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Is this program right for you?

This program is designed for students with biology-related majors who have completed at least one year of biology or environmental science and seek an innovative classroom and field-based academic program focused on diverse tropical ecosystems in the Southern Caribbean with a focus on marine plant and fish life.

Program Snapshot

  • Focus on tropical ecosystems with an emphasis on biological and ecological relationships of marine life in the healthiest coral reef in the Caribbean
  • Innovative classroom-based and field-intensive academic program; study conservation and coral reef ecology while diving with experts in a small group setting
  • Gain extensive research experience by conducting a research project and collaborative monitoring programs with the Bonaire National Marine Park and Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire; publish results in scientific journal Physis

 

Subject Areas

  • Conservation
  • Cultural Studies
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Independent Study
  • Marine Biology & Ecology
  • Research Methods

About Bonaire

Home to 11,000 residents of African, South American, and European descent, Bonaire was first inhabited over 2,000 years ago. In 1499, the island was claimed by Spain but left undeveloped. The Dutch took possession in 1633 and Bonaire became a plantation island belonging to the Dutch West Indies Company, which brought African slaves to the island. By 1837, salt production was the island’s main industry, which was revitalized again in 1963. Tourism, scuba diving, salt production, and oil transshipment facilities are currently the island’s primary economic industries.

Where You'll Study

CIEE Study Center, Bonaire, Southern Caribbean

Located below the hurricane belt, Bonaire is a desert island located 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela. In most areas, the fringing reefs in Bonaire are within 100 yards of shore and are accessible using shore entry for diving. The climate is mild, the sea is calm on the leeward side of the island, and the water is clear. The prevailing weather conditions, with trade winds 90 percent of the year, result in comfortable air temperatures year-round. While small, Bonaire also offers a diverse topography with gentle green hills in the north and the flat salt pans in the south.

Thoughts From Abroad

The CIEE Study Center in Bonaire is for students who want to learn about the biology, ecology, and conservation of the tropical marine environment in a living classroom, the Bonaire National Marine Park. Bonaire has distinguished itself as a world famous marine conservation park by placing the conservation of nature, above and below the water, at the forefront of its economic plan.

You will learn how science is used to protect and understand nature. You will spend your days in the water—morning, afternoon, and night—to discover the secrets of coral reef ecology and conservation biology. You will write papers on what you’ve learned among the flora and fauna of Bonaire’s coral reef ecosystems. You will design and conduct experiments that may lead to the discovery of new species, a better understanding of how species are conserved, or how to effectively restore a damaged coral reef. Come to Bonaire and earn the credits you need for your undergraduate degree and take home the experience of a lifetime.

— Dr. Rita Peachey, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Dr. Rita Peachey, Resident Director, received her B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Zoology from the University of South Florida and her Ph.D. in Marine Sciences from the University of South Alabama. Her research interests include larval ecology and coral biology. She is particularly interested in how UV radiation from sunlight affects the early stages of life in the ocean. In addition, Dr. Peachey has studied how pollution can enhance the harmful effects of sunlight on larval crabs, corals, and oysters. She has years of experience conducting ecological research in a variety of marine ecosystems, such as oyster reefs, sea grasses, coral reefs, and mangrove swamps.

Caren Eckrich is the Assistant Resident Director and, as a resident of Bonaire for the last ten years, brings a wealth of information on local diving and marine ecology in Bonaire. She is a SCUBA instructor and has taught Marine Ecology in Puerto Rico, Curacao, and Bonaire. Her educational background includes a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries from Texas A&M University and a M.S. in Biological Oceanography at the University of Puerto Rico. Caren’s research interests include fish behavior, sea grass ecology, sea turtle ecology, and coral disease.

Dr. Amanda Hollebone, CIEE Instructor, received a B.S. in Biology from UNC Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from the Georgia Tech. She has recently taught in the Biology Department at Georgia Southern University. Dr. Hollebone’s dissertation research focused on the population dynamics and pre- and post-settlement ecology of a non-native porcelain crab in the oyster reefs of Georgia. She has several years of experience conducting research in marine ecosystems of the southeastern U.S.

Recommended Credit

semester: 17 semester/25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • 2.75 GPA 
  • 2 semesters of college-level biology required
  • Upper-level coursework in ecology and/or zoology recommended
  • Nationally recognized SCUBA certification or PADI referral (Professional Association of Diving Instruction) see www.PADI.com

Program Dates

Fall 20098/29/2009 - 12/12/2009
Spring 20101/16/2010 - 5/1/2010

Application Deadlines

Fall 20094/1/2009
Spring 201011/1/2009

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 200915 weeks
early September - mid-December
Spring 201015 weeks
mid-January - early May

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Fall 2009 $15,500
    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, 12 meals per week, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, national park entry fees, scientific equipment, local transportation, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. There will be an additional fee (paid on-site) for those who need to complete the four open water dives to obtain their diving certification (estimated cost below).

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Medical Insurance$74
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$12,426
    Housing and most Meals$3,000
    Total$15,500

    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, 12 meals per week, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, national park entry fees, scientific equipment, local transportation, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. There will be an additional fee (paid on-site) for those who need to complete the four open water dives to obtain their diving certification (estimated cost below).



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Local Transportation$100
    Books and Supplies$100
    Scuba Equipment Rental$1,200
    Four Open Water Dives (to complete PADI certification)$350
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,475
    Personal Expenses$1,500
    Additional Meals$750
    Total$5,475


  • Spring 2010 $15,600
    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, 14 meals per week, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, national park entry fees, scientific equipment, local transportation, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. There will be an additional fee (paid on-site) for those who need to complete the four open water dives to obtain their diving certification (estimated cost below).

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$12,526
    Housing and most Meals$3,000
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$15,600

    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, 14 meals per week, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, national park entry fees, scientific equipment, local transportation, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. There will be an additional fee (paid on-site) for those who need to complete the four open water dives to obtain their diving certification (estimated cost below).



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Books and Supplies$100
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,475
    Personal Expenses$1,500
    Local Transportation$100
    Four Open Water Dives (to complete PADI certification)$350
    Scuba Equipment Rental$1,200
    Additional Meals$750
    Total$5,475


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.