Summer: Dolphin Behavior & Ecotourism in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is a well-developed, English-speaking Caribbean Commonwealth nation composed of hundreds of islands covering a territory approximately the size of California. Only 30 of its islands are actually inhabited, yet the islands dot the Atlantic Ocean from Florida almost to Haiti. The Bahamas has something for everyone — from vibrant city streets to tropical beaches. More importantly, the Bahamas is a perfect place to observe dolphins in their natural habitat, particularly due to its abundance of the mammal, as well as the excellent water quality, which allows for more in-depth research.

Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this orientation, further details about the course and program details will be discussed. The pre-departure orientation will be conducted at the end of April.

Summer 2023

May 12-19, 2023

Bimini, the most westerly-inhabited island of the Bahamas, is located about 50 miles east of Miami and consists of a number of islands, islets, and cays, including North and South Bimini — the main tourist areas. A small island, Bimini is a place for those looking to escape from the noise and traffic of city life. Less than 7 mile long and only a few hundred yards wide, Bimini is known for big game fishing, SCUBA diving, mangroves, and of course, wild dolphins.

Prerequisites include:

• Good academic and disciplinary standing
• Ability to swim (will be required to provide proof of ability to swim/swim test)
• Physician's authorization to participate on the program
• Willingness to snorkel

BI/PS 247 Bimini Field Course in Cetacean Ecology LAE- Social and Global Awareness

Taught by Dr. Deirdre Yeater, this course will examine the behavioral and social ecology of coastal cetaceans, particularly Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. You will learn about field research techniques including boat-based surveys, photo identification, and focal behavioral sampling. You will also learn about ecotourism and the human impact on the environment. The course will also improve your research techniques and scientific writing skills through completion of a group research project including hypothesis construction, observation, literature review, and a written term paper.

The first and last weeks of the course will take place online through the Sacred Heart University blackboard system, followed by 6 days on-site in Bimini. This cross-listed course will cover such topics as: behavioral and social ecology of cetaceans, dolphin species/interspecies interactions, research methods and observational studies (behavioral ethograms, photo-id) and ecotourism with regards to conservation, human/dolphin interactions, and dolphin cognition.

Course Credit

This course will count towards your general graduation total. This course will also factor into your cumulative Grade Point Average (course is not available for Pass/Fail). This course counts as LAE - Social and Global Awareness.

Dr. Deirdre Yeater joined Sacred Heart University in the Fall of 2008. She enjoys teaching and incorporates her research and training experiences with marine mammals in her classes. Dr. Yeater encourages students to meet with her if interested in becoming involved in marine mammal cognition and behavior research.

Housing and meals will be included as part of your study abroad program fees

You will stay at Sea Crest Hotel and Marina, which is a locally owned and operated hotel. Standard hotel rooms have two double beds, bathroom, in-room refrigerator, showers, air conditioning, and TV. There will be two students per room. Three group meals and snacks each day are included.

Dolphin Communications Project: Summer 2023

*Total will be billed in accordance with student accounts billing cycle and policies

All costs subject to change.

Fees Include:

• Program orientation
• Arrival airport transfer
• Local program transportation
• Housing in shared accommodations
• Most meals
• Program excursions
• Mandatory basic international health insurance

Fees Do Not Include:

• Travel to/from host country
• Major medical insurance
• On-site course fees
• Visa/resident permit fees
• Program materials
• Any personal expenses

Additional Billing Information

• All expenses are subject to change based upon currency fluctuations, flight demand, personal spending habits, etc. Actual expenses may be more or less than the listed estimates.
• There is no extra charge for students who would like to use rental snorkel gear. Gear (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided by the boat operator and is in good, working condition, however, size availability is not guaranteed. Sizes may not be to your exact specifications. You are strongly encouraged to bring and use your own snorkel gear.

Program withdrawal fees, penalties and refunds are subject to the withdrawal policies of each program.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to encourage you to study abroad, and to make a study abroad experience more accessible, Global Engagement prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. This is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. Global Engagement encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.

Speak with Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply towards studying abroad.

Please ensure applications for the Welch Tuition Waiver, Thomas More Honors Program Scholarship and/or Matthew R. Dalling Scholarship are submitted by the specified deadline. Applications and corresponding deadlines can be found in your Study Abroad Account. Failure to submit applications by the specified deadline may cause the scholarship dispersal to be significantly delayed.

If you receive scholarships, grants, or financial aid through SHU, these awards are posted to your Student Account according to the normal disbursement schedule.

Contact Office of Global Affairs directly for further information.

In addition to collecting data on the boat trips, you will also be able to take advantage of some of Bimini’s local culture. Excursions may include:

• A guided tour of the island to learn about history and culture, plus getting the chance to sample local cuisine
• A trip to the South Bimini nature trail, including a visit to a Shark Research Laboratory

There is no extra charge for students who would like to use rental snorkel gear. Gear (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided by the boat operator and is in good, working condition, however size availability is not guaranteed. Sizes may not be to your exact specifications. You are strongly encouraged to bring and use your own snorkel gear.

Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to encourage you to study abroad, and to make a study abroad experience more accessible, the SHU Office of Study Abroad prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Please note that this is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. Global Engagement encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.

Please contact Dr. Deirdre Yeater for more information.

Summer 2023

May 12-19, 2023