| Program Terms: |
Fall, Spring |
|
| Homepage: | Click to visit | |
| Program Sponsor: | Field Studies | |
| Budget Sheets |
Fall, Spring |
| Dates / Deadlines: |
|---|
| Term | Year | App Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2014 | 09/15/2013 | 10/20/2013 | TBA | TBA |
| Fall | 2014 | 02/15/2014 | 03/20/2014 | TBA | TBA |
| Fact Sheet: |
|---|
| Language of Instruction: | English |
 Class Eligibility:
|
2-Sophomore, 3-Junior, 4-Senior (fall only) |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.8 |
Housing Options:
|
Dorms |
| Maximum Credits Earned (per semester): | 4.0 | Academic Area of Study: | Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies |
| Program Description: |
|---|
In cooperation with the School for Field Studies (SFS), Dickinson students may participate in the fall or spring semester Center for Marine Resource Studies program exploring ways to improve the sustainability of exploited marine resources and the protection of the near pristine coral reef ecosystem surrounding South Caicos. The Center's research monitors the stocks of lobster and conch, the condition of coral reefs and the populations of reef fish. The goal of the program is to provide the local community and tourism developers with advice that will help sustain the traditional fishing economy as well as minimize the environmental impacts of growing tourism on the terrestrial and marine environments.
SFS is working with the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and the National Park Service to develop management strategies to help conserve marine biodiversity and provide economic opportunities for island residents. With so many local residents dependent upon marine resources for their livelihood, along with increasing resource consumption by tourists, finding viable options for managing fisheries and conserving critical habitats, including coral reefs, is crucial.
The program provides students with the opportunity to conduct field research that helps to provide the local government, community, and tourism developers with recommendations that will help sustain the economic, social, and ecological stability of South Caicos.
This Partner program requires students to have at a minimum:
As a part of the review process students’ conduct records and account status are also reviewed. Students and their parents should note that the review process takes all elements of the student’s academic record into consideration and that even if a student has the required minimum GPA and language pre-requisites, he or she may not be admitted.
Students who have questions about the review process or their particular candidacy for a program should come into the Center for Global Study and Engagement for advising.
Center staff will not discuss students’ applications with parents, friends or any other party without the student’s consent and presence in the conversation.
Students develop skills in field research techniques to expand their knowledge regarding marine ecology and coastal ecosystems. Snorkeling and SCUBA are common tools in studying a wide range of marine organisms and habitats. Students will learn about the challenges in balancing the economic needs of the fishing community with the environmental benefits of fisheries management.
TCI has an extensive network of 33 protected areas, but little is known about their function and effectiveness. With the Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park and East Harbour Lobster and Conch Reserve directly off-shore the marine resource center, students evaluate the concept and practice of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a resource management tool.
Students help monitor the condition of the nearby coral reefs, both inside and outside the MPAs (marine protected areas), using REEF surveys and monitoring techniques. Through coursework, field exercises and research, students study marine habitats, assess the status and level of local fishing efforts, monitor the effects of tourism and habitat destruction, study marine species interactions, and investigate the feasibility of recycling programs along with other issues related to marine natural resource management and the local community.
The program is a combination of coursework and field research. Classes include topics in ecology, environmental economics, and resource management. Students also participate in directed research using the field research skills they develop throughout the semester.
Students typically earn 16 credits for the semester-long program. This transfers back as 4 Dickinson credits.
Courses are pre-determined and include:
Tropical Marine Ecology
Principles of Resource Management
Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values
Directed research
The following courses have been approved in the past for credit towards BIO and ENVST. Note: Final approval for course equivalency is determined by the chair of the academic department in which you are seeking credit.
|
Abroad Course Title |
Dickinson Course Equivalent |
|---|---|
|
Tropical Marine Ecology |
BIOL 300-level elective |
|
Principles of Resource Management |
BIOL 300-level/ENVST elective |
|
Environmental Policy & Socioeconomic values |
ENVST elective |
|
Directed Research* |
BIOL/ENVST research |
*Note: Credit for Directed Research is dependent upon the topic. Consult your major adviser for final approval on the research topic and satisfying the major research requirement.
