Caribbean

Island Conservation and Sustainability Management (3cr.)

Program Directors: Stephen Glaholt

O’Neill in the Caribbean is a three-credit course (E482/E582), which seeks to discover how the entire Caribbean island of Bonaire is applying conservation and sustainability techniques to preserve the island’s rich diversity for future generations. One focus of the course will be on how island life has changed in recent years to become more eco-friendly. On the program, you will assist in flora and fauna diversity monitoring projects and will participate in ongoing management programs associated with migratory birds, coral, reef fish, and other organisms, to develop an understanding of the problems and solutions associated with island conservation and sustainability. By taking part in this program, you will gain valuable applied knowledge and research experience in field sampling and experimental design techniques while learning first-hand how conservation and sustainability practices are being implemented to protect and restore the islands terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

IU Bloomington Undergrads: See how this course counts towards your major/minor at O'Neill here.

• Learn about marine biology and island ecology in an open air classroom located within walking distance to the ocean
• Snorkel Bonaire’s pristine coral reefs and experience its diverse fish communities
• Conduct fish and coral diversity, population, and health surveys
• Night snorkeling and tide pooling using black-lights to explore the colorful nocturnal species of the underwater world (Optional)
• Assist in migratory bird and bat population survey program
• Participate in the restoration efforts of the endangered Queen Conch
• Learn about the island's terrestrial and marine invasive species and the programs implemented to manage them (or develop and implement your own program!)
• Contribute directly to the conservation and research efforts to protect Bonaire’s diverse communities

 Note: Your IU Bloomington Bursar account will be charged two amounts for participation in this O’Neill International program:

1. O’Neill International program fee (two payments)
2. IU Bloomington Tuition

For a full breakdown of estimated cost, see the Caribbean fee sheet.

2023 O’Neill in the Caribbean Program Fee: $1,800

The program fee will be charged to your Bursar account in two installments:

1. A $550 non-refundable pre-payment shortly after you confirm your participation in the program
2. The remaining program fee balance will be charged in March, due in April

The program fee for this program includes:

• Lodging
• Medical insurance
• Some meals
• Group transportation on the island
• Cultural excursions

Flights are not included in the program fee

IU Bloomington Tuition – 3 credits

The tuition cost for this O’Neill International program is based on IU Bloomington tuition. The cost of tuition you pay will vary based on your student status. For more information on the cost of summer tuition, please contact IU Student Central.

Additional Costs

You will need to pay for your flight to Bonaire, food that is not included in the program and other incidentals.

Scholarships

The O’Neill International Equal Opportunity Scholarship is available to help O’Neill students from IUB and IUPUI study abroad. Please visit our scholarship page for eligibility requirements and application deadlines. 

Other scholarships are available on a competitive basis.

During the application period (December 1-January 27) an "Apply Now" button will be available at the top of this page. You will need to submit the online application by 5 p.m. on January 27. 

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@indiana.edu.