Environmental Science in the Bahamas
Information is subject to change between now and the programs departure date.
Check out our Bahamas study abroad video here to see what to anticipate with this exciting program! Please make sure you login with your Clayton State username and password to see the video on Microsoft Stream.
Departs in May 2024
"This is a fantastic study abroad experience for students looking to earn biology credit!" – Dr. Paul Melvin, Program Director for Bahamas 2024
Study Abroad Program Information for Program Applicants
Visit the Maymester Application Process for Study Abroad web page linked below to get started on your next steps. Review the required documents that program applicants must submit for the study abroad program.
Apply Today before January 22, 2024
UPDATE as of 9/21/2023 - Routine processing is 10 to 13 weeks and expedite processing (for an additional $60) is 7 to 9 weeks. These times can vary, please see the Passport Agency's website. Not including snail mail for delivery sending the passport to the Passport Agency and receiving the passport once it's ready.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR STUDENTS WITHOUT PASSPORTS OR EXPIRED PASSPORTS: If a student has not applied for a Passport before Monday, January 22, 2024, and if the Passport will not arrive by February 12, 2024, the student is no longer eligible to attend a study abroad program for the current year due to the extensive deadlines in place with the Passport Agency. See our Passport website and the U.S. Passport Agency's websites for helpful tips and next steps below.
U.S. Passport Agency Operations Website
Learn more about the Pre-Departure Orientation for the Bahamas program by visiting our website and registering for the event!
Register before February 1, 2024
Learn more about the Bahamas program payments and other information on our program fees page.
First Payment due Monday, January 22, 2024
Start making program payments as early as October 18, 2023*.
*This date may be subject to change.
Student's planning to attend a Clayton State study abroad program, must make their program payments to the Bursar's office.
Learn more about how to make payments for your program on our website.
Review our study abroad program requirements to learn more.
Study Abroad Requirements Website
A few important tips, students should meet the following general requirements to be eligible to apply for a program.
- Must be 18 years or older to attend a study abroad program.
- Must be in Good-Academic Standing with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Currently have or in the process of obtaining a Passport for international travel.
Review over these helpful resources for your upcoming study abroad program regarding Entry & Exit Requirements, COVID-19 abroad, health information, and more!
Hear from our students who have attended at Clayton State study abroad program by checking out our testimonials page!
Students that have pending financial aid and have not made a payment or the final payment should note the following information. It is essential to ensure students that have financial aid understand they are still responsible for making payments towards a study abroad program for a future semester. Students, as well as the program directors & advisors, must ensure and are aware that while the account balance may be covered the student should still remit payment to satisfy the trip requirement as any financial aid funds will not be available until after the spring and/or summer semester has begun.
If students have questions about their Financial Aid disbursement, contact the Financial Aid Office and/or the Bursar Office to understand how your aid works. Each student’s account is confidential and will only be discussed with the student directly. The Study Abroad Office does not have access to this information and is unable to assist with this information. Meeting with the Financial Aid Office is an imperative part of the study abroad process, which is why it is mandated as part of the Course Selection Form.
Tuition and fees are separate from the study abroad program cost. Learn more about these fees on our website.
Reach out to the Study Abroad Office or the Program Director to learn more about this exciting program by visiting our contact page for Program Directors.
Program Information
Destination: The Bahamas
Area of Study: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science
Term to Study Abroad: May-Term 2024. The study abroad program will depart during the Maymester period between the Spring and Summer semester. This period will not interfere with Spring and Summer course schedules. Please note that the coursework associated with the Maymester study abroad trip takes place throughout the first short session of Summer semester. The trip dates are part of the course for the first short summer academic session.
Program Run Dates: May 10-19, 2024
Program Type: This is a faculty-led program with a Clayton State faculty member.
Program Fee (see below for what is included and excluded from the program fee): $2,500.00
Courses Offered
- BIOL 3550 - Tropical Ecology
- CHEM 4700 - Water Quality in the Bahamas
- ENVS 4700 - Water Quality in the Bahamas
- SCI 1901 - Introduction to Tropical Ecology (non-science majors)
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours per course. One course, per student, per program.
Majors: All majors are welcome!
Program Description
Observe marine life in their natural habitats and experience your classroom like never before - under the sea! On this study abroad program, enjoy daily shallow water snorkeling along pristine and isolated beaches while studying on a tropical island with virtually no tourist impact. On this program you will experience the diversity of coral reef fish and marine invertebrates, participate in hands-on field studies in tropical ecology, and hike through inland forests and coastal marine habitats -- all while earning biology credit! These experiences will all culminate together to enhance your academic course and required assignments to obtain your course credit. Enroll in the program today to get started on this exciting study abroad experience!
Have any concerns about snorkeling? Speak to the Program Director, Dr. Melvin or Dr. Aubrey Dyer, and they will be happy
to discuss how to make this experience a safe and fun opportunity for you.
Dr. Melvin has led study abroad programs to the Bahamas, Costa Rica, and Cuba with
undergraduate students for the past fourteen years for the Department of Biology at
Clayton State University. Dr. Dyer has co-led the Environmental Science in Costa
Rica program with Dr. Melvin. Visit the 'Testimonial' tab to view the student testimonials
of their incredible experiences abroad with Dr. Melvin and Dr. Dyer from their previous
program or check out the video testimonials to hear from a student about their time
abroad!
What is included
- Includes roundtrip airfare from Atlanta
- Accommodations and lodging (please note that students will be at double occupancy per room)
- All transportation while in the Bahamas
- Most meals
- All activities
- All taxes and fees
- Emergency medical insurance with CISI
- Student program fees also include faculty travel costs
What is NOT included
- Snorkel gear (snorkel, mask, and fins)
- Some individual meals on travel days
- Personal expenses
- Clayton State Tuition & Fees: Tuition is separate from the study abroad costs and other associated fees. To learn more about tuition costs and fees, visit the Bursar's Tuition website to learn more.
- Passport/Visa fees*
- Healthcare Clearance Form (physician and medical fees*)
- Travel interruption insurance (learn more about Travel Insurance)
Estimated Costs
- Note that your program fees and tuition are separate costs.
- Program fees are the fees that pay for what is included in the program costs.
- Prepare for spending money and for additional meals.
- Speak to your Program Director for more details.
Academic Course
- Once students have made their second program payment, the Program Director will begin enrolling students in the study abroad course.
- This study abroad program will provide students with one academic course that offers 3 credit hours towards a students graduation requirements.
- Students must be registered as part of the academic course in order to attend the program.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Non-Credit Seeking Students, Alumni, Spouses, and Children are restricted from attending a study abroad program at Clayton State University, which is in accordance to the University System of Georgia (USG) regulations. Only credit seeking Clayton State students are eligible to attend a study abroad program.