The Bahamas: Cultivating Conservation Networks

The iconic Bahama Islands archipelago is home to hundreds of species of terrestrial and aquatic life as well as many collaborating to protect and restore local ecosystems. Explore the breathtaking islands of New Providence, Blue Lagoon/Salt Cay, and Abaco as we unpack historical colonialism and highlight current Bahamian experts leading in the fields of conservation and education. Visit marine reserves, pine forests, mangroves, unique national parks, and community-driven conservation projects that focus on local communities at the forefront of conservation. Project Dragonfly is glad to partner with the organizations Science and Perspective, The Bahamas National Trust, and FRIENDS of the Environment to offer this new course.

Possible investigations include exploring marine biodiversity, studying bird and plant interactions, understanding the impacts of climate change on natural and human communities, and participating in local conservation workshops among others. All students will also have the chance to conduct an investigation of the local ecosystem, asking their own questions, collecting data, and presenting conclusions. Prior to and following the field experience in The Bahamas, students complete coursework via Dragonfly Workshops' web-based learning community as they apply experiences to their home institutions.

Nassau

The tropical town of Nassau is the nation's capital and is home to most Bahamanians in The Bahamas. The city was built up by loyalists and slaves in the 18th century and many colonial influences are still seen in the city's architecture. The Bahamas National Trust, one of our course partners and the organization that set up and manages the nation's parks and marine reserves, is based in Nassau.

Abaco Islands

Abaco Islands are located in the northern region of The Bahamas and were greatly affected by Hurricane Dorian, a 2019 category 5 storm. Abaco has continued to rebuild and offers easy access to marine sea life, intertidal zones, and is home to several national parks. Dragonfly partners with FRIENDS of the Environment, a non-governmental group that supports researchers and students conducting marine and terrestrial investigations throughout the island.

Blue Lagoon (Salt Cay)

Salt Cay (pronounced KEY), a well-known destination island located 3 miles away from Nassau, offers renowned beaches and marine encounter experiences. Dragonfly visits Blue Lagoon to better understand the ecotourism industry of The Bahamas and will also perform student-driven marine inquiries on the island.

In addition to covering the price for five graduate credits of Miami University tuition, field course costs cover all basic expenses, including:

• Meals (incidental snacks and drinks not included)
• Lodging
• Course activities (optional activities are not included)
• Ground transportation (van, boat, train, etc., as needed)

Course costs do not cover personal expenses, such as airfare to the course, personal gifts, or ancillary costs, such as passport fees, country entry fees, required course readers, and any additional course texts.

Airfare: To estimate fares applicants may wish to visit an online fare finder or call a travel agent. Bear in mind that airlines have seasonal fluctuations in fares.

Miami University also requires all participants in international workshops to purchase travel health insurance for about $40. (Successful applicants will receive more details in their web-based learning community course workshop.) In some classes an additional textbook is required. In some countries, you may have to pay entrance and departure taxes/fees at the airport.

Because of support from Miami University, the course costs listed above are a fraction of actual program costs. Earth Expeditions recommends that accepted applicants to the program check with their school district or employer to see if professional development funds are available to further offset costs.

 We offer some further ideas on Helping to Fund your Degree and Scholarships for Current Dragonfly Students

Are you a current Miami University undergrad or grad student interested in participating? Check out our Miami students page to learn more about program requirements.

Note that costs shown above are for graduate students only. Course costs for undergraduate students are based on each student’s tuition rate. If you have questions regarding your tuition promise rate, please contact the Bursar.

Do you have questions? Go to our Frequently Asked Questions page for some answers.

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