Programs

Bahamas: Exploring Tropical Environments by Land and Sea

A group of Honors students pose in the Bahamas by a sign that reads "Andros North Marine Park"

Program Introduction

Program Leader: Teresa Greely

Come join your fellow Honors students on a week-long program in the pristine and azure waters of Andros Island, Bahamas! Enjoy snorkeling over coral reefs, hiking, swimming in blue holes, cultural exchanges, and Andros’s fabrics and basket weaving.

Bahamas: Exploring Tropical Environments By Land and Sea is an Honors opportunity that allows students to travel to Forfar International Field Station in Andros Island, Bahamas and engage in hands-on field and laboratory research to immerse students in the tropical island environment. 

Honors students dig in a steel pan with sand and coral with silverware. and

The program will introduce you to:

  • Marine organisms and their adaptations
  • Immersive island cultural exchanges
  • Ecology and geology of tropical island environments
  • Snorkeling over coral reefs
  • Blue economy and sustainability challenges

At an all-inclusive marine research station on Andros Island, class material will be brought to life through daily access to island ecosystems on land and in the sea.

Location

Andros Island, the largest landmass in the Bahamas, offers an unparalleled setting for students interested in marine science and studying abroad, combining natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. Andros is bordered by the deep waters of the Tongue of the Ocean to the east and the expansive Great Bahama Bank to the west.

Landscape of the Bahamian coast with blue waters and green succulents

The island’s unique geography is characterized by a network of blue holes and coral reefs, providing diverse ecosystems that include vast mangrove swamps, lush pine forests, and the world’s third-largest barrier coral reef. This pristine environment offers an ideal backdrop for studies in marine biology, environmental science, sustainability, and blue economy.

Andros’s vibrant local culture and traditions present a unique opportunity for immersive cultural experiences, making it a compelling destination for students seeking an experiential, holistic, and enriching academic journey abroad.

Coursework

Summer A | May 18 - June 26, 2026

Students must enroll in Honors course, IDH 3350: Exploring Tropical Environments by Land and Sea, during the Summer A semester in order to go on the Bahamas Study Abroad trip.

IDH 3350: Exploring Tropical Environments by Land and Sea is an immersive experience that introduces learners to basic ecological, geological, and sociocultural concepts regarding tropical island environments. Through the course, students will learn how to identify marine life in the field, explain how island flora and fauna are interconnected, and research sustainability efforts. 

In the Bahamas, mini-lectures and practical assessments will be used along with snorkeling on the reef to help students to understand biological processes (e.g., predation, mutualism and symbiosis) and geological processes on land. Assessments will consist of identifications as well as short answers to theoretical and practical questions. There will be morning briefings and evening discussions. Each student is expected to create an e-portfolio to document their learning experience, and all students will contribute to a class blog. To complete the course, students will make a presentation of their findings at a post-program event. 

Honors students snorkelling in the turquoise Bahamian waters

Program Details

Program Dates

Summer A | May 23 - 30, 2026

Applications open: July 1, 2025
Applications close: Oct. 15, 2025
Course dates: May 18 - June 26, 2026
Travel dates: May 23 - 30, 2026

Program Cost

  • 2026 Program Cost: TBD
  • 2025 Program Cost: $2,566.00 plus tuition
Included
  • Accommodations in a fully equipped field lodge
  • Three meals daily at the research station's cafeteria, plus packed lunches for exciting field excursions
  • Comprehensive land and boat field trips led by knowledgeable staff for an educational adventure
  • Roundtrip flights from Nassau to Andros, Bahamas, ensuring a hassle-free journey
  • Engaging basket weaving sessions
Not Included
  • Tuition for 3 direct USF credit hours (All students pay the in-state tuition rate, which is $520.17)
  • Required fins, mask, and snorkel for water research and activities (Estimated cost: ~$100)
  • International airfare to/from Nassau (All students are expected to book their own flights)
  • One special dinner out at a local restaurant (~$25)
  • Optional night snorkeling experience (~$20)
  • Passport and other travel documentation
  • Personal spending

Housing

Forfar Field station, an outdoor picture with sand outside the building

Forfar Field Station is a rustic former dive resort nestled in a beachfront coconut grove on the east coast of Andros Island, Bahamas. Housing is cabin-style lodging along the beach. Each cabin includes 3–4 sets of bunk beds, electricity, fans, and a private bathroom with hot water and showers. Please note: the cabins are not air-conditioned.

The nearby Forfar Lodge houses the dining hall, classroom, recreation room, and an open living area.

What Students Have to Say

Gabby Schwager holding a starfish in the Barbados ocean

“I was impressed with how in-touch the locals were with the water and natural elements. When we went snorkeling, it felt like I was in ‘Finding Nemo.' That was the moment I realized, I could do marine biology as a job." - Gabby Schwager