Marine Coastal Studies in Turks and Caicos - Gain Technical Skills (But Limited Cultural Immersion) Past Review
By Simone S (Environmental Studies., Austin College) for
The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies
I gained technical knowledge (snorkeling, scuba diving with data collection purpose), hands on knowledge about marine ecology (fish identification, ecological understanding of the marine environment) and awareness of some of the political/social complications involved in managing marine resources. It has added insight into my future plans and what a career in marine research would be like.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Easy to reach with questions and answered promptly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Proximity to all necessary buildings was very close. However, the rooms and limited bathrooms would've made for trying living situation due to lack of general privacy. |
| * Food: |
Food was often restricted by when shipments came in, meaning that fresh produce was limited and one should be flexible about what to eat. The cooks accommodated vegetarians well, but vegans and specific food allergies would find difficulty having their diets adequately met. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had occasional cook-outs and camping trips dispersed throughout the program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
A curfew was instated by the local officials for the protection of students and was respected. A nearby clinic was available, if needed. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $10 - $20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Common goods (like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, paper, etc) are near double the price as would be expected in the states. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you want to learn about the marine environment hands on (if you're not a marine ecology/biology major or come from an institution with a strong marine background), this is the packed program in which to do it. Don't expect major cultural immersion or the challenges and rewards that come from living with a host family in a country where you don't speak the language. Instead, expect to be around Americans most of the time, some of them your academic peers in this field for the future, with differing levels and sincerity about the program. Nonetheless, you will leave with more of an understanding and technical knowledge of what the marine field entails. |
