Turks and Caicos, Love for the Ocean Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My home univeristy, Wake Forest University, is known to be very challenging, so I found that my studies in TCI were a little less of a workload as compared to Wake. That being said, I far enjoyed learning about the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and marine species more than any other subject I have taken so far in my academic career. Basically, our schedule was all layed out for us. We had a few hours a day devoted to lecture in the classroom (with air conditioning!), then in the afternoon we would go out on the boats into the field, or vice versa. In the classroom we learned about marine species and scientific names, life cycles of economically important fishes found in the MPAs, and basic economics of the fisheries that rely on the pristine waters around TCI. Most of the material was new to me, mostly about the economics of things and the scientific names, but I picked the idea right up and was able to apply them in our field work. In addition to two or three written tests and a few quizzes here and there, we wrote a research paper about the effects of tourism on coral reefs. The data and information was provided for us, we just had to organize it in a research paper format, which I had gotten experience with at my home university. In the field, we were exposed to the actual animals bearing the scientific names we spent so long memorizing. The field was my absolute favorite part of the learning experience because seeing a picture of the organism versus seeing ten or more different organisms and once and being able to identify them all are two very different things. After going out on a few practice identification snorkles, we had two i.d. tests, one on corals and the other on fishes. Basically, you go into the water with your underwater slate and write down the scientific name of what your instructor/intern points to. I found that I learned a lot more this way, and I could appreciate my recreational snorkles that much more because I knew the names of exactly what was around me. I absolutely loved being able to learn in the field instead of being confined to the classroom because it allows your mind to explore that much further and pick up on little details of the things you are actually learning about. The grading system and teaching methods were relatively standard (besides the field lessons), with a ten point grading scale and powerpoints used in the classroom.

On-site administration of your program

My program consisted of about 18-20 students ranging from a senior in high school to seniors in college (I was a sophomore). South Caicos of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pretty remote; the town had a post office, grocery store, a couple of restaurants, a medical center and one functioning hotel. The basic ammenities were there, however, I found that the SFS center provided anything that I needed. The staff was first aid trained and helpful emotionally. Because I was only there for about a month, I may not have used the resources available since I didn't run into any major problems. I had no problem using the internet anytime I wanted to shoot an email home or search the web. The adults running the center knew vast amounts of information about the tiny island as most of them had been there ranging from 1 month-6 years. There weren't many locals on the island because it was summer and the kids that went to school there left for more main islands. My expectations were fully met with all aspects of this program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

South Caicos is a little bit of a shady town, however on the tour the administrators were clear to point out the places to avoid and the places that were safe. You basically had to use your best judgement. Our living arrangements were at the SFS center, which was a renovated hotel. There were about 4-6 in each hotel room with bunk beds. There was no a/c in the rooms, but the fans were lifesavers. The beds and bathrooms and rooms were nothing special, but I expected that because I didn't go with the desire to stay in a four star hotel, I went for the adventure. Were were allowed one fresh water shower per week (depending on how much it rained), and the other days we were allowed to take plentiful sea baths (with biodegradable soaps of course). It was important to bring sheets and towels, a mosquito net and probably a portable fan of some sort. Other than that nothing else was necessarily required for the living situation. Nightlife was sparse, with one main local bar, and traveling in groups was required. There was also a dance club, but it wasn't very exciting, I think the one night we went there were about 20 people there at the most. The people at the center (administrators, professors, interns, cooks, etc) were absolutely wonderful. They were all laid back, but extremely knowledgeable about anything you could want to know.

The food was prepared by 2 local Dominican cooks. The women were absolutely fabulous and cooked a variety of meals even though food delivery and availability was limited. We were provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner and a 4:00 snack every day. The breakfast was typical eggs and bacon or muffins, cereal, toast. Lunch was sandwiches or other familiar foods. Dinner consisted of lots of chicken and rice, burritos, sandwiches, etc. The snack was typically a delicious baked good. The food was plentiful and delicious, plus we were always starving after spending all day in the water. The staff specified any dietary restrictions and made sure other options were available. There were also other restaurants in town that made great cracked conch and other local dishes.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This program took us to every inch of South Caicos island, which is only 8 sq. mi. The other students were wonderful. Many of the locals weren't there for the summer, but the ones that we met were definite characters. Mostly everyone was friendly and welcome to questions. We got to explore all the different parts of the island. Also, every Saturday the center would do volunteer work such as play with local kids, clean up beaches, work on research, etc.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As stated above, the island of South Caicos is not necessarily the safest, but the SFS center is. There is a curfew and the front gate is locked after a certain time on weekdays and weekends. Everywhere in town is walkable. The staff gives a full safety lecture in the classroom providing information about safety in town and in the water. Resources are available for any accidents or questions. Healthcare was somewhat limited, but available for emergencies.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Hotel

Select all that apply

• Local Students

• Being in the water every single day.
• Group integration and community engagement.

• n/a