Turks and Caicos: Life-changing experience. Past Review

By (Biology, General., Clark University) for

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was one of the greatest experiences of my life, solidifying my interest in marine biology and field research. It was not an experience that I would have gotten anywhere else.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The three lecture classes we took were graded easier than the grading at Clark University, but I learned interesting and valuable things about resource management and environmental policy on the island. The field research component of the program was extremely valuable and was not an experience I would have gained anywhere else.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The strengths are the research experiences and field techniques and the hands on learning base. The station was also run very efficiently with the resources available and all of the staff were helpful. The weaknesses are the lectures.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in small rooms at the field station. They were not particularly nice, but we did not spend much time inside them. All sheets, pillows, supplies, etc. were brought with us.

* Food:

The center did very well cooking a variety of food and accommodating all dietary restrictions within the bounds of the resources available.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The field trip to some of the other islands in the country was very memorable and a nice way to get off of the tiny island we were on for a bit and see what else went on in htecountry, as the islands are very different from each other.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It was a fairly safe environment, and all issues were dealt with well by the staff. If there had been any serious medical issues however, it would have been hard to get medical care.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Hands-on experience
  • The location - so much ocean!
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • The quality of lectures
  • the program should be longer
  • More interaction with older members of the community
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A biology or related-field major with interest in field research would most benefit from the program.