Study Abroad: BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

This program allowed students to study the biology, ecology, and conservation of the Caribbean coral reef ecosystem. Special emphasis was placed on field methods and labs, including small field experiments to test hypotheses. The program was conducted aboard a large catamaran that served as the accommodations, transportation, classroom, and research platform.

Each day, the participants sailed to a new island in the archipelago of the British Virgin Islands including Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Norman, Peter, Salt, Cooper, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Muskmelon, to investigate new habitats.

Students learned nautical skills (seamanship, navigation, sailing) needed to become proficient crew members on a research vessel and earned their PADI Open Water or Advanced Scuba Diver certification during a total of 14 training and research dives. Prior to departure, students were required to complete the classroom portion of PADI's Open Water Diver or Advanced Diver Course online (www.padi.com).

The program was conducted in conjunction with the non-profit (MANTA) Marine Science and Nautical Training Academy:
http://www.manta-online.org

For more information on the College's Study Abroad programs:
http://cofc.edu/international/

See our other videos: Brazil, Costa Rica, Cambodia and Vietnam, Italy, Germany, China, Taiwan, Morocco, Turkey, and Ireland:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5C843165F0C4F195

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