Program Site: The School for Field Studies (SFS) 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

Cost Updated: 03/31/11
Text Updated: 07/11/12

*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.

Links:
School for Field Studies - Turks & Caicos
SFS Turks & Caicos - Course Syllabi
Photo Tour of the SFS Turks & Caicos Field Station
Lonely Planet Turks and Caicos