SEA-Caribbean: Coral Reef Conservation

Program Details

Program Location U.S. Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Dominica & Barbados, Multiple Countries
Sponsor Sea Education Association
Program Type Co-sponsored
Course # SA 30035
Duration Semester
Upcoming Program Dates
Fall 2025 08/25/25 to 12/05/25
Current Program Dates
Spring 2025 02/03/25 to 05/02/25
Page Links
Overview Purdue Credit
Eligibility Academics
Program Costs Financial Aid
Deadline Returnee Info
Resources
Click here to apply for this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

**This program will not run in Fall 2025, and will resume in Spring 2026**

An investigative science and policy program examining the impacts of human actions on Caribbean coral reef ecosystems, the importance of coral reefs to island communities, and the full range of reef management strategies.

Beginning with six weeks in Woods Hole, students develop background knowledge to understand history, science, and policy strategies involved in managing coral reefs. In the eight weeks of the remote shore component, students will engage in coral research in seaside scientific field stations and local communities as they develop and refine reef survey techniques and collect initial observations for comparative reef projects. Students will learn from and assist Caribbean Island partners from local, academic, and governmental agencies in developing or continuing protective measures for the marine environment on and around coral reefs, all while completing their comparative reef projects. 

Coral Reef Conservation: Caribbean will examine how local, academic, governmental, and international organizations and businesses are working together to conserve and sustainably manage Caribbean coral reef ecosystems.

For their field component, students will live aboard SEA’s SSV Corwith Cramer. While sailing between St. Croix, Anguilla, and Dominica students will experience life at sea and deploy scientific equipment focused on understanding ocean chemistry and biodiversity beyond the coastal shoreline, providing a regional perspective of how this effects coral reefs.

For more program information, please visit the program website. This program is sponsored by:Sea Education Association.

Eligibility

The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.

GPA Requirement: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none

Purdue Credit

Direct Credit available from the following: [College of Agriculture] [College of Liberal Arts] [College of Science]

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.

Academic Program

Students participating on this program will take four classes (including research) for a total of 15 credits.

More information about courses and their syllabi can be found on the SEA Semester website.

Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.
 
Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.
The Program and Housing Fees include tuition, all housing and meals, on-site orientation, field trips/excursions, and research-related expenses and fees.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Spring 2025

Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor
Program Fee $22,875.00
Study Abroad Fee $914.00
Housing $7,100.00
Purdue International Insurance (per month) $32.00

Approximate additional costs per semester
To be paid by the student.
Round-trip Airfare $1,500.00
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $0.00 - $250.00
Travel Documents (passport, photos) $175.00

Financial Aid

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.

Application Deadlines

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Program Application Deadline
Fall Semester Programs Mar 1
Spring Semester Programs Sep 15


Returnees Information

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.

Resources

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.


For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.