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Global Programs and Services (GPS)

St. Croix

Summer 2016:  ANTH 370: Environment, Culture, Archaeology & Ecology & ANTH 498: Research, St. Croix, Virgin Islands

St. Croix Aerial View

Program Overview:

Experience the beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands while exploring its rich history with CSUSM anthropologist Dr. Bonnie Bade and a team of local experts from the University of the Virgin Islands, National Park Service and others. 

During your time abroad, you will:

  • Learn about St. Croix's historical roots, from prehistory to colonialism to today
  • Work on an ecological anthropology, ethnomedicine, ethnobotanical, or archaeological project
  • Assist on local farms clearing land for the harvest season
  • Join local fishermen to understand the role of federal regulations on local fishing practices and the impact of invasive species
  • Observe local chefs to learn St. Croix traditional recipes and put them to the test
  • Discover the unique ecology of the rainforest and island
  • Explore the Archaeology, Ethnohistory, and diverse communities of the island
  • Experience the unique culture of the Caribbean

Program Excursions: 

  • The Botanical Gardens
  • Tide Pools
  • Salt River Bay
  • The Historic Diamond Estate
  • Sailing & Snorkeling Tours
  • Many local museums & much more!

Dr. Bonnie Bade will be your program leader and primary instructor on Population and Environmental Anthropology/Directed Research.  To further enhance your learning, she will be joined by the following:

  • Lance Hayes, Marine and Freshwater Biologist, Sustainable fishing and invasive species lecture, Snorkel Lecture
  • Joshua Torres, PhD, Cultural Resource Program Manager, NPS St. Croix. Lecture topic: Prehistory of St. Croix
  • David Goldstein, PhD, Chief, Interpretation and Education, NPS St. Croix. Lecture topic: Ecology, ethnogenesis, and culture history of St. Croix.
  • Michael Evans, Refuge Manager, Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, United State Fish and Wildlife Service (USWFS). Lecture topic: Ecology of St. Croix and the US Virgin Islands.
  • George Tyson, PhD, Virgin Islands Social History Association (VISHA). Lecture topic: Social history of St. Croix.
  • Elizabeth Rezende, PhD, professor, University of the Virgin Islands. Lecture topic: Colonialism on St. Croix: Its History and Legacy.
  • David Hayes, MA, Registered Professional Archaeologist. The Archaeology of St. Croix
  • Victoria Gordon, Local ethnobotany and medicinal plant usage of St. Croix.
  • Shannon O’Neill, Night Adaptations and Bioluminescence Lecture, Buck Island Underwater National Park
  • Carmen Corradino, Rainforest Ecology Lecture and Danish Ruins Hike
  • Matt Corradino, Taino Lithic Lecture and Stone Tool Workshop

Academic Calendar:

May 23 - June 3 (fly out May 21 to arrive by evening of May 22, depart June 4)

Academic Focus & Units:

  • ANTH 370 Environment, Population and Culture/DD credit (3 units)
  • ANTH 498 Directed Research (3 units)

Language of Instruction:

English

Bungalow View Requirements:

  • Class level:  Students with upper-division standing by the end of Spring 2016
  • GPA:  2.75 and above; good academic standing

Housing:

Students will be placed in shared, basic bungalows in the Mount Victory Ecolodge, nestled in the heart of the rainforest.  Each bungalow can accommodate 4-6 students and offers a small kitchen with sink, filtered drinking water, fans, electrical outlets and a fully screened window offering a stunning view of the rainforest.  Bathrooms will be shared among lodge residents.

As an eco-conscious lodge, careful attention is given to minimally impacting the environment.  From solar powered showers to locally grown fruits and vegetables, the goal is to appreciate and value the beautiful nature surrounding you.  The lodge owners are instructors who will enjoy bringing their knowledge of primitive skills and ecology to life.

Estimated Cost:

Estimated at $2,500 + Extended Learning Fees ($557 for six units)

All fees include tuition, room and partial board, medical insurance, ground transportation to/from airport, and excursions.  Airfare and personal expenditures are NOT included in the program cost.  Suggested airfare is $550-$700 round trip, estimated food $100, and estimated personal spending $150.

Some useful airfare search engines:

Please be sure to read the fine print concerning change fees, taxes, luggage restrictions, etc. before booking.  Whenever possible, book directly with an airline.

To Apply:

  1. Attend an information session led by Program Leader, Bonnie Bade.
  2. Print out the application materials below.  All application materials must be received by Thursday, April 28th along with your non-refundable $300 deposit to the Office of Global Education. ONLY Cash, checks, and money orders made payable to CSUSM will be accepted.
  3. Final payment is due on Thursday, May 12th to the Office of Global Education.  Payment of tuition related expenses will be due directly through Extended Learning and follow the payment guidelines set out for Summer Session.  Remaining program fees due to Global Education follow the procedure outlined above.
  4. A mandatory pre-departure orientation will be held with Professor Bade to discuss arrival instructions and the upcoming course(s).  Some course sessions may take place prior to leaving.  More details will follow. 

Summer in St. Croix Application:

Contact Faculty Leader, Bonnie Bade at SBSB 2228 for more details or via email:  bbade@csusm.edu