Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Turks and Caicos Islands: No fresh water, no air-conditioning, NO REGRETS! Past Review

By (Journalism and Mass Communication, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) for

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was wonderful. I am a journalism major previously only interested in marine conservation as a hobby/interest, but now I hope to shift my focus more towards using my journalism degree to promote marine conservation.

Review Photos

SFS: Turks & Caicos - Marine Resource Management Studies Photo SFS: Turks & Caicos - Marine Resource Management Studies Photo SFS: Turks & Caicos - Marine Resource Management Studies Photo SFS: Turks & Caicos - Marine Resource Management Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was completely manageable and the lectures were interesting, but the best part was the field work. It was so hands-on! That was the major difference between TCI and my home university. At TCI I was in the water four hours a day, seeing and experiencing the natural underwater world.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our Student Affairs Manager was excellent! She was very warm and welcoming, always willing to do anything for the students. She encouraged us to get involved in the community and always had fun activities for us to do in our downtime. The professors were extremely knowledgeable in their respective areas as well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed at the SFS Center, a sort of dormitory that had been converted from an old inn. The Center was gated which made me feel secure and safe, but we were encouraged to explore the community during the day throughout the week and then on Saturday evenings, so I did not feel cut off at all from the community.

* Food:

MUST try the conch! South Caicos is known for their conch--it's to die for! I recommend the cracked conch at Daryl's.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The field trip to the mangroves was very exciting--such a fascinating ecosystem! And the SCUBA diving was mind-blowing. The final farewell banquet and awards ceremony was something I will never forget!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The only injuries we had were a result of tripping/falling/stepping on conch shells etc. The Center was quick to respond and treat these injuries but the local health clinic was a little sketchy...

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location
  • The faculty
  • The field work
* What could be improved?
  • The pre-departure information (specifically the diving certification requirements)
  • The variety of the food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do NOT forget to bring BUGSPRAY and SUNSCREEN! And try the conch! Do not pack clothes you wish to keep. It will be such a relief when you can leave/throw away half of your luggage at the end of the trip. And trust me, you will want to--salt water doesn't treat things very nice.