School for Field Studies - Turks and Caicos
Multiple Locations, Turks and Caicos
Students live in two attached resident wings. Students work in the adjacent reefs and marine areas, monitoring the condition of the marine habitats. Individual projects can include work with fish population assessments, biodiversity surveys, and coral reef ecology. This program balances the biological with the social, focusing heavily upon the economic effects of marine life, studying and evaluating the state of fisheries and tourism. SFS gives Reed students an interdisciplinary approach to these topics, overlapping with questions about public policy, economic analysis of biological resource issues, and “Direct Research” projects where students carry out independent field work. For students of all disciplines, these programs are also an exceptional chance to explore field-based learning rooted in local communities and cultures.
Through this program, students with an interest in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies may spend a semester learning how to conduct field-research in Southern Caicos. Students will be working with the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) and the National Park Service, researching in (and outside of) thirty-three different Marine Protected Areas, studying ecological habitats, the effects of fishing and tourist presence, biodiversity, and developing important field research skills such as data collection and analysis (as well as snorkeling and SCUBA abilities). Students will interact with local communities through program-organized service including teaching local youths how to swim, and conducting English lessons. The Center provides dining quarters, a kitchen, classrooms, a computer lab, and two residence wings where students will have quarters. The Center overlooks the sea, and is fully equipped for marine research. This program is primarily geared towards students studying Biology or Environmental Studies, but students in other disciplines may apply, provided they have taken at least one semester of college-level Ecology or Biology.
Program Information
Terms Available: semester
Type of Program: Study Abroad
Languages of Instruction: English
Language Prerequisite: N/A
- Credit Transfer System
- Typical course load: 4 courses (worth 4 credits each)
- Units recorded in: credits
- GPA Requirement: 2.8
- Credits: 16 credits
- Course Catalog
Application
Application Deadline: Fall: May 1 | Spring: Nov 15
TCI Field Guide + Financial Planner
SFS Policies and Procedures
SFS Academic Handbook
Program Application
Program website
Housing:
Residence Dorm
Eight rooms, 4-6 people per room in twin bunk beds. Shared desk, closet, and shelves. Personal storage cubby. No AC and one fan per room. En-suite bathroom with fresh-water shower (cold water) and western-style toilet. One fresh-water shower permitted per week. Outdoor salt-water showers as desired.
Financial, Immigration
Cost to attend:
Reed College charges the same tuition fees for a semester or year off-campus as for a semester or year spent on campus, plus the program's actual room and board fees. Reed College encourages students to choose programs based on their academic rather than financial needs to reflect Reed's belief that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to study abroad.
Financial aid continues for eligible students during the off-campus program. Students should discuss with the Financial Aid Office how other outside aid may impact their existing aid package. Check out more details directly on the Reed College Financial Aid page.
Visa Deadlines and Requirements:
You will receive specific instructions about the necessary visa process from the SFS Admissions Department well in advance of your program. DO NOT apply for a visa prior to receiving these instructions.