VCU Education Abroad Faculty-led Summer Program in Puerto Rico

  Puerto Rico

Term: Summer 
Dates: July 27 - August 10

Description: The Department of Biology in VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences and the Office of International Education are pleased to offer a unique opportunity in ecological studies in picturesque Puerto Rico. In this traveling program, participants will have the opportunity to experience the vast diversity of Puerto Rico's ecological makeup and, through cultural excursions, will see how a country's landscape shapes its people.

Course and credit options: 4 VCU credits
BIOL 391 Ecosystems, Cultures and Languages in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean
Please note: This course is open to all majors.

Course description: Students will work within the contrasting ecosystems of coral beaches, rainforests, subtropical moist forests and the tropical dry forests. The program will utilize the Luquillo Long-Term Ecological Research Site, the Mata de Platano Field Station and Nature Reserve, and the UN Biosphere Reserve at Guanica.

Highlights: Field trips include viewing the world's largest radio telescope in Arecibo, visiting caves in the Rio Camuy Cave Park, touring the house of the artist Ne. Participants will assist in the bat research caves with Dr. Rodriguez and tour a variety of topographies including tropical research gardens, a tropical dry forest, a beautiful isolated mangrove island and the ancient salt flats of Cabo Rojo. In addition, the group will have access to beautiful beaches and a rare bioluminescent lagoon for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Participants also will enjoy a family night with a wonderful Puerto Rican family, visit an Indian ceremonial park, hike to the top of the rain forest, swim in La Mina Falls, bike on the mangrove trails of Piñones and salsa dance at the Rumba Club in old San Juan.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 1,995

*Accommodations
*Meals
*Study visits and tours
*Ground transportation
*On-site Program Director support
*Application fee and deposit
*Pre-departure orientation
*VCU administrative fees
*International Student Identification Card

The following are NOT included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
*Airfare
*VCU tuition and fees
*Passport application fee
*Personal expenses during the program (estimated at $200)
*Anything not specifically mentioned above

Please budget for these additional expenses.

Experience Required: yes

Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA to participate in this program. All majors are welcome.

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home