vladimir, I travel a lot and I'm really good at traveling on a budget and making my cash go veerryy far (thus looking for a place to intern for free!). I've got a bout 10k saved up, plus I have an online business which pulls in some money, not much but its enough. By moving from place to place and working for food and board wherever you go (hostels and the like) its possible to see the world on a tight budget. Its not for everyone but I love it.
scoobydrew, Thanks for the info. When researching all this I'm putting it into US$ terms to make it easier. I'm trying my best to determine the EXACT cost of the course so I don't get stung by fees. Not an easy thing to do! Some of these websites really need help with making their prices and marketing message completely clear. I don't expect the dive shop to pay for my PADI fees and materials, I'm happy to pay for that.
ErikH, I had no idea they offered something like that in OZ! I'm from Sydney. I was in Airlie beach for a month last year. Good party town but not much else to do except drink! Don't think I could handle a few months in that town, my liver would die, and I've got a liver that is used to getting punished! Some of the best reef and fish I've seen were from an overnight boat trip out to the islands, but its sooo shallow we thought it wasn't worth paying for diving and just went snorkeling instead.
So far I've found a few contenders! The course usually lasts 1-2 months but can be anywhere up to 6 months! They give you a qualification up to Dive Master level (and in one case Master Scuba Diver Trainer level). During that time you work for them in dive shop/boat. Sometimes accom is included sometimes not (the 6 month courses offer free accom). Free dives the entire time, but not sure how much of your time will actually be diving or just working in the shop. PADI course materials and fees (paid directly to PADI) are not included ever. Haven't found anywhere with food included so I might choose the one with a low cost of living to offset that. The locations vary from Croatia, samoa, Florida Keys, Cayman Islands, Thailand, Ko Lanta, Canary Islands (Tenerife), Egypt (Red Sea), Malta, and Thailand. Once I finish researching all this I'll post my finding so everyone can use them.
Anyone got any other suggestions? Or know of somewhere that offers a similar deal? I was atcully thinking that GOING to these places and approaching the businesses might have more luck with finding something that offers food + accom + course fees. What do you think?
Also has anyone done a Divemasters in India or Sri Lanka? I thought that they might have some possibilities of good diving for very cheap/free internships.
