See our collection of photos from previous visits to San Salvador Island, Bahamas.
Visit the website for the Gerace Research Center at http://geraceresearchcentre.com

Marine Geology / Biology in the Bahamas

Genearal Information:

Program:  
A two-week, three credit course of fieldwork in biology or geology in a tropical marine setting. Environments, present and past, to be studied by snorkeling and walking include beach, intertidal, coral reef, and associated shallow water habitats. Studies include evening lectures and independent research projects.  

Location:  
The Bahamian Field Station, San Salvador Island, Bahamas. San Salvador is at the eastern end of a chain of 700 islands and cays that form the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.  

Requirements:  
The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students. No prior coursework is required to participate; however, some background in general biology, geology, or oceanography is helpful.  

Academic Credit:
SUNY Brockport/Earth Sciences/Geology: ESC 457 / 557 (3) or Biological Sciences: BIO 457 (3) / BIO 699 (1-3 credits).
and/or   SUNY OCC/ Geology of the Bahamas: GEO 290 (3)

Course Grading:

Quality of the student's participation in activities on San Salvador Island. Approximately 15-page paper on the five marine habitats and associated biological communities studied on San Salvador. Approximately 25-page paper on an independent research topic of the student's own choosing based on field observation on San Salvador followed by a literature review of the topic at the student's campus.

Estimated Expenses:

Program Fee: 
$1,800 per student (may be more if less than 16 students register). 
Includes: Two nights in Ft. Lauderdale, FL; two weeks room and board at the Bahamian Field Station; charter airfare between Ft. Lauderdale and San Salvador; fees and taxes; course material; and instructional costs. 
Round-trip Travel to Ft. Lauderdale, FL: $100 (carpooling) - $350 (flying) 
Gear Expenses: 
$80-220 (mask, fins, snorkel required) 
$110 (partial wetsuit recommended) 
Students must provide their own snorkeling gear and arrange travel to Ft. Lauderdale. 
Personal Expenses: 
$150-300 (entertainment, gifts, SCUBA [not required to participate], etc.) 
Estimated Program Costs: 
$1,930 to $2,280 (depending on options selected above) 
 Plus Tuition: 
$415 for NYS resident undergraduates (Higher rates apply for graduate students and non-NYS residents) 

Financial Aid:

In the past, some students participating in the Bahamas Overseas Program have been able to obtain additional financial aid to subsidize the costs of the program. Be sure to check with the Financial Aid Office on your campus as soon as possible to determine your eligibility for aid. 

For more information, contact: 

See our collection of photos from previous visits to San Salvador Island, Bahamas.
Visit the website for the Gerace Research Center at http://geraceresearchcentre.com

For more information on the Bahamas and San Salvador visit these sites:
Bahamas-on-line and Geographia's island profile.