Program Description:
This program will focus on service learning with diverse partners and organizations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Students will have the opportunity to work in school gardens, volunteer with the local senior center, help the National Park Service, and aid in food service and distribution at a food bank and meal center. In addition, students will also learn about and experience the beautiful natural resources and rich culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands! Students will visit white sand beaches, wade in the pristine sand flats of the Caribbean to view ocean life, hike gorgeous sub-tropical forests, and boat on the blue waters of the ocean. Park rangers and naturalists will accompany students on many of these excursions to provide information about local ecosystems. In addition, students will participate in cultural events, including the anniversary of the 1733 Insurrection and historical, spiritual events. Dr. Dave Minner, ISU Professor and EARTH Program Coordinator, will help facilitate many of these experiences.   



Program Directors: Dr. Gail Nonnecke, nonnecke@iastate.edu, Emily Zimmerman, emilyz@iastate.edu 

Course Information: GLOBE 494, 3 credits for Fall 2018 

Application Requirements/Prerequisites:
Students must be in good academic standing
Must complete the application by the deadline
A short interview with the program directors will be required
Must demonstrate experience and/or willingness to work as a team in field conditions.
Program is open to all CALS students but preference will be given to qualified students who demonstrate an interest in service learning and Caribbean natural resources and cultures.




Program Cost
Program cost has three parts to it Program fee, Out of pocket expenses, Other ISU fees. Progam fee and other ISU fees will be billed to your U-bill.

Costs that will appear on your U-Bill include:

Program Fee of $2345.00, which includes:
Roundtrip airfare
Lodging
CISI health insurance
In country arrangements

Other ISU Fees: Study Abroad Administrative Fee:  $105 charged by the Study Abroad Center in the Memorial Union

Out-of-pocket expenses include:
Meals:  Approximately $50 for meals on own
Personal expenses (souvenir, toiletries, cell phone fees, etc...):  Approximately $150 depends on your personal spending habits
Passport and mailing (see passport scholarship program below under scholarships)
Vaccines and Preventive medications:  Approximately $100, but it depends on your personal health history


Passport Scholarship:
If you are a student in the College of Ag and Life Sciences and are a first time international traveler and do not have a passport, the cost of your new passport ($110 Application Fee and $35 Acceptance fee) will be reimbursed through our passport scholarship.  For more information please go to: https://www.agstudyabroad.iastate.edu/step-step-guide-obtaining-passportpassport-reimbursement .

Note:
Due to international quarantine restrictions service animals cannot be accommodated on our study abroad programs. For more information, please contact the Iowa State University Student Accessibility Services Office.