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Is this program right for you?

This program is designed for students with biology-related majors who have completed at least one semester 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 during Session I and research methods in marine biology during Session II.

Program Snapshot

  • Study coral reef ecosystems in one of the world’s first protected marine areas and healthiest reefs in the Caribbean region; learn how species interact with each other and their environment through scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking
  • Study in small groups with highly qualified marine biologists and scientists
  • Participate in site visits and fieldwork, including day and night boat dives, to monitor coral reefs; partake in excursions to cultural and natural sites, including rock paintings, slave huts, salt pans, mangroves, and flamingo reserves

Subject Areas

  • Marine Biology & Ecology
  • Research Methods
  • Scientific Diving

About Bonaire

Home to 11,000 residents of African, South American, and European descent, Bonaire was first inhabited over 2,000 years ago. In 1499, the island was claimed by Spain but left undeveloped. The Dutch took possession in 1633 and Bonaire became a plantation island belonging to the Dutch West Indies Company, which brought African slaves to the island. By 1837, salt production was the island’s main industry, which was revitalized again in 1963. Tourism, scuba diving, salt production, and oil transshipment facilities are currently the island’s primary economic industries.

Where You'll Study

CIEE Study Center in Bonaire, Southern Caribbean–summer

Located below the hurricane belt, Bonaire is an ideal site for the CIEE Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation summer program. Bonaire is a desert island located 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela. In most areas, the fringing reefs in Bonaire are within 100 yards of shore and are accessible using shore entry for diving. The climate is mild, the sea is calm on the leeward side of the island, and the water is clear. The prevailing weather conditions, with trade winds 90 percent of the year, result in comfortable air temperatures year-round. While small, Bonaire also offers a diverse topography with gentle green hills in the north and the flat salt pans in the south.

Thoughts From Abroad

The summer program in Bonaire is a great introduction to tropical marine ecology and biology through an integrated course consisting of both classroom and field-based instruction. In the classroom, you will learn the principles of marine biology and ecology and how science is used to protect and understand nature. Outside the classroom, you’ll tour the desert island of Bonaire, dive on the coral reefs to observe fish and corals, study the ecology of seagrass meadows and mangroves, and explore the hidden beauty of nighttime on the coral reef.

— Rita Peachey, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Dr. Rita Peachey, Resident Director, received her B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Zoology from the University of South Florida and her Ph.D. in Marine Sciences from the University of South Alabama. Her research interests include larval ecology and coral biology. She is particularly interested in how UV radiation from sunlight affects the early stages of life in the ocean. In addition, Dr. Peachey has studied how pollution can enhance the harmful effects of sunlight on larval crabs, corals, and oysters. She has years of experience conducting ecological research in a variety of marine ecosystems, such as oyster reefs, sea grasses, coral reefs, and mangrove swamps.

Caren Eckrich is the Assistant Resident Director and, as a resident of Bonaire for the last ten years, brings a wealth of information on local diving and marine ecology in Bonaire. She is a SCUBA instructor and has taught marine ecology in Puerto Rico, Curacao, and Bonaire. Her educational background includes a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries from Texas A&M University and an M.S. in Biological Oceanography at the University of Puerto Rico. Caren’s research interests include fish behavior, sea grass ecology, sea turtle ecology, and coral disease.

Dr. Amanda Hollebone, CIEE Instructor, received a B.S. in Biology from the UNC Chapel Hill and Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from Georgia Tech. She has recently taught in the Biology Department at Georgia Southern University. Dr. Hollebone’s dissertation research focused on the population dynamics and pre- and post-settlement ecology of a non-native porcelain crab in the oyster reefs of Georgia. She has had several years of experience conducting research in marine ecosystems of the southeastern U.S., including mud flats, salt marshes, oyster reefs, and offshore reefs, as well as in the mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs of Florida and the Bahamas.

Recommended Credit

Session I: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours
Session II: 4 semester/6 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 2.75
  • 1 semester of college-level biology, ecology, or equivalent required
  • 1 additional semester of college-level biology, ecology, or environmental science recommended
  • Nationally recognized SCUBA certification or PADI referral (Professional Association of Diving Instruction; see www.PADI.com)

Program Dates

Summer 2009
Session I		5/30/2009 - 6/13/2009
Summer 2009
Session II		6/15/2009 - 7/2/2009
Summer 2009
Session I + II		5/30/2009 - 7/2/2009
Summer 2010
Session I		Available: 2/15/2010
Summer 2010
Session II		Available: 2/15/2010
Summer 2010
Session I + II		Available: 2/15/2010

Application Deadlines

Summer 2009
Session I		4/1/2009
Summer 2009
Session II		4/1/2009
Summer 2009
Session I + II		4/1/2009
Summer 2010
Session I		4/1/2010
Summer 2010
Session II		4/1/2010
Summer 2010
Session I + II		4/1/2010

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Summer 2009
Session I		2 weeks
late May - mid-June
Summer 2009
Session II		2 weeks
mid-June - early July
Summer 2009
Session I + II		4 weeks
late May - early July
Summer 2010
Session I		2 weeks
late May - mid-June
Summer 2010
Session II		2 weeks
mid-June - early July
Summer 2010
Session I + II		4 weeks
late May - early July

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:

  • Summer 2009 - Session I $3,000
    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, 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.  

    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; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$1,776
    Housing and Most Meals$1,150
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$3,000

    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, 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.  



    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.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$750
    Personal Expenses$500
    Additional Meals$75
    Dive Certificate$150
    Four Open Water Dives (to complete PADI certification)$350
    Equipment Rental*$300
    Total$2,125

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


  • Summer 2009 - Session II $3,000
    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, 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.

    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; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$1,776
    Housing and Most Meals$1,150
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$3,000

    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, 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.



    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.

    Equipment Rental*$300
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$750
    Personal Expenses$500
    Additional Meals$75
    Dive Certificate$150
    Four Open Water Dives (to complete PADI certification)$350
    Total$2,125

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


  • Summer 2009 - Session I + II $5,900
    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, 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.

    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$74
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$3,526
    Housing and Most Meals$2,300
    Total$5,900

    The CIEE fee for 2009 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, 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.



    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.

    Four Open Water Dives (to complete PADI certification)$350
    Personal Expenses$1,000
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$750
    Additional Meals$150
    Dive Certificate$150
    Equipment Rental*$600
    Total$3,000

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


  • Summer 2010 - Session I Available 12/15/2009

    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 12/15/2009



    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 12/15/2009


  • Summer 2010 - Session II Available 12/15/2009

    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 12/15/2009



    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 12/15/2009


  • Summer 2010 - Session I + II Available 12/15/2009

    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 12/15/2009



    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 12/15/2009


Scholarship Information

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