is impeccable and you must try it upon arriving at Gili Shark Conservation. We have wonderful staff that will be more than happy to teach you how to cook local dishes, just ask them! The unique customs, languages, and traditions all contribute to the melting pot that is Indonesia’s culture.
See the stunning reefs the Gili Islands have to offer!
While diving with us you will have the chance to see the beautiful, jaw dropping reefs around the Gili Islands. We do not just dive around Gili Air, we also dive at sites located near Gili Meno and Trawangan as well! Each and every dive site has a unique personality and you will have the chance to see sharks, turtles, vibrant reef fish, shipwrecks, and stunning corals. I promise you will not be disappointed!
Personal development and growth!
Traveling all the way to Indonesia can definitely be intimidating, especially if you are solo traveling! However, this is not to scare you! Having the chance to solo travel to a new country, indulge in its culture, and work on your personal development is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The work we do here is inspiring, and the hope is that you leave with something valuable, and that you can grow as a person in the process! Gili Shark Conservation is a perfect place to begin, or further your personal development journey!
Participate in citizen science!
A major aspect of the work we do at Gili Shark Conservation is educating the public about our practices. Some of our surveys get uploaded to global databases, such as CoralWatch, this helps us contribute our work to a larger citizen science program. We encourage locals to ask questions about our work, and we love any opportunity to teach them about what we do. Whether its coral restoration, how we do our shark/turtle identification, or our weekly beach cleans, we love any chance to share the knowledge we have about conservation!
Networking opportunities!
Even if you are participating for the sole purpose of being on holiday, you still have the opportunity to grow your network outside of your hometown! This is especially helpful if you plan to work in the conservation field. You will meet countless people here from all disciplines and backgrounds from places all over the world; there is no doubt that you will leave here with a plethora of friends and relationships. The best thing about this is they’ll always have your back, no matter where you are in the world!
Take a break and have fun!
Last but certainly not least, this is a chance to take a break and have fun! Here at Gili Shark Conservation we combine fun with work, does it get any better than that? Even when we are doing data analysis, participating in presentations, or conducting our surveys, we always manage to put smiles on each others’ faces. This is because we work so closely together it’s impossible to not find fun in the midst of a busy work week! All in all, Gili Shark Conservation is a wonderful place to take a break from your life at home and experience something new, and to have fun while doing it!
Bonus…
Whether you are blowing bubbles underwater or on land there are plenty of things to do to keep you occupied! At our headquarters we have fun games, furry friends, movie nights, interesting books, and so much more to keep ourselves occupied, while working or during our free time! Even when we are not working we like to foster a space for everyone to hangout with one another and destress from a busy work week, so you’ll never have to worry about feeling bored!
To wrap up…
My time with Gili Shark Conservation has been nothing short of inspiring and fulfilling, and I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been granted. My first time here was in 2023 and I used the experience to fulfill an internship course for my university. I loved it so much that I had to come back a second time, and am now doing my divemaster training with Blue Marlin. Gili Shark Conservation has granted me countless opportunities to experience the conservation field and develop hands on research experience. I could not be more proud to be a part of something so special, and I definitely recommend this experience to other marine conservationists!
Published on 1 September, 2024.
