Description

The Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation study abroad program in Bonaire is designed for students with biology-related majors who have completed at least one year of biology or environmental science and seek an innovative classroom and field-based academic program focused on diverse tropical ecosystems in the Southern Caribbean with a focus on marine plant and fish life.

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 biology majors who have completed an introductory biology sequence (2 semesters) and an upper level biology course such as ecology, invertebrate zoology, marine biology, vertebrate zoology, ichthyology, or the equivalent. With its setting in the southern Caribbean sea, the program provides a unique, integrated academic experience involving class work, field research, and lab research and offers a full semester of upper-level courses 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 coral reef ecology and ecosystems on a beautiful Caribbean reef
  
• Log up to 50 scientific dives for class and independent research
  
• Collaborate on research projects with the Bonaire National Marine Park, Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire, and CIEE Research Station Bonaire
  
• Publish the results of your research in the student scientific journal Physis: Journal of Marine Science

Volunteering
CIEE students have participated in volunteer projects involving marine conservation and generating community involvement in reducing human impact on sensitive environmental areas on the island of Bonaire. The projects change based on needs of the community, and in the past have included hosting a children's festival with a marine ecology theme and a recent project involved using painted rocks to mark the best shore diving entry sites to decrease the impact of shore divers by directing them to a specific entry area. Students have also participated in underwater cleanup dives. The volunteer service projects have had excellent participation from the local community and recognition from the Bonaire National Marine Park.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, 14 meals per week, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, national park entry fees, scientific equipment, local transportation, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. There will be an additional fee (paid on-site) for those who need to complete the four open water dives to obtain their diving certification.

Experience Required

yes

• 2.75 GPA
• 2 semesters of college-level biology required
• Upper-level coursework in ecology and/or zoology recommended
• Nationally recognized SCUBA certification or PADI referral (Professional Association of Diving Instruction)

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

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.

Year Founded

1947