Small-Island Living with SFS Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

As a social sciences major coming into the program, I didn't have much experience with the biological and mathematical sides of environmental studies. The program challenged me to look at all the different facets of marine resource management, and let me apply it to real world situations in the field. Most of the in-class teaching was done via Powerpoints, which gave a great visual component to the lectures, but we spent a great deal of time in the water as well.

On-site administration of your program

The faculty and staff were accessible literally 24/7. It fostered a very cooperative environment, and one in which we were all able to learn from each other in and out of the classroom. The faculty and staff got along very well with the locals as well, which was especially important for the socioeconomic components of our research. Because some of our faculty were from Europe, there could be different expectations between teachers and students, but that was definitely ironed out over the course of the semester. My expectations were definitely exceeded.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived on-site at the field station.

The food arrived every 2 weeks by boat, so sometimes we had to get creative so meals weren't repetitive. (There was always more than enough food, but the fresh fruit was a real treat when it arrived.) Hot dog bun bruschetta anyone?

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

One of my favorite parts of the program was the community service component - I loved tutoring the primary school students, and even got to use my French teaching ESL to a wide range of adults. As part of my research focused on the fisheries, by the end of the program I had befriended many of the local people, playing dominoes, pool, and basketball with them as often as I could. Near the end of the semester, there was day focused on the international community living on South Caicos, celebrating the different food, dance, and music from everyone's home country.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There's a health clinic very close to the Center for basic needs, which was very helpful. The doctor was extremely kind and helpful, and our student affairs manager accompanied me with each visit. It wasn't tremendously different from a clinic at home, but if you take certain medication every day, definitely make sure you have a full 4 month stock with you. There weren't too many health issues, but you definitely have to be careful of sun when you're on the water so often - I found out the hard way my skin suit had no UV protection. Bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray, and consider getting more during your mid-semester break!

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

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• Americans