University of Wisconsin–Madison
Back to Top

SFS Marine Resource Studies

A group of students pose for the camera while standing on a beach overlooking the ocean that is reflecting the sunset.

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.

Turks and Caicos, South Caicos Island

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past, we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. Review and admission of applicants occurs on a rolling basis, and you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Offered through the School for Field Studies (SFS), the Turks and Caicos semester and summer programs are approved UW affiliate programs.

The clear waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are considered among the world’s top 10 diving destinations, where vibrant coral reefs, a dramatic sea wall, and a deep ocean trench harbor a stunning diversity of sea life, from corals to whales.

SFS programs in TCI take place largely in the coral reefs, cays, and waters surrounding the island, but time is also spent above-ground with the community on the island. Courses and fieldwork focus on key environmental issues such as biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, and fisheries management. These marine ecosystems are critical to the fisheries-driven local economy, and are under enormous pressures from coastal development, a rising demand for seafood, and the impacts of climate change. SFS research plays an important role in supporting Turks and Caicos residents and government authorities as they work to balance economic need with the preservation of irreplaceable natural resources.

The field station is just steps from the ocean with coral reefs, barrier islands, mangroves, and seagrass beds within a three-mile radius.

You will be working closely with both IAP and SFS on this program. You can access the program's main information page through the SFS website to learn more about the academics, housing, excursions and activities, and location.

 

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

Request Information

Join our email list to receive program updates-including application notices, scholarship information, and more!

Eligibility

  • 2.8 cumulative GPA for semester programs; 2.6 cumulative GPA for summer programs

  • Previous college-level ecology, biology, earth science or environmental studies course required for semester program.

  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Marine Biology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Zoology

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Field Research Station

Program Duration

Fall: Mid-September - Mid-December
Spring: Early February - Early June
Summer I: Early June - Early July
Summer II: Early July - Early August

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2027-28 TBD Cost Details
Summer 2026 - [Session I: Fundamentals of Marine Conservation] 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2026 - [Session II: Marine Fauna] 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2026 - [Session I & II: June - August] 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 9/18/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2027 - [Session I: Fundamentals of Marine Conservation] 2/5/2027 Cost Details
Summer 2027 - [Session II: Marine Fauna] 2/5/2027 Cost Details
Summer 2027 - [Session I & II: June - August] 2/5/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

For specific details on the courses and academic structure of the program, visit the SFS program pages:

TCI Semester: Marine Resource Studies
TCI Summer I: Fundamentals of Marine Conservation
TCI Summer II: Marine Fauna

SFS research at this center focuses on the following themes:

  • Marine ecology and conservation
  • Climate change and ocean acidification
  • Approaches to sustainable tourism and fisheries
  • Marine resource management
  • Traditional island livelihoods
  • Coral health and resilience
  • Marine protected areas
  • Coastal management

View SFS' list of recent directed research projects per program site.

Below you will find the course equivalents listing for the program.

Affiliate Institution(s)

School for Field Studies

Program Web Pages

SFS TCI Programs

Foreign Courses

SFS TCI Summer 1 Course SFS TCI Summer 2 Course SFS TCI Semester Courses

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents