Good Academic Standing
Good Judicial Standing

Preference given to upper class Biology majors

This course will be an introduction to subtropical and marine ecology.  The focal point of this course is an intensive one-week study abroad experience at Forfar Field Station on Andros Island in the Bahamas where students will be exposed to ecosystems (barrier, fringing, and patch reefs, tide pools, mangrove forest, subtropical forests, blue holes, etc.) that do not occur in east-central Illinois. They will observe subtropical plants and animals emphasizing marine fish and invertebrates in a variety of habitats including coral reefs (barrier, fringing, and patch reefs), turtle grass beds, oceanic blue holes, tidal pools and flats, mangrove and pine forests, and jungle-like coppices.  Students will conduct research projects and also learn about conservation issues related to these habitats and the Bahamian culture. 

The program/course will consist of approximately 2 weeks of instruction on campus prior to departure and 1 week after returning.  The third week will be spent at Forfar Field Station on Andros Island in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Students will need to be in sufficient physical shape to spend long hours in the field, which will include hiking and snorkeling.  Students need to be competent swimmers.  Snorkeling verification and training is provided by the staff at Forfar Field Station.

Primary activities will be snorkeling and hiking.  Training and verification for snorkeling is provided by the staff at Forfar Field Station.  Students will snorkel at a variety of reef types (fringing, patch, and barrier), turtle grass beds, and mangrove swamps.  In addition, students will hike along tidal pools and flats, sand bars, and a variety of terrestrial habitats. 

Make course/substitution selections on your EIU Program Application. The credit hours associated with your selections may not exceed the credit hours allocated for this program: 4

Below are the choices available for this program:

Approved Substitute: None

Accommodations are cabins and dormitory-style units at the field station.  Cabins are capable of housing 8 students each (8 beds, 4 per room) and have a shared bathroom and shower.  Faculty stay in separate cabins or houses.  Meals are prepared by the Bahamian staff of the field station and are served in a common dining room. 

At least two pre-departure orientations will be provided and are required for all participants.

Your faculty leader will hold one of these orientations, where he/she will cover information on safety, health, legal, environmental, political, cultural, and religious conditions in the host country(ies), as well as planning logistics.

The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) will hold the other orientation. They will cover general information about traveling abroad to different areas of the world and facilitate a panel discussion composed of students who have already participated in faculty-led study abroad programs.

In addition to the above, Forfar Field Station personnel will conduct their own onsite orientation to reinforce the information.

You are strongly encouraged to read the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheet on your host countries. It will provide you with a great deal of information to help you prepare for your trip.

**Please be aware that you are responsible for obtaining the most up-to-date information on foreign entry requirements. The Office of Study Abroad only provides general information, as regulations and procedures are always changing. Please consult the Consulate for more information. **