International Field Experiences

This course takes place in May.  It is a hands‐on introduction to the ecology and environmental issues directly pertinent to the Bahamas.  This course includes introductory lectures in Canada (5 days) followed by an 7-day, place-based and experiential field trip to the Cape Eleuthera Institute - a facility that promotes a connection between people and the environment – where students will be immersed in both the natural and cultural landscape of South Eleuthera.  While on island, participants will collect and analyze data from a wide spectrum of investigations currently underway at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, including turtle and fisheries research, sustainable energy, and food production systems.  In addition, students will be introduced to, and asked to problematize the various sustainability solutions that can be implemented at the local, regional and global level.  Evaluation includes lectures, tests, field notebooks, class field projects, presentations, and reports.

Prerequisites:  ENVS 1100.03 and ENVS 1200.03 (with a grade of B- or higher in each) or SUST 1000.06 or SUST 1001.06(with a grade of B- or higher), An introductory course in statistics (STAT 1060.03 or similar) is recommended.   Must be at least a 3^rd year student OR have permission of the instructor.

Credits: 3 credit hours (equivalent to one semester‐long course).

Cost: Tuition for a regular 3‐credit hour ENVS course PLUS an auxiliary fee to cover airfare, travel and living expenses.

Auxiliary fee: The auxiliary fee for this course is usually around $5000. This fee includes flights, accommodations and all meals at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, local transportation in the Bahamas, lab access, snorkelling equipment, bike rental, and boat access. This fee does not include: course fees, baggage fees to/from Rock Sound Bahamas, meals while in transit, mandatory travel and health insurance, and personal purchases. The deposit for this course is generally $2500 and due 4 months in advance to the class start date. In most cases, this deposit is non-refundable. The deposit paid will be credited to the auxiliary fee for the course.

Note: Space is limited in the course (maximum 15 students) and applications are usually considered 4-5 months before the class start date. Application for the offering of this course will be posted on this site and circulated through university listservs. PLEASE NOTE: This course is not offered annually.

Information and applications:  Please see the attached Information Package and contact Dr. Tarah Wright (tarah.wright@dal.ca) if you have any questions.