Yes, all courses taken with the SFS program count in the cumulative GPA.
No, the primary language spoken is English.
A wide variety of excursions, camping trips, and research expeditions supplement your classwork. SCUBA and snorkel trips will be an important component of the educational experience.
Orientation will take place almost immediately upon arrival to the center on South Caicos. Town tours, bonding activities, and introduction to the various center resources will all take place within the first two days. A simple swimming test is required along with an orientation on waterfront facilities and rules that will also occur during this time.
Students on this program will be provided with a date on which they must arrive in Providenciales, TCI. You must communicate your arrival plans with the on-site Student Affairs Manager as well as the CGSE. To notify the CGSE, you should enter the flight information in your on line program accessible here. Official dates for the program can be found here.
The School for Field Studies works with Advantage Travel to provide flights to Providenciales. However, it is up to the individual student to coordinate their flight to arrive in Providenciales, TCI. Upon arrival, the on-site Student Affairs Manager will greet you and has arranged a group flight to South Caicos Island.
The School for Field Studies programs generally holds fairly packed schedules. There is a little time in the middle of the semester when you are required to leave South Caicos for a temporary break. This mid-semester break is a good time for families to visit. Otherwise, you should not plan any visits from family or friends as you simply will not have the time. Dates for the mid-semester break are determined after arrival to the program.
The only time you have available to travel is during the mandatory mid-semester break.
Yes, but you should plan other housing arrangements as the center is closed prior to student arrival and directly after departure at the end of the semester. There are many hotel options on Providenciales, TCI.
Students pay Dickinson comprehensive fees to attend this program. The cost includes all tuition, room, board, and local travel. However, airfare and visas are not included in this cost. The flights to and from South Caicos to Providenciales during the mandatory break are included.
This depends on you. There will not be much time for travel and meals are provided so most students find anywhere between $500 - $1000 is sufficient.
No.
There are no real opportunities, nor is there much time, for students to take up a part time job.
There is a medical center located on South Caicos available to SFS students. SFS staff are trained in first aid and handling minor medical issues.
The SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies, located just steps from a crystal clear ocean laboratory, is adjacent to Cockburn Harbour, a town of about 1,100 residents. Our field station sits on elevated land about 40 feet above the water and looks directly out over the sea. Within a three-mile radius are coral reefs, mangrove islands, sea grass beds, carbonate platform flats, and deep-water diving. The main facility has a dining area, kitchen, classroom, computer room, and a veranda with spectacular ocean views. Students share living quarters in two residence wings. All student rooms are single-gendered quads, with one room housing six people. Each room contains its own bathroom which is shared by all occupants of the room. The SFS Center is fully equipped for marine operations with access to docks, motor boats, a compressor, and plenty of tanks and weights for SCUBA diving.
You should prepare to live with very minimal resources. The only available laundry is the ocean and freshwater showers are only allowed for each person once a week. However, salt water showers are sufficient and available for use at any time. You spend most of your time in the ocean so you will find this is a suitable substitute for the lifestyle you will adopt on the island.
Providing swimming lessons and environmental education for local children
Reading, tutoring, and volunteer projects at the local library at the local library and grade school
Teaching English to Haitians and Dominicans to help their integration into the community
Creating public service announcement films and beach cleanups to raise environmental awareness
The on-site Student Affairs Manager will take care of your visa. You must pay $150 for three months which will be paid upon arrival. *A small fee will be charged at the end of the three month period to renew the visa and satisfy the remaining few days left on the island.
Professor Carol Loeffler
On-Campus Coordinator
P.O. Box 1773
Carlisle, PA 17013-2896
Phone: (717) 245-1360
E-mail: loeffler@dickinson.edu
tuition and fees
room and board
pre-departure and on-site orientations
academic excursions
The program fee does not include primary health insurance, airfare, optional travel, personal expenses, books or supplies.
2.8 GPA
Professor Carol Loeffler
On-Campus Coordinator
P.O. Box 1773
Carlisle, PA 17013-2896
Phone: (717) 245-1360
E-mail: loeffler@dickinson.edu
