Living Simply in Nature Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was about the same as I experience at my home university. The biggest difference was that the majority of work was based on field-work. Everyone in the program was doing the same assignments at the same time so it was easy to use everyone else as resources or just to sit and work together. Teaching methods included lectures and fieldwork. Assignments included reports, papers, hands on assignments, research, group work, etc.

On-site administration of your program

South Caicos is a small island with few resources. You must be willing to live simply, which may take some adjustment, but is definitely doable. There is not great medical care on the island, but it is available. The program can have around 35 students and you will be living in close quarters with them as well as your 3 professors, the site manager, the research director, and other staff.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

3-5 roommates. Students live in the "center" which is located on the shore of Cockburn Harbor on South Caicos. The Center includes a dock with boats, salt water pool, student rooms, staff rooms, Air Conditioned computer lab, kitchen and eating area, ping pong and foosball area, and many outdoor spaces. You must bring everything you will want with you. Food gets delivered from Miami fairly regularly, but it is very difficult to come by items on the island. Bring extra toothbrushes or anything else you might want (sunscreen, bug spray, etc.) Meals will be cooked for you but you will be on a kitchen crew team and will be responsible in your teams to cook/clean 1-3 meals on Sundays on a rotating schedule of teams.

Very accommodating of vegetarianism. Veganism and food allergies are more difficult to handle on the island, but doable as long as you are very flexible about food options. All food is cooked at the center, but you can find snack items at local stores.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, hiking, beaches, walking, running, very social around the center, lots of games to play, many local bars and places to go out at night. You have to be willing to entertain yourself with few resources.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The island is relatively safe and SFS has an overwhelming amount of safety precautions in place.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Select all that apply

• Other

Select all that apply

• Americans

• The people
• the amount of work
• snorkeling/being in the ocean

• accessibility to medical care
• more freedom