Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies Application

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for our summer-break course!
May 22 –  June 11, 2024 

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Caribbean EcoFS course. This is your first step towards an incredible educational experience. The second step is to complete the short application. Before you fill out the application please make sure you have read & understand all course information on this website.  There is a $20 application fee paid through Paypal to submit the application.

IMPORTANT LOGISTICS:
This is a highly active, all-outdoor course & participants must be in strong physical condition & sound health. Students must be ready to study & live in a variety of potentially adverse & uncomfortable, (but mostly beautiful) coastal weather conditions. Students must have a valid & current passport for travel to Mexico. All students must be proficient swimmers and be able to swim in ocean for up to 1 hour.  If choosing SCUBA/snorkel option students must have a current Open Water SCUBA certification by the course start date (go here for SCUBA info & certification). If accepted, the deposit is due within 1 month to reserve your spot in the course.  This deposit payment is applied to total payment, it is not an additional cost.  You will be asked to choose your accommodation option.  For info on accommodations please see Costs page.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Most universities accept this course for academic credit, however students must confirm with their university and/or department that credits will transfer appropriately for their degree. This course is open to students from all majors, years of study, & universities. We value a diversity of student demographics as it adds to the uniqueness of our courses! Interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as qualified applicants are accepted on a rolling basis. There is NO set deadline to apply as we accept applications until courses fill.  If a course fills we will post an announcement on this page.  

A fully refundable $20 application fee is required upon application and paid at the end of the application through Paypal. This fee is applied to course tuition if accepted or 100% refunded if not accepted. If a student is accepted and then declines acceptance they will forfeit the application fee. Typically about 50-75% of students who apply are accepted. Upon acceptance students receive online access to further course info, equipment list, registration info etc.  Applicants must be 18 years or older by the course start day to apply.  

Review questions ahead of time. You are not able to save information on this form for later editing so you are encouraged to work/save in a separate text document & cut/paste answers. The text boxes do not have a limit for amount of information you enter.  All information is kept strictly confidential. You will receive an email from Steve Johnson, EcoFS Director within 1-2 days confirming receipt of your application. EcoFS does not have specific correct answers/criteria for application questions & advise that the most important tip is to answer honestly & thoughtfully. Thanks for your answers & good luck.