SFS TURKS & CAICOS: MARINE RESOURCE STUDIES (SEMESTER)
PROGRAM DETAILS
- Terms: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 16 semester-hour credits
- Prerequisites: One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science; 18 years of age
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Early applications encouraged
- Financial Aid: All accepted students can apply for need-based scholarships, grants, and loans
OVERVIEW
On the island of South Caicos, spectacular marine ecosystems are still largely untouched by tourism and development. Spend a semester among the island’s incredible marine life as you conduct field exercises and research to study coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves. Evaluate fisheries resources and policies, meet with local residents, and analyze the impacts of climate change on the island ecosystems. Finish the semester by designing an in-depth research project and collecting data to help community members balance their rights and needs with the island’s conservation goals.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
- Go snorkeling and diving in the clear waters around South Caicos to conduct marine species identification exercises and parrotfish surveys.
- Visit the Grotto and Shark Alley to see eagle rays up close, and study their behavior and population dynamics using photo tracking.
- Take an excursion to the islands of Middle Caicos, North Caicos, and Providenciales to explore the variety of ecosystems in the TCI, including caves and protected wetlands.
SFS students live and study at the Center for Marine Resource Studies. The Center is a small converted hotel overlooking the crystalline waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Spectacular sunsets, open-air facilities, warm sunshine, and a refreshing ocean breeze define this marine field station. A five-minute walk brings you to the small, historic town of Cockburn Harbour, where students and faculty frequently engage in community activities.
RESEARCH THEMES
- Climate change and ocean acidification
- Tourism impacts
- Commercial fisheries
- Coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass ecosystems
- Marine protected areas
CORE SKILLS
- Coral health assessment
- Marine species identification
- BRUVS surveys
- Underwater transects and quadrats
- Natural resource valuation
- Research design and implementation
- Data collection and analysis
- Research presentation
CONNECT WITH SFS
Visit the
SFS website
Call the Admissions Hotline at 800.989.4418
Email
admissions@fieldstudies.org
Read updates from the field on the
SFS Blog
Follow SFS on
Instagram and
Facebook
Watch student videos on
YouTube and
Vimeo
Further information about The School for Field Studies programs specific to Wheaton College students
Wheaton College is committed to providing students with opportunities to broaden their understanding and vision beyond the borders of this campus and this country. We work in collaboration with carefully selected partner institutions around the world to support our students as they prepare to study abroad and while they are overseas. Students must apply to Wheaton's Center for Global Education as well as the institution through which they plan to study abroad. The most up-to-date information can be found on the program provider's website above.
Admission Requirements:
One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science
Courses & Credits:
Students on each School for Field Studies Semester program take 5 classes (18 credits) which earns students 4 credits at Wheaton College. Each program has a set curriculum that all students take.
Housing & Meals:
Students live at the SFS Center for Conservation and Development Studies in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Three meals per day are provided.
Budget Information:
Students studying abroad will continue to pay Wheaton tuition. Students are not charged Wheaton room and board, or the Wheaton technology, laundry, or student activities fees while on a study abroad program. Wheaton will, in turn, pay the program for all tuition and academic fees. Students will pay housing directly to their study abroad program. Some study abroad programs include meal plans while others do not offer meal plans and students will shop for and prepare their meals independently. Students will book and pay for their own flights.
Fees billed by Wheaton will be charged to students on their regular Wheaton College student account during regular billing cycles (July/December).
Federal, state, Wheaton need-based and merit scholarships will be applied to these charges for Wheaton-approved programs. Students must consult with the Office of Student Financial Services (SFS) for a comprehensive review of their aid. If a student receives aid beyond the cost of Wheaton tuition, they can request a refund through SFS.
Please do your research as housing and meal costs vary greatly from program to program. This
Budget Worksheet can help you estimate the total costs of your program.
For more information of the School for Field Studies on-site costs, please visit
fieldstudies.org/admissions/costs
For Wheaton specific questions contact:
Center for Global Education
5 Howard Street
Wheaton College
Norton, MA 02766-2322
globaled@wheatoncollege.edu
508-286-4950
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