Marine Science Gap Year: Andros, Bahamas

Most amazing experience! 6-weeks immersed in Andros culture where education and environmentalism is incorporated. Get scuba certified and have the opportunity to live on the beach with amazing people your age who have similar interests in the ocean and marine science. Get to see many animals in their natural habitat while snorkeling and scuba diving. Apply you won't regret!!!

The six-week Marine Science Program at Forfar Field Station in absolutely amazing! International Field Studies has been operating outstanding programs at the field station on Andros Island for over 50 years. A cohort of like-minded college students are engaged in coursework, field lectures, hands-on learning and research, experiential labs, interviews with conservationists, service projects, and tons of snorkeling and diving in pristine reefs. Topics range from coral biology and conservation, marine invertebrates, reef fish identification, sustainable fisheries, bonefishing, ecotourism, botany, and island geology with many opportunities to engage with local islanders. Certifications include wilderness first aid, leave no trace, kayaking and PADI basic and advanced diving. Last, but not least, life-long friends are made while having tons of fun. Cleary, Forfar has it all! The instructors and staff are extremely knowledgeable, dedicated and absolutely love what they do! The upfront planning and communication with families well in advance of the trip was extremely well organized and thorough. The home office staff in Columbus, Ohio were always available for any questions that arose throughout the process. The accommodations are historic and rustic, providing the setting for a truly authentic experience. My son attended the program in 2021 and absolutely loved everything about it! Definitely one of the best experiences of his life! Be prepared to be totally immersed in a life where priorities are different, life is meaningful, bonds form seamlessly among peers, staff and locals and life is lived to its fullest.

This place is incredible and it was life-changing. I highly recommend this course. I was there for 40 days and I never had a single bad day. I was pushed to new limits and the staff was very encouraging. It was incredible and I wish I could go back every day I'm in the states. Take every opportunity or you will regret it. Jump off Bills, go to Lauries (no matter how tired you are), night snorkel, and go birding. Just be free, and do this trip. You will not regret it.