ciee - council on international educational exchange
apply now for a ciee study abroad program Login in My CIEE

Search this site:
  
featured countries

Study Abroad with CIEE in Argentina
Study in Argentina

Study Abroad with CIEE in Botswana
Study in Botswana

Study Abroad with CIEE in China
Study in China

Study Abroad with CIEE in Costa Rica
Study in Costa Rica

Study Abroad with CIEE in Czech Republic Study in the Czech Republic

Study Abroad with CIEE in France
Study in France

Study Abroad with CIEE in India
Study in India

Study Abroad with CIEE in Italy
Study in Italy

Study Abroad with CIEE in Jordan
Study in Jordan

Study Abroad with CIEE in the Netherlands Study in the Netherlands

Study Abroad with CIEE in Thailand
Study in Thailand

Study Abroad with CIEE in the United Kingdom Study in the United Kingdom

featured disciplines

Study Arabic Abroad with CIEE
Study Arabic

Study Architecture Abroad with CIEE
Study Architecture

Study Business Abroad with CIEE
Study Business

Study Communications Abroad with CIEE Study Communications

Study Public Health Abroad with CIEE
Study Public Health

Study Russian Abroad with CIEE
Study Russian

Study Sustainability Abroad with CIEE
Study Sustainability

Is this program right for you?

The Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation study abroad program in Bonaire is designed for students with biology-related majors who have completed at least one year of biology or environmental science and seek an innovative classroom and field-based academic program focused on diverse tropical ecosystems in the Southern Caribbean with a focus on marine plant and fish life.

Program Snapshot

  • Focus on coral reef ecology and ecosystems on a beautiful Caribbean reef
  • Log up to 50 scientific dives for class and independent research
  • Collaborate on research projects with the Bonaire National Marine Park, Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire, and CIEE Research Station Bonaire
  • Publish the results of your research in the student scientific journal Physis: Journal of Marine Science

Subject Areas

  • Conservation
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Independent Study
  • Marine Biology & Ecology
  • Research Methods
  • Scientific Diving

About Bonaire

Located in the Dutch Antilles, Bonaire is a desert island located 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Bonaire offers a diverse topography with volcanic hills and flat salt pans that lay atop ancient coral reefs. Claimed but undeveloped by Spain in 1499, the Dutch took possession in 1633; subsequently creating a plantation island using African slave labor. Environmental awareness on the island has led to a ban of spear fishing, protection of sea turtles, and the development of the Bonaire National Marine Park.

Where You'll Study

CIEE Study Center, Bonaire, Southern Caribbean

The CIEE Study Center and Research Station is located one block from the sea and provides housing, a lecture hall, and a laboratory. The prevailing weather conditions, with trade winds 90 percent of the year, result in comfortable air temperatures. The fringing coral reef is located within 100 yards of the shore in most places and is easily accessible using shore entry for both diving and snorkeling. The climate is mild, the sea is calm on the leeward side of the island where the Study Center is located, and the ocean water is crystal clear providing excellent diving conditions nearly year around.

Thoughts From Abroad

For the ninth consecutive year, Bonaire was voted the number one Overall Dive Destination in the Atlantic/Caribbean region according to Scuba Diving Magazine. The CIEE Study Center in Bonaire provides a program for Biology majors who want to learn about the biology, ecology, and conservation of coral reefs and associated ecosystems in a living classroom, the Bonaire National Marine Park. Bonaire has distinguished itself as a world famous marine conservation park by placing the conservation of nature, above and below the water, at the forefront of its economic plan.

The program focuses on how science is used to protect and understand nature. Spend your days in the water to discover “The Enchanted Braid” of life that makes up a coral reef ecosystem. You’ll design and conduct experiments that may lead to the discovery of new species, a better understanding of how species are conserved, or how to effectively restore a damaged coral reef; your experience culminates in a presentation of research to the local community and publication of your work in a scientific journal. Come to Bonaire and interact with the scientific, management, and conservation organizations working in Bonaire, and take home the experience of a lifetime.

— Rita Peachey, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Dr. Rita Peachey earned her B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Zoology from the University of South Florida and her Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of South Alabama. Her research interests include coral biology and how UV affects the early stages of life in the ocean. Currently, Dr. Peachey is conducting research on the recent recruitment of the invasive lionfish in Bonaire.

Anouschka van de Ven, Assistant Resident Director, is a native of the Netherlands. She has a B.A. in advertising and is a certified dive instructor. Anouschka’s roles are many, including managing CIEE facilities in Bonaire, marketing and finance, and instruction in both scuba and local culture of Bonaire and the Dutch Antilles.

Prof. Caren Eckrich is the Dive Safety Officer for CIEE and holds a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Management from Texas A&M University and a M.S. in Biological Oceanography from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. Prof. Eckrich has been a CIEE instructor in Bonaire for five years and is conducting research on crustose coralline algae that is overgrowing corals in Lac Bay.

