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Caribbean Islands—Communication

Earn four credits in two classes while exploring St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

COM3065: Internatural Communication (3 credits)
PHE1168: Beginning Boating Skills (1 credit)

 

 

Program Map

Map showing location of U S V I St Croix in relationship to North America

 

Program Leaders

Portrait photo of Lee Crocker
Academic Director:
Lee Crocker


Program Director:
Clark Johnson

 

 

Considerations

Consider the following to determine if this course is right for your learning style.

Free time/Independence: LOW
The program itinerary is highly structured and students will have some, but not many, opportunities to explore on their own.

Physical Demands: HIGH
This program includes physical work on a ship and a farm, and may include hiking, kayaking, and other activities. Students concerned about physical limitations are encouraged to talk with the study abroad office and program leaders early.

Transitions: HIGH
This program moves around a lot: a week on campus followed by several short stays in different locations in St. Croix.

Stimuli: HIGH
This program includes lots of contact with nature: varying weather conditions, a boat at sea, and various animals, large and small.

Join us in January for an exciting program in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Learn about humans’ relationship with nature and animals—and learn to sail while spending several nights aboard the schooner Roseway!

Prerequisites

  • Good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or above)
  • Successful completion of WRT1011, EDU1011, and a 2000-level Communications course
  • OR permission of the department chair, Eric Matte
  • NOTE: students who have taken COM2061, Animal & Human Communication, are not eligible to take this course.

Dates

This course follows the J-term 2022 schedule: the course starts on campus on January 3. After the first week, the group will fly together to St. Croix and return to campus at the end of J-term, January 20.

Program Overview

Primary goal: to explore and analyze the relationships between humans and nature

  • Spend approximately 5 days on the Schooner Roseway exploring how it feels to be “unplugged” from personal technology.
  • Study societal beliefs about the environment and animals, and look at economic and relational factors that have shaped our views of nature.
  • Focus on communication and relationships with animals including wildlife, pets, service animals, and farm animals.

Important Notes

  • This program does NOT require a passport, since St. Croix is part of the United States
  • All students will learning sailing skills and be part of daily rotations/watches while under sail and at anchor.
  • Program requires the ability to get in/out of small boats & climb ladders, and willingness to live in tight, co-ed facilities while on board Roseway.
  • There is no smoking or alcohol consumption on the boat.
  • Please see “Considerations” in the sidebar for additional information about the program’s structure.

Resources

Travel Information

  • This program begins on campus during J-term 2022. All students must arrive on campus by January 2, following guidance from Residence Life staff. The group will return to campus at the end of the program, on Thursday, January 20.
  • The itinerary and program fee include a group flight from Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT, to Henry E Rohlsen airport in St. Croix, USVI. All students and at least one program leader will travel on this flight.

Program Cost

Fees for this program total $6,500 (J-Term tuition, room and board of $6,370 plus an additional program fee of $130) and include:

  • 2 courses (4 credits total)
  • Group flights
  • In-country transportation
  • Field trips and housing
  • Some group meals, and all meals while on board the Roseway
  • Meal stipend for meals that are not included.

Student spending can vary depending on the individual. Additional costs are estimated at about $500 and include:

  • Free time activities
  • Laundry
  • Souvenirs, gifts, etc.
  • Some meals

*Limited financial aid is available; contact Michael Mertes, Director of Financial Aid.

Program Documents

Program documents, including a handbook and syllabus, will be posted here in late November.

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