KIKAI College Research Internship Program

Before the internship begins, participants will receive basic online lectures on coral reefs. These allow students without prior knowledge to participate confidently.

On-Demand Topics:
・Introduction to Coral Reef and Coral Reef Science
・Coral Skeletal Dendrochronology
・Introduction to Laboratory Equipment

Applicants can join a preparatory program in Kyoto before their internship on Kikai Island. Participants will visit research facilities, observe ongoing research, and review scientific papers to deepen their understanding of coral reef science.

The first floor of the “Sango-An” (meaning “Coral Annex”) serves as a gallery. While the second floor offers accommodations. The gallery is a space where scientists, local residents, and artists work together to shar ethe charm of Kikai Island, its coral reefs, and the craft culture of Kyoto. Located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, this venue offers and experience distinct from that of Kikai Island.  

Duration: 1 Week
Participation Fee: 710 USD

This includes accommodation, use of research facilities, and a participation fee.
*Transportation costs to Kyoto and from Kyoto to Kikai Island are not included.

The internship program on Kikai Island is conducted monthly. Under the supervision of a mentor, each participant selects a research theme based on their interests and explores it through fieldwork and experimentation.

During events, interns also assist in planning and operations, and engage with researchers and locals from across the region. Such events include the Coral Reef Science Camp (early mid-August), ‘Sango-no-hi’ or ‘Coral Day’ (early march) and assisting with the Coral Research program for high school students, with students registered from all over Japan (Every Wednesday and Saturday).  

Program Schedule and Activities by Month

●January-February: Cycle of island water resources
Spring and groundwater sampling, stable isotope ratio analysis, calcium nitrate concentration measurements.

Skills Gained:
・Water collection techniques, analyzing environmental conditions using isotope ratios and water quality data.

●March-April: From seawater to coral skeletons
Stable isotope ratio analysis, alkalinity analysis, coral skeleton rearing

Skills gained:
・Understanding alkalinity and total inorganic carbon in seawater.
・Analyzing coral skeleton formation through water chemistry.

●May-July: Describing the coral reef ecosystem
Line transects spot surveys, water sampling

Skills gained:
・Methods of monitoring coral distribution, assessing coral bleaching.
・Safe snorkeling, and water surveying techniques.

●August: Coral Reef Science Camp
Elementary school to high school students, assistant research advisor, environmental education.

Skills gained:
・Organizing environmental education programs.
・Engaging ways to teach science.
・ Act as a bridge between children and experts.

●September-October: Describing the coral reef ecosystem (same as May-July)
Line transects spot surveys, water sampling

Skills gained:
・Methods of monitoring coral distribution, assessing coral bleaching.
・Safe snorkeling, and water surveying techniques.

●November-December: Growth rate of paleo coral reefs
Geological drilling, X-ray CT scanning, analyzing coral annual growth rings.

Skills gained:
・Practice fossil coral core drilling
・Learn to observe coral growth rings.

■Mentors
Internship guidance is provided by active researchers. On-site staff also offer support.

Mentors are available for consultation throughout the internship.

Tsuyoshi Watanabe
（Coral Reef Geo-environmental Studies）
President, KIKAI institute for Coral Reef Sciences
Associate professor, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature
Lecturer, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University

Atsuko Yamazaki
（Coral Reef Material Cycles）
Director / Vice President, KIKAI institute for Coral Reef Sciences
Lecturer, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University

Taro Komagoe
（Coral Reef Paleoenvironmental Studies）
Researcher, KIKAI institute for Coral Reef Sciences
Coral School & KIKAI College Scientific Advisor

■Field Guidance Staff:

Mitsunori Tomi
Technician, Research Department, KIKAI institute for Coral Reef Sciences

At the end of the internship, students present their research findings at a seminar held by the institute. Mentors provide feedback and evaluation.

Following the presentation, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and an Open Badge.

In addition:
・Interns who stay for 2 months or more will also receive an Assistant Mentor Certificate.
・Interns who stay for 3 months or more will receive a Coralogy Writing certificate.

Stay in dormitory rooms on the second floor of the institute.

Men’s and women’s bunk beds are available, with a separate shared kitchen building.

There is a convenience store where you can purchase food within walking distance, and electric bicycles are also available to reach the town center (20 minutes by car).

Basic Fee：1,560USD/month
Longer stay discounts:
10% discount for 2 months: 1,400USD/month
15% discount for 3+ months: 1,320USD/month

*This accommodation option is only available for institute student members. This membership fee is included in the internship costs.

Located 20 minutes by car from the institute and 5 minutes from the city center, this dormitory offers convenient access to shops and local restaurants. Please note: this facility only offers mixed-gender bunk beds.

Basic Fee：1,910 USD/month
Longer stay discounts:
10% discount for 2 months: 1,720 USD/month
15% discount for 3+ months:1,620 USD/month

Private rooms with the same convenient location as the dormitory plan.

Basic Fee：2,120 USD/month
Longer stay discounts:
10% discount for 2 months: 1,910 USD/month
15% discount for 3+ months:1,800 USD/month