Skip to content

Programs : Brochure

This page is the brochure for your selected program. You can view the provided information for this program on this page and click on the available buttons for additional options.

Sea Education Association: Coral Reef Conservation: Caribbean (Outgoing Program)

Print 

  • Locations: Multiple Cities, Multiple Sites; Woods Hole, United States
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: Sea Education Association 
  • Restrictions: Middlebury applicants only
  • Dates / Deadlines
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Program Type: Other Program Options Program Sponsor: Externally-sponsored program
Other Program Option Type: Externally-sponsored Program Language of Instruction: English
Housing Type: University Residence Hall Advisor: Stacey Thebodo
Subjects Offered: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, History, International Studies
Program Description:

Healthy coral reefs are vital for thriving and successful island communities, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Caribbean. Historically, coral reefs and their interconnected ecosystems have safeguarded islands, supported growing populations with food, and contributed to tourism and economic growth. However, numerous local and global threats, such as resource extraction, declining water quality, rising temperatures, and reduced pH levels, endanger the Caribbean region, making it one of the most impacted areas worldwide.

Students participating in this program can expect the following:

  • Develop and refine snorkel-based coral reef and tropical marine ecology survey techniques
  • Conduct research at field stations and in coastal communities
  • Contribute to marine conservation and policy efforts
  • Cultivate a comparative approach to understanding reef management strategies while honing science communication skills 


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.



Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 10/01/2024 ** Rolling Admission 02/03/2025 05/15/2025

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants who apply in the fall or winter will be notified on February 15th of the academic year preceeding study abroad. Applicants whose applicaitons are completed after February 15th (or anytime in the fall, if they are applying to study abroad during the following spring semester) will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline. Some Schools Abroad will fill before the deadline.