Study Abroad: Bahamas

Join Hands-On Learning in the Bahamas  

Maymester/Study Abroad 2025: San Salvador, Bahamas

USCB Biology and Communication Studies students, led by USCB faculty, will conduct fieldwork at The Gerace Research Centre on the island of San Salvador, Bahamas.

This intensive Study Abroad course examines the natural history of the Bahamas including its cultural, historical, biological, geological, and physical characteristics.

This is a hands-on field course: students will snorkel to observe local coral reefs and seagrass beds. Students MUST BE ABLE TO SWIM.

Trip dates:

May 10-24 

Academic credit: (registration is closed)

Students enroll in:

• 60010-BIOL B440 – Natural History of the Bahamas or 56288-COMM B398-Environmental Media during the SPRING II session, but the course will “run” during the Maymester. 

Total cost estimate (excluding academic credits): 

$2400. This estimated cost includes:      

• Study abroad fee = $300
• Room and board for 14 days = $1300
• Estimated airfare from Miami, FL = $650
• AmEx travel insurance = estimated $150 dollars
• All meals can be eaten at Gerace Research Station

Required:

• Arrange your own travel to Miami
• Current US passport
• Snorkeling equipment
• Travel necessities for a rustic experience (sunscreen, bugspray, etc.)

Location: Gerace Research Centre, San Salvador, Bahamas

The Gerace Research Centre provides accommodations, laboratory space, and logistical support for both teachers and researchers.It has been in operation for over 50 years as a center for academic research in the areas of Archaeology, Biology, Geology and Marine Sciences. It is located on the shore of Graham's Harbour on the north coast of San Salvador. This is on the Atlantic side of the archipelago of The Bahamas. 

Students will learn about:

• Caribbean geology
• Natural history and ecology of this unique marine habitat, which includes rocky keys, sea grass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs
• Distribution and habitat of birds and plants
• Archaeology of prehistoric and historic sites
• Regional culture
• Human impact and preservation thorugh sustainable practices to minimize
  the impacts of the tourism industry
• Challenges and richness of island geography for tourism and scientific research

During this experiential learning opportunity, students will gain:

• Global understanding
• Cultural experiences

Cultural appreciation, cross-national understanding and respect for socio-economic differences are values echoed in USCB's mission statement. 

 

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