The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies
- Location(s): Field Programs in Turks and Caicos Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Research
The School for Field Studies / SFS
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The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to vibrant coral reefs, dramatic sea walls, a deep ocean trench, mangrove forests, and extensive seagrass beds, which together sustain a stunning diversity of sea life. Spotted eagle rays, sharks, sea turtles,... read more
All Reviews
I learned so much from this experience! This program was very academically oriented and I felt like I learned so much more with all the hands on experience! The locals were always fun to be around and being next to the ocean and all the marine wildlife was spectacular! I would do it again in a heartbeat! A student - Austin College View Entire Review
I learned just how independent I am and that stripping down to the basics is the most wonderful way to live. It was arguable the most worthwhile thing I've ever done. Dana B - Temple University View Entire Review
I feel like in the first month alone I learned so much and I also think that this a good experience for a person to really decided whether they are passionate about Marine science or not. You get to learn more about yourself as well as other people. Daria B - University of Maine at Orono View Entire Review
Impacted my cultural understanding and gave me field experience in marine research Laura S - Dickinson College View Entire Review
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. Karissa L - Clark University View Entire Review
I have an invaluable understanding of the rigor of field research. I have an intimite knowledge of fish dissection and genus/species names. I have decided, after my SFS experience, to pursue a Ph.D. in marine science and policy. Emma F - Saint Michaels College View Entire Review
I wouldn't trade it for anything. Sevag M - University of California - Berkeley View Entire Review
Yes! It was great. It made me completely infatuated with the ocean. Serena G - Clark University View Entire Review
My student abroad experience was amazing and changed me not only as a student but also as a person. I would recommend Turks and Caicos to anyone interested in a hands-on outdoors experience that is truly once in a lifetime. It has made me more excited about my major and I would love to go back someday. Lauren O - Dickinson College View Entire Review
My experience was wonderful. I am a journalism major previously only interested in marine conservation as a hobby/interest, but now I hope to shift my focus more towards using my journalism degree to promote marine conservation. Alexis B - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
My semester sparked my enthusiasm for ocean conservation and marine biology. I bought home countless experiences that I could not have done while at my home institution, friends that I would not have otherwise met, and a foundation for a future in marine biology. I couldn't be happier. Chase G - Davidson College View Entire Review
This program allowed me to see if working in coral reef ecosystems and combining policy with science background is something I want to do for the future and it completely validated that for me. It was amazing being able to live in another country and being able to experience a completely different lifestyle and setting than we h... Mikaela F - University of Puget Sound View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself while meeting new people, both Americans and Mexicans, living in a small town but being from a large city. I met so many wonderful, wonderful people, and I got to live with most of them. I made friends both on the center and in Cabo San Lucas that I still speak to every week. I realized that my fu... Sam A - University of New England View Entire Review
It is not possible to list all that i gained and learned from my experience abroad. Not only did I learn factual information about my host country, the Caribbean and my field of study, but I also learned practical knowledge about how to be a scientist, write different types of reports, analyze and present data, and teach. Addit... A student - Fairfield University View Entire Review
I gained a lot of experience about different research techniques, as well as a lot of strategies to live more simply. It was definitely worthwhile and I would love to go back! Kat M - University of San Diego View Entire Review
Confidence in myself and much improved science-writing skills Liz W - Austin College View Entire Review
the culture opened me up and the knowledge i recieved drove me to land a job working for seaworld, now i work with marine mammals everyday! Matthew W - Fairmont State University View Entire Review
This experience re-excited my love for Marine Science and made me look at the world in a totally new way. It made me realize how much I want to do field research! Amanda G - University of San Diego View Entire Review
I gained a better understanding of problems in enforcing Protected Areas in general. I also learned about the importance of looking at the economic and social impacts of fisheries, tourism and changes in customs on the local people and surrounding environment. This experience has made me want to explore every inch of the ocean... Austen S - Wake Forest University View Entire Review
My study abroad experience was most certainly worthwhile. I learned so many invaluable lessons that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I have grown as an individual in so many ways and has allowed me to see the world in a whole new light through my newfound understanding that not only am I an American, but a citizen o... Jamie L - College of the Holy Cross View Entire Review
It was a major cultural exchange and I found a new love...SCUBA diving! Logan B - Skidmore College View Entire Review
The amount I gained from this experience surpassed my expectations by far. I became a more confident student and as student of the sciences I gained a lot of hands on field experience. I was able to learn about the local community's ideas and understanding of environmental topics which was really eye-opening. Being in a differ... Natalie M - Allegheny College View Entire Review
What I loved the most was being able to be in the water and out in the field everyday. In addition, I really enjoyed interacting with the local community through basketball, swim lessons, and evening activities. I am currently working for the National marine fisheries service as an at-sea monitor on commercial fishing boats,... Aubrey E - Franklin & Marshall College View Entire Review
I cherish every snorkel I went on and am so grateful for the opportunities to observe so much marine life. I am definitely looking into marine biology or marine science for graduate school. Hannah S - Georgia College & State University View Entire Review
I have become more open to trying new things and jumping into them. I am much more of an environmentalist now as well. Sarah C - Smith College View Entire Review
About
The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to vibrant coral reefs, dramatic sea walls, a deep ocean trench, mangrove forests, and extensive seagrass beds, which together sustain a stunning diversity of sea life. Spotted eagle rays, sharks, sea turtles, humpback whales, and dozens of fish species thrive among the sandy shoals, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and coral reefs surrounding the Islands.
