Programs by Region

SCHOOL FOR FIELD STUDIES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

Program Provider: School for Field Studies

Program Site: The Center for Marine Resource Studies on South Caicos Island, located just steps from the SFS ocean laboratory, is adjacent to Cockburn Harbour, a town of about 1,100 residents.

Duration: Fall or Spring. Fall semester runs from mid September to mid December. Spring semester runs from late January/early February to early May.

Description: The School for Field Studies is a leader in field-based international education. Its mission is to deepen students' understanding of the relationships among environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic development.

The British-governed Turks and Caicos Islands lie at the southern edge of the Bahamanian archipelago, 575 miles southeast of Miami. Within a three-mile radius of the SFS center are coral reefs, mangrove islands, sea grass beds, deep water diving. With so many local residents dependent upon marine resources for their livelihood and increasing resource consumption by tourists, finding viable options for managing fisheries and conserving critical habitats is crucial. In addition to helping find innovative approaches to fisheries, marine protected areas, and economic diversification, students have the chance to join the friendly island community known as “Belongers” and learn about Caribbean culture.

Academics: Students learn professional field research techniques to identify a wide range of marine organisms and habitats, and learn about marine ecology and coastal ecosystems. The program uses a case study approach and there are four required courses: British West Indies Culture and Society; Tropical Marine Ecology; Economic and Ethical Issues in Sustainable Development; Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values; and Directed Research.

Course load and Credit: Students take four courses for a maximum of 16 USC units.

Environmental Studies majors and minors do not earn major or minor credit on this program. While they are welcome to attend this program, if seeking major or minor credit they should explore special off-campus programs offered through the USC Deparment of Environmental Studies as well as semester study abroad programs in which they are directly enrolled at a foreign university (such as the Univeristy of Queensland in Australia, the University of East Anglia in England, etc.).

Accommodations: Shared living quarters in the Center’s two residential wings.

Activities and Other Program Features: Students quickly become involved with the community, spending time with local residents, fishermen, and resource managers learning about the local Caribbean culture and the challenges they face. Some community activities may include:

Reading, tutoring, and volunteer projects at the local library and grade school.
Hosting SEA DAY twice a year at our field station to introduce elementary students to the marine environment.
Providing swimming lessons for local children.

Eligibility: Minimum 3.0 GPA, 18 years of age and at least one semester of college-level biology or ecology.

Estimated Semester Cost:
Tuition...............................$13,650
Additional Expenses*.............$8,986
Total..................................$22,636

Cost Updated: 3/31/09
Text Updated: 7/11/11

*Additional expenses include estimated costs for airfare, room and board, books and supplies, health insurance, and personal expenses (which can vary greatly from student to student). USC financial aid, scholarships, and tuition remission may be applied to program costs. Please visit the Office of Overseas Studies for more detailed cost information.