A scuba diver that was thinking about changing their life and becoming a Scuba Instructor by an Internship program recently had a chat with us, this is how the conversation went, hopefully it will give you some ideas about your own dive career / education.
[PADI IDC Student]I want to do a diving internship which, because I am a beginner will take more than six months. to complete. How do I choose a centre where I can do this Internship? I saw one centre – Aquanauts – in Thailand, but was wondering whether it would be good enough? I don’t have much knowledge on the subject and although I have researched it, there are so many different courses and locations, it is a bit of a minefield. The Aquanauts dive centre does a package which includes accommodation as well – that is why I was drawn towards that one.
I am a bit older probably than most Interns and want to concentrate on the diving, don’t want too many distractions, but don’t really want to be cut off anywhere too remote. I have been looking at south-east Asia – Thailand etc, but am a bit concerned about the humidity out there. Have also looked at Malaysia, Australia and that area.
I’m also looking at the cost of living in these locations as that will determine the total cost,as I will be living there.
I would gladly appreciate any advice on this.
Any possibility of speaking to someone about this?
Am currently in the UK, and will be doing my second discover scuba course soon. Should I ask them? Maybe I should do an open water course before I take the plunge – what do you think.
[idc guide] We wouldn’t recommend Aquanauts (have personally spoke to a few ‘graduates’ of their system and they are known as a bit of a conveyor belt for instructors) but have plenty of recommended centres in Thailand and that region / shall I forward your email to the relevant Course Directors in South East Asia or is it only Thailand you are thinking about?
In general I don’t think the Humidity is a problem in Thailand, it just needs a bit of adjustment (I should know I lived there for 1.5 years) I remember my first night there and its not comfortable but you soon get used to it (especially if you have AC)
There is loads of info on the site about living / working in Thailand but I can just put you in touch with the top Course Director in Phuket who will hold your hand every step of the way 🙂 and give you loads of good help / advice.
[PADI IDC Student] I would consider any country in South East Asia…Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and wherever else out that way, I don’t mind really.
I want some centre that is supportive and helpful throughout the Scuba Internship. Would you personally recommend Phuket? Have had a look at the course content…assistant instructor/open water instructor programmes. The only thing which is really troubling me is the facedown/snorkel test. It sounds very very difficult. Do most people get through it ok – eventually? I’d better start practising!
Once again thanks very much for getting back to me. As you say the humidity just takes some getting used to and there is Aircon as you stated, I’m sure I would be ok once I’d adjusted to it.
[idc guide] I would recommend Phuket on many levels and recommend Sarah (Course Director) who we exclusively recommend in Phuket, will forward this email to her as she can answer any question you have and more. Snorkel / Regulator Exchange is easy with practise and the Humidity / Heat is something you get used to and I know you are going to have the time of your life, actually jealous of you knowing you have so many adventures in front of you
Expect an email from Sarah at Scubacat as Phuket and Scubacat / Sarah sound like a good match for you.
I would recommend Phuket on many levels and recommend Sarah (Course Director) who we exclusively recommend in Phuket, will forward this email to her as she can answer any question you have and more. Snorkel / Regulator Exchange is easy with practise and the Humidity / Heat is something you get used to and I know you are going to have the time of your life, actually jealous of you knowing you have so many adventures in front of you
Expect an email from Sarah at Scubacat as Phuket and Scubacat / Sarah sound like a good match for you.