These marine ecosystems are critical to the fisheries-driven local economy, but they are under enormous pressure from coastal development, a rising demand for seafood, and the impacts of climate change. Our research plays an important role in supporting island residents and government authorities as they work to balance economic need with the preservation of irreplaceable natural resources.
These marine ecosystems are critical to the fisheries-driven local economy, but they are under enormous pressure from coastal development, a rising demand for seafood, and the impacts of climate change. Our research plays an important role in supporting island residents and government authorities as they work to balance economic need with the preservation of irreplaceable natural resources.
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Marine Resource Studies (SEMESTER PROGRAM): Spend a semester on the island of South Caicos, where spectacular marine ecosystems are still largely untouched by tourism and development. Throw on your wetsuit and discover a host of marine life while conducting research on coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves. Evaluate fisheries resources and policies while collecting data that helps community members balance their rights and needs with the island’s conservation goals. -
Fundamentals of Marine Conservation (SUMMER I PROGRAM): Dive under the waves and study marine conservation. Explore the spectacular reefs and turquoise waters of South Caicos, snorkeling or diving with rays, turtles, brilliantly colored fish, and other marine life. In this fundamentals course, you’ll learn about the environmental issues and policies affecting these ecosystems and the island community, and gain the skills needed to conduct marine research. -
Marine Fauna (SUMMER II PROGRAM): Spend your summer studying turtles, octopus, rays, and iguanas in the waters surrounding the remote island of South Caicos. In this specialized course, you’ll learn all about the ecology and conservation of marine fauna through classroom lectures, snorkel or dive sessions, and species identification exercises.
SFS students live and study at the Center for Marine Resource Studies. The Center is a small converted hotel overlooking the crystalline waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Spectacular sunsets, open-air facilities, warm sunshine, and a refreshing ocean breeze define this marine field station. A five-minute walk brings you to the small, historic town of Cockburn Harbour, where students and faculty frequently engage in community activities.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadResearch
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Natural Resources, Conservation
- Natural Resources and Conservation
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Natural Resources Management
- Fisheries Science, Fisheries Management
- Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management
- Biology and Biomedical Sciences
- Zoology, Animal Biology
- Ecology, Evolution Biology
- Natural Sciences
- Global Studies
- Marine Sciences
- Anthropology
- Geography
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
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The School for Field Studies / SFS Scholarships
All students are eligible to apply for these need-based awards. SFS will work with you and your home school to understand and meet your financial need.
N/A
Deadlines:
The complete aid application is due at least 60 days before the program begins for semester applicants, and at least 30 days before the program begins for summer applicants.
Guidelines/Requirements:
All students are eligible to apply for these need-based awards.
These grants will be awarded on the basis of need and may supplement other awards of SFS need-based scholarships, travel grants, and zero- or low-interest loans.
N/A
Deadlines:
Spring: November 1st
Summer 1 or Summer 1+2: April 1st
Summer 2: May 1st
Fall: June 1st
Guidelines/Requirements:
The SFS Trailblazer Grant is available to students who are the first from their home institution to attend an SFS program.
SFS matches Federal Pell Grant funding for all SFS semester programs to students who use their Pell Grant to help pay the cost of their SFS program.
N/A
Deadlines:
Spring: November 1st
Summer 1 or Summer 1+2: April 1st
Summer 2: May 1st
Fall: June 1st
Guidelines/Requirements:
Students must complete the SFS Financial Aid Application in order to receive this award.
This need-based scholarship is available for students with a cultural and/or ancestral connection to the country in which they plan to study abroad with SFS.
N/A
Deadlines:
Spring: November 1st
Summer 1 or Summer 1+2: April 1st
Summer 2: May 1st
Fall: June 1st
Guidelines/Requirements:
In order to be considered for the need-based Heritage Scholarship, students must complete a personal statement indicating how they qualify for this award.
SFS seeks to broaden and strengthen the participation of traditionally underrepresented minority students in all of its programs. The SFS Diversity Scholarship is one of the ways we broaden the participation of underrepresented groups of students in study abroad. For SFS, underrepresented groups include, but are not limited to, students who identify with a certain race, sex, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, age, marital status, national origin or ancestry, ethnic origin, or veteran status. Underrepresented groups also include first generation college students and students from low income families.
N/A
Deadlines:
Spring: November 1st
Summer 1 or Summer 1+2: April 1st
Summer 2: May 1st
Fall: June 1st
Guidelines/Requirements:
In order to be considered for this scholarship, students must explain how participation in an SFS program would broaden the diversity of the program.
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