Skip to content

Programs : Brochure

This page is the brochure for your selected program. You can view the provided information for this program on this page and click on the available buttons for additional options.

The School for Field Studies (SFS) Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies (Semester) (Directory Program)

Print  Save 

  • Locations: South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: The School for Field Studies (SFS) 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English Click here for a definition of this term Class Status: 1-first year, 2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior, 5-grad student, 6-other
Housing Options: Dormitory Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study: Anthropology, Biology, Caribbean Studies, Earth Science, Ecology, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, International Studies, Marine Science, Sciences, Sociology, Tourism, Zoology
Program Type: field study, study abroad Minimum GPA: 2.7
Program Description:

SFS TURKS & CAICOS: MARINE
RESOURCE STUDIES
(SEMESTER)

tci anna landscape

PROGRAM DETAILS

Terms | Fall, Spring
 
Credits | 16 semester-hour credits
 
Prerequisites | One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science | 2.7 GPA | 18 years of age
 
Application Deadline | Fall: May 1st. Spring: November 1st. Early applications encouraged!
 
Financial Aid | All accepted students can apply for need-based scholarships, grants, and loans.
 

______________________________________________

OVERVIEW

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 researching 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. 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

→  Swim, dive, or snorkel nearly every day in the tropical western Atlantic – learn marine species identification and population assessment techniques while visiting coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangrove nurseries, sand bars, and tiny, uninhabited cays.

→  Explore one of the Caribbean’s largest cave systems on a multi-day expedition to Middle and North Caicos. Tour an old cotton plantation and learn the Indigenous histories of the islands.

→  Participate in coral restoration work firsthand; learn basic methods used to establish coral nurseries and work with local organizations to outplant coral to support reef regeneration.

→  Earn your Open Water SCUBA certification during the program's first month. This lifelong certification unlocks years of underwater exploration! Further your education and expand your underwater skills in the Advanced Open Water course offered later in the semester. 

→  Conduct a comprehensive field research project: Develop a research question, collect and analyze data, write a paper, and present your findings.

LOCATION 

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.

This marine field station is defined by spectacular sunsets, open-air facilities, warm sunshine, and a refreshing ocean breeze.

A five-minute walk brings you to the small, historic town of Cockburn Harbour, where students and faculty frequently engage in community activities.

RESEARCH THEMES

  • Marine Ecology and Conservation
  • Climate Change and Ocean Acidification
  • Approaches to Sustainable Tourism and Fisheries
  • Marine Resource Management
  • Traditional Island Livelihoods
  • Coral Health and Resilience
  • Coastal Management
  • Marine Protected Areas
CORE SKILLS
 
  • Coral Health Assessment
  • Marine Species Identification
  • Underwater Transects and Quadrats
  • Video and Photo Tracking
  • Marine Survey Techniques
  • Habitat and Biodiversity Assessment
  • Ecosystem Services Valuation
  • Research Design and Implementation
  • Data Collection and Analysis
  • Research Presentation
  • PADI Certification (at an Additional Cost)
 
______________________________________________

LEARN MORE

REQUEST INFORMATION

APPLY NOW

______________________________________________

CONNECT WITH SFS

• Visit our website: fieldstudies.org

• Email: admissions@fieldstudies.org

• Read updates from the field on our blog

• Follow us on Instagram

• Watch our videos on Vimeo