O'Neill in the Caribbean

May 10 - 24, 2025

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

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:

1. Program Fee for O’Neill in the Caribbean (made in two payments)
2. Tuition for the course (3 credits of IU Bloomington tuition, rate based on your student status (res/non-res; grad/UG, etc))

2025 Program Fee: $1,900

The Program Fee for this program includes:

• Lodging for 2 weeks on the Island of Bonaire
• Snorkel and dive equipment for all course-related water activities
• Site visits and guest speakers
• Cultural excursions
• Several meals
• International health insurance

The Program Fee will be charged to your IU Bloomington Bursar account in two installments:

1. A $550 non-refundable pre-payment will be charged shortly after you confirm your participation in the program
2. The remaining balance will be charged in March prior to departure

Tuition: 3 credits of IU-Bloomington tuition

Students will pay for 3 credit hours of tuition based on their student status (resident/non-resident, graduate/undergraduate, etc.) on the Bloomington campus. Note for students from other campuses: the tuition rates on the Bloomington campus may differ from your campus.

Additional Costs

Students will pay for their own flight to and from Bonaire, meals that are not included in the Program Fee, and other personal incidentals. 

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

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.

During the application period (November 1 - December 8) an "Apply Now" button will be available at the top of this page. You will need to submit the online application by 11:59pm on December 8. 

Please review our detailed application instructions!

If you have any issues or questions throughout the application process, contact us via email: oio@iu.edu

• Ability to Walk Long Distances Daily: Participants should be prepared to walk at least 3-5 miles each day, often in urban areas or on uneven terrain such as cobblestone streets.
• 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 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 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 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, food, norms, and environments.
• Ability to Navigate New Cities Independently: Participants should feel comfortable navigating new cities in small groups, using maps or public transportation.
• 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.