Valerie's Study Abroad to the Cayman Islands

Valerie Silvernaile Start Date: Oct 24, 2017 - End Date: Apr 6, 2018
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Cayman Islands
  • Blossom Village, Sister Islands, Cayman Islands

My Travel Story

by: Valerie Silvernaile Start Date: Oct 24, 2017 - End Date: Apr 6, 2018
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
About the Program
Little Cayman is one of three islands making up the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean Sea.  Little Cayman is the smallest and least-inhabited of the islands and is mostly undeveloped.  While the Cayman Islands, in general, are a popular destination spot for vacationers, Little Cayman is known for its excellent coral reefs and relatively unaltered wildlife habitat.  Some of the dive sites surrounding Little Cayman are accredited to being the best in the world, uniquely having both shallow and deep-water coral reef areas. 
 
Additionally, the Little Cayman Research Centre (LCRC) affiliated with the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), has been active and well-established on the island since 1998.  This organization focuses its research, education and outreach efforts toward the future sustainability of coral reefs globally and is internationally recognized as a leader in this arena. 
 
Both faculty leaders for this trip are well-versed in aquatic ecological concepts and regard this opportunity to work with the experts at LCRC an exciting one that they can share with SVSU students. Dr. Martin focuses his research on animal behavior and water quality, while Ms. Ross’ research interests include aquatic invasive species and ecological restoration.

Students will have the opportunity to:
  • Scuba dive to investigate coral reef ecology
  • Be part of coral research and conservation, the impact of which will be long-lasting
  • Earn both general education credit and study abroad credit in a tropical paradise!

The Details
Dates: June 18-June 27, 2018
Accommodations: Program participants will stay at the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) for the duration of the trip.
Fees Include:
  • Round-trip airfare
  • All ground transportation while abroad
  • Accommodations
  • International Health Insurance
  • Scuba Diving Certification
  • Food
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Since I was old enough to understand that coral reefs are shrinking and endangered, I have wanted to help restore them. Coral reefs have been called the rainforest of the ocean. 25% of all marine species live on coral reefs. The coral itself is an animal. Coral reefs are shrinking at an alarming rate. They support millions of animals, and those animals support millions of people. They are an important staple to our environment and I hope to help them in any way I can. This is the most amazing opportunity to help them hands-on by removing invasive species and creating new coral reefs. 
  • Cayman Islands
  • Blossom Village, Sister Islands, Cayman Islands

Updates

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  • Central Caribbean Marine Institute

  • Know Your Reef

    Know Your Reef

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