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

  Caribbean

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 15 weeks: late August-early-December; Spring 15 weeks: early January-early May

Description: The goal of the Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation program is to offer students an interdisciplinary learning experience that stresses the interconnectedness of tropical ecosystems and investigates the influences of human interaction with nature. Specifically, the program offers students a comprehensive and complex view of the many facets of conservation, marine ecology, and scientific methods in a tropical marine setting, with an in-depth look at issues ranging from cultural heritage to natural resource management.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center in Bonaire began as a summer program in 2005. The semester program began in 2006 and is open to natural science majors who have completed an introductory biology sequence and one of the following electives: coastal management, conservation biology, ecology, environmental science, invertebrate zoology, marine biology, vertebrate zoology, or the equivalent. With its setting in the natural classroom, the program provides a unique, integrated experience involving classwork, field study, and lab work. This program offers a full semester of electives for biology majors. As requirements vary between schools, students should contact their study abroad office for course equivalents and credit toward their degree. All courses are taught in English.

Academic Culture
This program is offered for CIEE students only and contains extensive experiential components. The program integrates lectures, field experience, student group work, and readings. Professors prepare students in the classroom and accompany them on field trips. Diving is an integral part of the program, and given the number of dives and island excursions required, students should expect an intense, yet rewarding experience. Emphasis is placed on hands-on field observation of ecological processes, as well as human-nature interactions and their application to the conservation of natural and cultural resources

Highlights:

• Focus on tropical ecosystems with an emphasis on biological and ecological relationships of marine life in the healthiest coral reef in the Caribbean
  
• Innovative classroom-based and field-intensive academic program; study conservation and coral reef ecology while diving with experts in a small group setting
  
• Gain extensive research experience by conducting a research project and col-
  laborative monitoring programs with the Bonaire National Marine Park and Sea
  Turtle Conservation Bonaire; publish results in scientific journal Physis

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

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

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide 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