Course FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where will be be going?
A:We will be staying at and working at Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory of the University of the West Indies, Center for Marine Sciences in Mona, Jamaica.

Q: What will we be doing?
A: Attending lectures and doing field and laboratory experiments to explore the ecology of a tropical coral reef environment.

Q: How many credits will I receive?
A: All students succesfully completeing course requirements will receive 4 credits.

Q: How much will it cost?
A: Including airfare, lodging, meals, tuition for 4 credits, site fees and international health insurance, our current estimate of total cost is approximately $5,200 (NY residents) or $8,000 (out of state). Frequent flier miles may be used to defray part of the travel cost. Dive and boat costs are additional, but will be the cheapest diving you can do in the Caribbean.

Q: Do I have to know how to SCUBA dive?
A: No. Roughly 1/3 to 2/3 of the class each year consists of snorkelers.  The reef crest is swimmable from the field station and snorkelers can participate in some boat trips to dive sites which have shallow regions suitable for snorkeling.

Q: Will I need vaccinations?
A: No special vaccinations are required for Jamaica.The CDC recommends that all persons travelling the Carribean be up to date for all routine vaccinations.

Q. Do I need a passport?
A. Yes, and passport applications can take up to 6 weeks to process. If you are seriously considering this course and do not have a valid passport, you should begin the application process.

Q. Do I have to be a Marine Science major to go?
A. No. Although preference is given to Marine Science and Biology majors.

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