A Hot Place To Study Abroad. Caribbean islands are home to several well-known international programs for U.S. students, especially in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. Students of all majors are welcome in the Caribbean for a study abroad experience; however, those studying marine biology, oceanography, botany, plant conservation, sustainability, and related subjects would really benefit from living in this particular ecosystem.
A Tropical Paradise. The Caribbean islands have a sunny and mild climate with year-round temperatures ranging from 75 to 80 degrees — eternally agreeable to all visitors. If you should ever tire of lounging or playing on the beach, there are many other fun activities to explore. These include scuba diving and snorkeling around infinite coral reefs, hiking the volcanic features, windsurfing, sea kayaking, or sailing.
What else can you do in your free time when studying abroad in the Caribbean islands? Swim with stingrays in Grand Cayman. Zip-line in St. Lucia. Walk the Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands. Learn to surf, sail, or kite-surf (or develop the skills you already have). Take the train in St. Kitts. Jump into the fun at the Crayola Art Camp. Take a submarine tour in Aruba. Join a turtle watch in Nevis. Dive in Curacao at full moon. Practice yoga. Dive with sharks. Visit the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. Take the open train to Harrison’s Cave, a crystallized limestone cave. Swim under waterfalls. See the “dragon lizards” at Allans Cay. Swim with dolphins. Spot humpback whales. Visit Turtle River Park. Visit the Grenada Chocolate Company, home of dark chocolate. The list goes on and on …
A Colorful Culture. The Caribbean culture is very artistic and expressive. This is evident in their rich musical, literary, and culinary skills, and in their political and social traits. The Caribbean culture is a product of its history and geography. The islands were inhabited and developed before the Europeans started to colonize the Americas. Today you’ll hear British, Spanish, French, African, and even Dutch idioms used in the Caribbean. Arts, dance, music, and sociology majors especially benefit from the vibrant and integrated culture while studying abroad in the Caribbean islands.
Excellent Eats. Caribbean cooking is a fusion of African, American, European, East Indian, and Chinese cuisine. The Caribbean culture was highly influenced by the foreign nations that conquered the islands; therefore, the cuisine of the islands is also a mixture of these influences. Traditional dishes are very important to the regional culture. However, keep in mind that each island is vastly different from the next in the way of food preparation, activities, and mannerisms.