Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; applications will remain open through 2025 until our ideal cohorts are filled.You will be notified about your application only if your application advances.

Should I apply?
To apply, you should:

• Be a recent high school graduate, undergraduate student, graduate school, or trade certificate student
• Have a passport valid through March 2026
• Be age 18-24 during the mission in 2025. If you will turn 25 in 2025: Please note there are multiple missions in 2025; should you be advanced, we will consider your birthdate to assign you to the mission in which you will be under 25.
• Have a demonstrated passion for ocean leadership through ocean science and conservation, marine operations or ocean media
• Have a sense of adventure and openness to ocean exploration, international travel and building relationships with fellow ocean leaders
• Have a curiosity for how ocean leadership and exploration can create a more sustainable future for our planet

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis until our ideal cohort is filled. We intend to build a cohort that reflects our global mission and our university partners’ students. You will be notified about your application only if your application advances.

The program includes:

• 1-8 days accommodations and meals aboard the OceanXplorer
• Airfare and travel to board the OceanXplorer
• Visa processing support
• Incidental allowance for travel days to be provided through travel stipend

Financial support is available on a case by case basis.

How are participants selected?

‣ Demonstrated passion for natural science through ocean leadership and conservation, marine operations, or creative science storytelling (social media, filmmaking, etc.). This can be in your formal education (such as your current major or select courses you have taken) and/or in informal experiences (such as an impactful experience you had at an event or trip). This can also include projects you have completed formally or informally, or a general sense of adventure and/or curiosity to grow your ocean leadership​.​

‣ Your reasons for wanting to be a Young Explorer and to strengthen your ocean leadership. Explain how your experience in the Young Explorer Program will impact you. Examples could include your curiosity for how this program may shift your career or future plans, how you create a more sustainable future for our planet and/or how you will change your local community when you return home.​

​‣ Relevant academic or professional experience such as an aligned major and/or recent course(s) taken, job or internship experience​

‣ Relevant media or writing (links to blogs, reels, posts, films, graphics) quantitative or qualitative research (research project summaries), computer/engineering experiences (certifications)

‣ Professionalism, maturity and a commitment to adventure, including your adaptability and flexibility amid international travel and on a research vessel

How do I apply?

• Submit an application including a brief 300 characters written response, your current resume and a 1 minute video. ​

• Be sure to emphasize your passion and curiosity for ocean leadership and exploration, plus include how you expect this experience to transform your career and commitment to a more sustainable future for our planet.​

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and if you advance, an interview may be included. You will be notified about your application only if your application advances.

General FAQs

Program

What will I learn in the Young Explorers Program?

The program will include courses in ocean science, media and operations and feature lectures from world-class faculty and corresponding workshops while on board. Based on the experience of each YEP cohort, our team adjusts the curriculum to best reflect the background of the students. 

Examples of the course topics include the following: Principles of Oceanography, Operations 101: How Science is Conducted at Sea, Ocean Media & Storytelling, Camera & Editing, Mapping 101, and more. 

How can I learn about the route the OceanXplorer will take while onboard?

Upon acceptance, you will receive additional details on the exact route while on board. All accepted students and their parents/guardians will have access to a private site tracking the vessel and providing additional information on the exact route. 

What is the time commitment for the program?

The average length of a YEP is 7 days, plus travel time to the departure port.

How will the program help my career?

The program will provide world class interdisciplinary teaching across ocean science, media and operations, transforming students’ initial interests and experiences with the ocean into a robust, experiential experience akin to a selective study abroad, apprenticeship and/or internship program. After participating, students become YEP Alumni and receive selective career opportunities, network support and further career development opportunities through the OceanX Education network and beyond.

Communication on the OceanXplorer

How can I communicate with my friends and family back home?
WhatsApp is the most reliable form of communication with your families back home. Be sure to download the app and have your families and friends download so they can keep in touch. There is a satellite phone onboard in case of emergency.

What is the internet like at sea?
Internet access is spotty in the open sea, so download all music and movies before you leave so that you have them readily available once you get on the ship.

Onboard the OceanXplorer

• Accommodations: Participants will be housed in 4 person berths (based on gender) that have shower and bathroom facilities; there are also bathroom facilities throughout the vessel.

• Electricity: The vessel is equipped with 220-volt outlets. To use the 220V outlets, you will need European style 2-pronged shuko adaptors (and converters if your device does not have an internal volt converter). Because number of outlets in any one space is limited, it may also be helpful to have a powerstrip as well.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually served at 7 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm but can be modified to accommodate program specifics. Accommodations can be made for dietary restrictions - please note on onboarding documents and once onboard, introduce yourself to the chief stewardess and make them aware of your dietary restrictions so they can be sure to flag any specific meals/ingredients for you.

• USB Ports: Rooms are equipped with USB ports.