Dr. Eva Toth has a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Ethology from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Rice University. Dr. Toth taught biology courses at Trinity University and conservation biology at the School for Field Studies in the Turks and Caicos. In Panama, Dr. Toth worked as a research scientist studying ecological interactions of sponge-dwelling snapping shrimp colonies.

Dr. John Claydon is the Tropical Marine Conservation Faculty. He received a B.Sc. in Marine and Environmental Biology from St. Andrews University in Scotland and a M.App.Sc. in Tropical Marine and Fisheries Ecology from James Cook University in Australia where he also received a Ph.D. which focussed on spawning aggregations of coral reef fishes. John spent almost 3 years exploring reefs in Papua New Guinea to collect data for his thesis. His research interests include spawning aggregations of coral reef fishes, spatial ecology of groupers, nursery habitat enhancement for groupers and spiny lobsters, the red lionfish invasion, migration of reef fishes and reef fish fisheries.

Recommended Credit

semester: 17 semester/25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • 2.75 GPA 
  • 2 semesters of college-level biology required
  • Upper-level coursework in ecology and/or zoology recommended
  • Nationally recognized SCUBA certification or PADI referral (Professional Association of Diving Instruction; see www.PADI.com)

Program Dates

Fall 20118/27/2011 - 12/10/2011
Spring 20121/21/2012 - 5/5/2012
Fall 2012Available: 2/15/2012
Spring 2013Available: 9/15/2012

Important! Students should not purchase plane tickets based on these dates. Please check with your Study Abroad Professional regarding travel plans.

Application Deadlines

Fall 20114/1/2011
Spring 201211/1/2011
Fall 2012TBA
Spring 2013TBA

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 201115 weeks:

early September - mid-December

Spring 201215 weeks:

mid-January - early May

Fall 201215 weeks:

early September - mid-December

Spring 201315 weeks:

mid-January - early May

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below. Please note that comprehensive fee breakdowns are available in early January for summer and fall programs and mid-August for spring programs.

  • Fall 2011 $16,100
    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, 14 meals per week, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, national park entry fees, scientific equipment, local transportation, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. There will be an additional fee (paid on-site) for those who need to complete the four open water dives to obtain their diving certification (estimated cost below).

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Medical Insurance$77
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$12,823
    Housing and most Meals$3,200
    Total$16,100

    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, 14 meals per week, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, national park entry fees, scientific equipment, local transportation, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. There will be an additional fee (paid on-site) for those who need to complete the four open water dives to obtain their diving certification (estimated cost below).



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Local Transportation$70
    Books and Supplies$100
    Scuba Equipment Rental*$1,200
    Four Open Water Dives (to complete PADI certification)$350
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,375
    Personal Expenses$1,500
    Additional Meals$750
    Dive Certificate$200
    Total$5,545

    *Students are required to supply their own mask, snorkel, fins, and booties. Other equipment can be rented as needed.


  • Spring 2012 $17,600
    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, 14 meals per week, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, national park entry fees, scientific equipment, local transportation, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. There will be an additional fee (paid on-site) for those who need to complete the four open water dives to obtain their diving certification (estimated cost below). Diving and diving equipment costs are included in the total fees

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students)$13,998
    Housing and most Meals$3,200
    Medical Insurance$102
    Participation Confirmation fee (non-refundable)$300
    Total$17,600

    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, 14 meals per week, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, national park entry fees, scientific equipment, local transportation, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. There will be an additional fee (paid on-site) for those who need to complete the four open water dives to obtain their diving certification (estimated cost below). Diving and diving equipment costs are included in the total fees



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Books and Supplies$100
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$950
    Personal Expenses$1,500
    Local Transportation$70
    Four Open Water Dives (to complete PADI certification)$350
    Scuba Equipment Rental*$1,200
    Additional Meals$750
    Dive Certificate$200
    Total$5,120

    *Students are required to supply their own mask, snorkel, fins, and booties. Other equipment can be rented as needed.


  • Fall 2012 $17,600
    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, 14 meals per week, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, national park entry fees, scientific equipment, local transportation, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. There will be an additional fee (paid on-site) for those who need to complete the four open water dives to obtain their diving certification (estimated cost below).

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Medical Insurance$102
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students)$13,998
    Housing and most Meals$3,200
    Participation Confirmation Fee (non-refundable) $300
    Total$17,600

    The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, 14 meals per week, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, national park entry fees, scientific equipment, local transportation, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. There will be an additional fee (paid on-site) for those who need to complete the four open water dives to obtain their diving certification (estimated cost below).



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Books and Supplies$100
    Scuba Equipment Rental*$1,200
    Four Open Water Dives (to complete PADI certification)$350
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$750
    Personal Expenses$1,500
    Additional Meals$750
    Dive Certificate$200
    Additional Dive Medical Insurance $75
    Total$4,925

    *Students are required to supply their own mask, snorkel, fins, and booties. Other equipment can be rented as needed.


  • Spring 2013 Available 8/15/2012

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Available 8/15/2012



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Available 8/15/2012


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.