Agro-Forestry Maymester (University of Georgia)

  US Virgin Islands

• Other Cities in US Virgin Islands: 
St. Croix

Term: Summer 
Dates: May 12 - 26, 2010

Description: This 15-day program, Agroforestry in the Caribbean, will introduce students to agriculture that joins productivity with resource conservation; incorporation of perennial species and the use of ecological theory to manage sustainable farming systems; takes steps toward building vibrant communities and achieving long term sustainability within a healthy environment; and integrates farming practices that can be used by farmers in the Caribbean and other subtropical and tropical regions around the world. Our program takes place at the Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute on the island of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands and is a model of sustainable living, organic farming, and agrotourism. The course is highly interactive and experiential and allows students the chance to be immersed in the rich cultural & natural heritage of the island through several field trips and other island explorations.   

While students are staying on the farm they will have the unique opportunity to live and work beside local farmers and have a first hand look at tropical agriculture and community living. The Farm provides fresh certified organic meals that you can watch from field to fork; fresh greens, veggies, starches, eggs, and of course FRUIT! Activities that take place off the farm will help to reemphasize the course content and hands-on experiences. Some of these include visits to local farmers markets, the University of the Virgin Islands, and the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture. Excursions relating to the cultural and natural history of the island include: Salt Creek, landing location of Christopher Columbus in 1493; the St. George Botanical Garden, specializing in the relationship of plants and people of the island for the last 3000 years; the Ridge to Reef Vegetation Hike down the Caladonia Gut; the historic forts of Christiansted & Frederiksted; sea turtle viewing at Sandy Point; and perhaps Jacks & Isaac's Bay, a Nature Conservancy preserve on the eastern dry side of the island. We also try to make every concession possible to attend local festivals and activities like Reef Jam and Friday Night Jazz.

Highlights: All-in-all this short program is hands-on, busy, and interactive. We expect students and participants to gain an enriching experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives, both personally and professionally.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Approximate cost for the course will be USD 2000 per student, depending on the airfare.

It is required that all students purchase the UGA Study Abroad Insurance (it is included in the price of your program fee). The Program Fee is USD 1500.00.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to US Virgin Islands Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-8

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

EcoAbroad: Sustainable Student Travel's Mission Statement: Bringing Sustainable Travel to Study Abroad. We are a group of professionals, academics, and researchers who collectively strive to provide active, exciting, and sustainable study abroad programs in the Caribbean, Central America, and South Africa. We offer unique, academic, educational travel programs with an adventurous edge. These programs are experiential and most are travel intensive. Each allows you to be immersed into the local culture, experience the wild and natural surroundings, learn environmental philosophy and practices, and earn college credit. It is our goal to create a global knowledge regarding culture, community, conservation, and stewardship for our future leaders and scholars. We are committed to the principles of sustainable tourism which includes education about the importance of our protected areas and wild lands, embracing the local community and culture of these areas, and treading lightly while we do so. EcoAbroad: Providing Sustainable Student Travel since 2002.

Year Founded: 2002