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Natural Science in the Virgin Islands
Winter Break 2009-10
December 19, 2009 - January 9, 2010
Sponsored by the College of Natural Science
Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)
What's this program about?
Explore environmental and organismal biology in a tropical setting!
The beautiful and diversified United States and British Virgin Islands provide the natural classroom for this program. Clear tropical seas, colorful coral reefs, white sand beaches, and island ecology from desert to rainforest – these combined with warm breezes and new cultural experiences, are qualities that make up the Virgin Islands.
The itinerary begins with 16 exciting days exploring Virgin Islands National Park located on the island of St. John, which will include an opportunity to hike wilderness trails and snorkel on coral reefs while learning by direct experience about geological, ecological and human factors that cause change in nature. Two day-trips are planned on St. Thomas that include a visit to the Coral World Aquarium, an 80-foot diving experience on the submarine Atlantis, and kayaking in a marine sanctuary and mangrove lagoon.
Also included in the itinerary are day-trips to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) – Tortola and Virgin Gorda. On Tortola, the largest island in the BVI's, the group will hike to the top of Sage Mountain, the highest point in all of the Virgin Islands. On a visit to Virgin Gorda we will view the unique and beautiful natural granite "baths."
The final six days of the itinerary involve departure to St. Croix and group accommodations in the Caravelle Hotel overlooking the historic Christiansted harbor. The itinerary on St. Croix includes a “round-the-island” tour and a boat visit to Buck Island National Monument, site of the Virgin Islands' most famous coral reef.
What can I study?
All students are required to enroll in six (6) semester credits. Three credits are mandated from either the ISB 202 or NSC 490 courses. If you enroll in ISB 202, you also have the option of fulfilling your ISB lab requirement by enrolling in ISB 208L for two credits. The independent study courses, NSC 390 or NSC 491, provide the other credits necessary for the total of six. (An exception may be made for graduating seniors who don’t need all the credits. The minimum number of credits for graduating seniors is four.)
NON-SCIENCE MAJORS
ISB 202 can be taken to help complete the Integrative Studies in Biological Science requirements. NSC 390 can be used to fulfill elective course requirements.
| ISB 202 | Applications of Environmental and Organismal Biology | 3 cr. |
| From field observations and text materials, students will study current ideas about geology and ecology. The Virgin Islands offer the opportunity to evaluate the degree of human understanding that exists for the basic concepts of these science disciplines. | ||
| ISB 208L | Applications of Environmental and Organismal Biology Lab | 2 cr. |
| Problem-solving activities based on field observations and interpretation of selected biological systems. | ||
| NSC 390 | Special Problems | 3 cr. |
| The major requirement here is a written paper on a topic selected by the student that focuses on some aspect of their class experience. | ||
SCIENCE MAJORS
Both NSC 490 and NSC 491 can be used to help fulfill science elective requirements.
| NSC 490 | Special Problems | 3 cr. |
| This is an expanded version of ISB 202 using the same text and lecture materials. | ||
| NSC 491 | Selected Topics | 3 cr. |
| The major requirement here is a written paper on a topic selected by the student that focuses on some aspect of their class experience. | ||
Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.
What are the requirements?
Students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application. Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.
Applicants will be required to have an interview with the program instructor.
Students must be capable of strenuous swimming and hiking in order to complete required activities. Applicants are required to provide a physician’s medical report to certify they are in good physical condition.
Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.
Where will I live?
On St. John, students will reside in rustic cottages located at Cinnamon Bay National Park for fifteen nights.
On St. Croix, accommodations will be for six nights at the Caravelle Hotel, a three-star facility overlooking Christiansted harbor.
Students will be given free time to enjoy a tropical Christmas and New Year.
Who can tell me more about this program?
Larry Besaw
Center for Integrative Studies – General Science
Phone: (906) 440-9350
John Mugg
Department of Plant Biology
Phone: (517) 355-0229
Do I need a passport or visa?
U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.
For more information about passports visit the web page.
A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program. If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.
For more information about visas visit the web page.
If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.
Are there special health issues?
As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.
For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.
How much does it cost?
The program fee is $3,337 and includes the following:
- application fee ($100)
- deposit ($200)
- pre-departure orientation
- accommodations
- accident and sickness insurance
- field trips
Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:
- MSU tuition and fees*
- airfare
- meals
- books and supplies
- passport application fee
- visa application fees (if applicable)
- pre-departure doctor visits
- pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
- personal spending money
Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs are estimated at $1,500 for 2009-10. Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.
*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate.
Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)
How can I get help to pay for it?
Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid.
If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.
If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university. If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.
For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.
Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA scholarships. Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need. Requirements are listed in the scholarship application. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is October 15th for winter break programs.
A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.
For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.
How do I apply?
You can apply online or download an application form.
Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for winter break programs. We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.
Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year. Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.
A $100 application fee is required. Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.
Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.
Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).
Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.
| What's next? | |
| Come to a study abroad fair | |
| Talk with a Peer Adviser | |
| Read program evaluations | |
| Attend an info meeting
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| Apply online | |
| Additional Resources... | |
| Office of Financial Aid | 252 Student Services http://www.finaid.msu.edu |
| MSU Travel Clinic | East Circle Drive http://travelclinic.msu.edu |
| Academic Advisers | http://www.msu.edu/common/academic/units.html |
| Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities | 120 Bessey Hall http://www.rcpd.msu.edu |
| Area Studies Centers | International Center http://www.isp.msu.edu |
| MSU Global Access | Information about the world -- its regions and peoples and important international issues International Center http://www.msuglobalaccess.net/ |
| OSA contact info: | Office of Study Abroad Michigan State University 109 International Center East Lansing, MI 48824-1035 Phone: (517) 353-8920 Fax: (517) 432-2082 Email: studyabroad@osa.msu.edu |
