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
292 reviews
for
10 programs
Most Popular Program:
The School for Field Studies / SFS: Bhutan - Bhutan - Himalayan Studies
The School for Field Studies / SFS: Bhutan - Bhutan - Himalayan Studies
Request Info
(For American Students)
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
It was an amazing experience and while it wasn't always perfect it was the challenging parts that made the overall experience so great. Tricia W - University of Denver View Entire Review
My experience in the Turks and Caicos was amazing. I loved having the opportunity to live in and learn about the island and the country as a whole. There are so many things about it that you could only learn by experiencing yourself. Linda V - Clark University View Entire Review
Definitely worthwhile. My whole year abroad was well worth it Julie B - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I was able to confront a lot of stereotypes, both about Americans and about the Caribbean lifestyle. I occasionally have to defend my study abroad program to others, because it certainly was academically challenging, as well as in a beautiful environment. Like I said, I'll be going back to school partly because of how SFS inspir... Jen C - New York University View Entire Review
Yes, most definitely worthwhile. I took away a new love for the ocean and was humbled by the experience of living on a developing island. Katherine W - Hamilton College View Entire Review
The experience was worthwhile, but wasn't fulfilling academically. The experience is also heavily dependent on the people and group that you're with, and I feel that aspect could be something some people would not like. Jane P - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Past Review
Turks And Caicos Islands : A Small Island, But Big Friendships And An Even Bigger Experience
I learned that I can adjust to a new setting better than I thought I could. I also learned how quickly I can make friendships with people who are so different than me. Being immersed in a culture that is very different than mine was something that I gained so much from. I became more aware of how similar everyone really is and I... Melissa P - University of Maryland - College Park View Entire Review
It really allowed me to discover more about who I am, who I want to be, and what I might want to do with my life. It gave me so much perspective as to the privileges I have as an American, and the discrimination I face abroad as an American pro-choice woman who strongly supports gay rights. Isabella G - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned how to conduct field research, turn observations into useful data, and how to work with a team. The experience solidified my goal to work to conserve and protect coastal environments in the Pacific. I also loved the group dynamic and had an amazing time living in Mexico with friends. Ellen W - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Past Review
Marine Coastal Studies In Turks And Caicos Gain Technical Skills (But Limited Cultural Immersion)
I gained technical knowledge (snorkeling, scuba diving with data collection purpose), hands on knowledge about marine ecology (fish identification, ecological understanding of the marine environment) and awareness of some of the political/social complications involved in managing marine resources. It has added insight into my fu... Simone S - Austin College View Entire Review
I came into this experience knowing where it would fit into my interests, and it ended up doing that and more. As an Environmental Engineer with a minor in Economics, I had at Columbia treated as numbers in equations a lot of the things that I saw here on a human level. It wasn't as much a cultural awareness of Mexico as it was ... William C - Columbia University View Entire Review
yes. i highly disliked my program, but being on the island was unreal. living in the caribbean for three months changed the way i interact with the world now. bridget k - Clark University 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.
-
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
Take me there!Statistics
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.
Videos
Featured Program Providers
