Coral reefs are one of the world’s greatest treasures. Sadly, on a global scale they are at a heightened level of stress due to climate change and direct anthropogenic impacts. During this program, you will conduct research in the distinct and diverse ecosystems found only in the Caribbean, including coral reefs and mangrove forests.
Learn more about the the Cayman Islands program
Tentative dates: March 14 - 21, 2025
* The travel begins on a Friday due to travel concerns in the Cayman Islands. Students with Friday classes will be responsible for notifying their instructors, that IU instructors are not required to allow an excused absences for missing class on that day because of study abroad program travel, and that the student should be prepared to have it recognized as an unexcused absence
E482 / E582 Coral Reef Restoration & Conservation (1 cr)
Instructor: Stephen Glaholt
On-site, students will study research methods in class and in the field, help with the CCMI work on coral restoration, and participate in long-term research projects to help the island maintain its valuable and cherished natural ecosystems. Students will gain experience in coral restoration, as well as, basic research methods such as conducting underwater surveys, running transects, coral bleaching surveys (CoralWatch), fish surveys (AGRRA), and remote underwater visual surveys (BRUV).
A major focus of this program will be coral restoration, in which CCMI is a leader in this field. Two globally endangered coral species, Staghorn coral and Elkhorn coral, are being studied and grown in the CCMI nursery using multiple methods. Students will work in the nursery to learn restoration techniques and will collect data and conduct maintenance on the out-plantings in which their newly acquired surveying techniques will be applied.
- Participate in coral restoration and maintenance of a coral nursery
- Conduct an underwater survey
- Field trips to marine protected areas and replenishment zones
- Work with fish survey transects
- Conduct a coral survey, including a bleach survey (CoralWatch)
- Enjoy a mangrove snorkeling trip
With only 200 permanent residents on the 11 square mile island, Little Cayman Island is one of the safest places to visit in the Caribbean.
You will share dorm-style accommodations with male and female only rooms. Each room will be furnished with beds, AC unit and overhead fans. CCMI also has multiple living room style spaces and a study/computer room, all equipped with high quality wireless internet access. CCMI is located less than 1 mile from the island’s hospital and is within easy access to restaurants, the general store, bank and post office.
All meals will be prepared by CCMI staff, so you will eat as a group. This cost is included in the program fee.
All O’Neill International programs are academic, credit-bearing courses that take place abroad. As such, your bursar will be charged two amounts for participation in this program:
- Program Fee for O’Neill in the Cayman Islands (made in two payments)
- Tuition for the course (1 credit at your normal IU-Bloomington tuition rate)
2025 O'Neill in the Cayman Islands Program Fee: $1500
The Program Fee for this program includes:
- Lodging for 1-week on Little Cayman
- Site visits and guest speakers
- Cultural excursions
- Some meals
- International health insurance
The Program Fee will be charged to your IU Bloomington Bursar account in two installments:
- A $250 non-refundable pre-payment will be charged shortly after you confirm your participation in the program
- The remaining balance will be charged in January
For a breakdown of costs, please see the Cayman Islands fee sheet.
Tuition for O’Neill in the Cayman Islands course: 1 credit hour paid at your IU-Bloomington tuition rate (resident/non-resident, grad/UG, etc.)
Note – for this course, if you are enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student on the Bloomington campus during the spring semester and enroll in the course as part of your block credits, there is no additional tuition cost to participate in this program.
Graduate students, students from other IU campuses, and part-time students will pay for 1 credit hour of tuition, based on your student status (resident/non-resident) on the Bloomington campus.
Additional Costs
Students will pay for their own flight to and from Cayman Islands, meals that are not included in the Program Fee, and other personal incidentals.
Scholarships
The O’Neill International Office offers several scholarships to support students studying abroad. The O’Neill International Equal Opportunity Scholarship is a need-based award available to help O'Neill students from IUB and IUI to be able to study abroad. Please visit our scholarship page for eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Other need and merit-based scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Students are encouraged to apply widely to all scholarships they are eligible for. Please email us at oio@iu.edu if you want help navigating different funding resources.
The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students from any IU campus. Undergraduates must have a minimum 2.8 GPA. Graduate students must be in good academic standing. Students not meeting the standards will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are encouraged to apply.
During the application period (September 1 - October 1) an "Apply Now" button will be available at the top of this page. You will need to submit the online application by 5 pm on October 1.
Detailed application instructions
If you have any issues throughout the application process, please do not hesitate to contact the O'Neill International Office, 812-855-7568, oio@iu.edu.
- Ability to Walk Long Distances Daily: Participants should be prepared to walk at least 3-5 miles each day, often in or on uneven terrain.
- Ability to Walk on Uneven Ground and Climb Stairs: Some excursions may require walking on uneven ground or cobblestones and managing multiple flights of stairs at once. A basic level of fitness is necessary.
- Ability to Handle Physically Demanding Activities: participants will engage in activities like hiking, snorkeling, or fieldwork, which require a basic level of fitness and comfort in natural environments.
- Ability to Manage Stressful Situations: Students should be able to navigate stressful situations such as crowded areas, time zone changes, language barriers, and group travel dynamics.
- Ability to Adapt to a New Culture: Willingness to embrace a different culture and step outside one’s comfort zone is essential. Students should be prepared to adapt to new customs, norms, and environments.
- Ability to Stay Calm and Focused in Unfamiliar Environments: Students may encounter unfamiliar situations such as navigating airports, public transportation, or crowded cities. The ability to stay calm and focused is important.
- Ability to Identify and Cope with Personal Stressors: Understanding one’s own stressors (e.g., travel fatigue, group dynamics) and employing coping mechanisms is essential for a smooth experience.
- Openness to Embrace Group Dynamics and Teamwork: Programs often involve group work, requiring openness to grow as a team member, listen to others, and share responsibilities.
- Willingness to Broaden Perspectives: A core part of the experience is expanding one’s worldview. Students must be willing to broaden their perspectives and learn about new cultures, even if it challenges their existing beliefs.