CIEE Summer Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation Program in Bonaire, Southern Caribbean

  Caribbean

Bonaire Island

Term: Summer 
Dates: 2 weeks: late May - early July

Description: The goal of the Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation summer program is to offer students a unique international field experience. The academically rigorous field-based program introduces students to the diversity of marine life and environments using Bonaire as a living classroom. Students have an interdisciplinary learning experience that stresses the interconnectedness of marine organisms with each other and their environment. Human impacts on the marine environment, including conservation measures and negative effects, are examined as well.

Academic Program
The CIEE Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation summer program in Bonaire offers intensive field courses which integrate lectures, field experience, student group work, and readings. Emphasis is placed on hands-on field observation of ecological processes, both on land and underwater, as well as human-nature interactions and their application to the conservation of natural resources.

Academic Culture
Rigorous courses with a scientific focus are offered for CIEE students only. Classes are small and consist of classroom-based academics along with extensive experiential components (field study, lab work, and observation) and broad practical field experience in coastal ecology. Professors prepare students in the classroom and accompany them on field trips. Given the number of dives and field trips required for this course, students should expect an intense yet rewarding program. Enrollment in this program is limited to 12 students per session.

Highlights:

• Study coral reef ecology on the healthiest reef in the Caribbean region
  
• Learn field methods to study coral reef ecosystems in one of the first marine protected areas in the world
  
• Learn how species interact with each other and their environment through scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking in tropical coastal ecosystems
  
• Study in a small group setting with highly qualified staff of professional marine biologists and dive with scientists on this innovative classroom and field-based academic program

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 1 semester of college-level biology, ecology, or equivalent required
• 1 additional semester of college-level biology, ecology, or environmental science recommended
• Nationally recognized SCUBA certification, or
• PADI referral (Professional Association of Diving Instruction)

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Caribbean Independently

Scholarships are Available. - We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

Year Founded: 1947