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

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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

OVERALL RATING 4.4
Based on 4 Reviews
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Overall Experience
January 11, 2024 Off The Beaten Path!
I learned a lot about marine biology, and local culture. I really enjoyed the tight knit commitment, although it could be isolating at some points. - Middlebury College View Entire Review
February 11, 2022 I Miss It
I learned to scuba dive and gained real world research experience that I can use to advance my academic career - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I always say that I aged 5 years after abroad. I came back way more mature. I also gained useful skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. This program is totally worthwhile - Siena College View Entire Review
It was worthwhile, I learned so much about myself and about what I want to do with my life - University of Maine - Orono View Entire Review
Past Review Unforgettable
Unimaginable marine science education, directed research, field experience, SCUBA certification and experience, friends for life, ability to live and work in community with my peers and professors - University of Virginia View Entire Review
There was a lot of practical knowledge that I gained in the classroom setting that I very much enjoyed, however I think the best part of the learning was the field work aspect that really allowed me to use those practical skills in a real setting. - University of Wisconsin - Madison View Entire Review
It was extremely worthwhile, learning how to dive and figuring out what I want to do in the future made this program worth it - College of the Holy Cross View Entire Review
SFS and my fellow students have helped me to grow in ways I never thought possible. My semester in the TCI was everything I could have wanted and so much more. I learned valuable field techniques, spent hours on end in the ocean, and really learned how to disconnect and focus on the important things. I did research that really m... - Muhlenberg College View Entire Review
I truly learned a lot about myself and what makes me happy. It may not have been the most amazing three months of my life but I would say it changed me for the better. - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned that I want to spend the rest of my life working with corals and scuba diving!! I also learned that I can thrive in rustic living conditions. SFS CMRS is 100% worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat! - Clark University - Worcester View Entire Review
How to talk to people about difficult topics. Working with the locals and helping change their perspective on sustainability. - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Everything. It was absolutely great. - Wellesley College View Entire Review
A student studying abroad with The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies
I learned things about myself, the people around me, and the world in general. This summer I saw how a lot of puzzle pieces fit together in conservation biology. I had some amazing nature related experiences in swimming with animals I have never seen before. I am very grateful we spent so much time in the water scuba diving and ... - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned valuable research techniques, became scuba certified, and got real good at darts. It was definitely worthwhile. - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Huge focus on academic group-work and presentations, also being able to participate in real scientific research in the field was worthwhile for furthering a career in science. - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Past Review No Rules Panama
I learned about a different culture, a new language, how to surf... Of course it was worthwhile! - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Learned a great deal about field work and local culture - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Past Review Tropical!
I learned a lot about Caribbean culture - Texas A&M University - College Station View Entire Review
I learned a lot about how to study coral reefs and conduct related research projects. This was a very worthwhile experience as having the opportunity to conduct an individual research project in marine ecology is a very rare opportunity. The experience can also help you to get future opportunities in the marine ecology field. - Knox College View Entire Review
I learned about interacting with cultures very different from my own. I also learned that working with the ocean is absolutely something I want to do with the rest of my life. - Wellesley College View Entire Review
It was incredibly worthwhile. I gained a solid foundation in marine biology and a lot of hands on experience in the field. I really loved my research project while on South and I will be continuing to be active in that research going forward which is also so very exciting. I have friends that will last a lifetime and memories... - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Past Review #South Rocks
I learned about who am I without social pressures that we have here in America while learning valuable information about my degree. I was able to learn about species that we did not cover in Maine and actually see their impacts firsthand. I was also able to have a research project that will be used to benefit the local lobster f... - University of Maine - Orono View Entire Review
Studying abroad in the Turks and Caicos was a very worthwhile experience. I loved the opportunities for experiential learning and field work, as well as the opportunity to conduct research. - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Made so many wonderful new friends and learned a lot in an awesome location. Best thing I did in college! - University of Wisconsin - Madison View Entire Review
I learned a lot not only about the marine environment but about the Turks and Caicos Islands and the people that live there. It was a very intensive program that fully integrated you into the community and the environment. - Brandeis 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.




  • 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 Abroad
Research
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:
2.5
Website
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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.

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