ENVI 25 Sustainable Eleuthera
Prof. Sarah Gardner, Center for Environmental Studies, Kellogg Room
[email protected]
The main focus of the course is environmental sustainability. While living and studying at a school (the Island School), and an environmental research facility (the Cape Eleuthera Institute), students will learn sustainable methods of resource management using the island as a classroom. We will consider how the island can become self-sustaining while protecting its fragile natural resource base.
Evaluation: Students will be evaluated on their active and engaged participation in field trips, site visits, meetings, and on their group projects and presentations. Students will also prepare and present a group presentation to the Williams community at a Log Lunch scheduled for February 2008.
Enrollment limit: 10. Not open to first-year students. Preference to Envi concentrators and students with a demonstrated interest in environmental studies or sustainability. Students must commit to taking the class via email so air tickets can be purchased air; once committed, students are responsible for air fare even if they decide not to go.
Cost (approx.): $2870 (max.) Cost will fluctuate depending on air fare. This includes air fare, ride to and from Bradley airport, room and board at the Island School, 3-day Eleuthera trip, spending money, and unexpected small expenses.
Living Situation:
Students will stay in group dorm rooms at the Island School, which is a study away program for high school kids, which is not in session during January. There will be some staff there as well as some students from other colleges as other students and visiting faculty and staff working on various projects.The accommodations are simple and sparse yet clean and adequate. The meals are healthy and communal. The location is remote: the school is in an isolated part of the island. There are no stores or restaurants, there will be no clubbing or partying, and there is no transportation to other parts of the island (although we will be going on field trips to other areas). There are nice places to jog, walk and bike (there are communal bikes) around the southern tip of the island and there is swimming right off the school beach as well. There are sharks in Eleuthera, but the locals and the people at the Island School are not concerned about them and swim anyway. Your down time can include running, walking, swimming, biking, reading, volleyball, computing (the school has computers and wireless network—not always working), and any group activities you can get going! There’s no cell service but email is often working and there’s a phone number at the school for your family to reach you in an emergency.
Travel:
-Travel dates: Depart Jan. 4; Return Jan. 20. -We will travel to and from Bradley airport (Hartford) by van from campus. -The last leg of the flight will likely be a small propeller plane: if this is a problem for you, please be mentally prepared or do not take the course. -US citizens will need a passport that has over 6 months remaining as of Jan. 1, 2008. You must submit to me a xerox copy of your passport with your course application. If you do not have a passport, you may not be able to get one in time, even with expedited service. -Non-US citizens will need a visa
Weather: Weather in January is between 62-77 degrees and water temps are about 72. There’s a cool breeze. There are often little sand fleas that bite—bug spray recommended.
Packing List:
Medical/personal: You must bring any prescriptions and over the counter medicines you could possibly need for the duration of the trip. Be sure to bring medicine for diarrhea (pepto bismol), allergies, headache, anti-itch cream, antibiotic ointment, bandaids, contact lenses, extra glasses, and anything else you may need including special food needs, eg: chocolate! Woman: tampax and pads. Bring bug repellent with DEET (not environmentally correct but you do not want to get mosquito bites because of malaria and dengue fever risk). Remember: THERE IS NO SHOPPING so you must anticipate all of your needs!
Clothing: Bring comfortable summer clothes: work clothes, exercise clothes, swimsuit, towels, one or two decent outfits for field trips. If you like to snorkel: fins, snorkel and mask. Water and breeze can be chilly, so you might want a long sleeve rash guard or short wetsuit for swimming.
Medical:
• Each student is encouraged to make an appointment with the College Health Service to ensure that you’re current with all immunizations and tetanus shots. They also recommend a physical, for which there is no charge.
• No Vaccinations are required, the following are recommended by the Center for Disease Control: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid. As soon as you are confirmed on this trip, you should see the Health Services if you wish to get immunizations as they take a month to become fully effective. (VERIFY)
• There is no medical care on Eleuthera. There is an EMT at the school but no doctor or hospital. In medical emergencies, people are evaluated by air ambulance to Miami. If you have a life- threatening medical condition that may require emergency care, you should seriously consider whether or not it is wise to take this trip.
• Evacuation insurance: Students are covered by the College’s International SOS plan, which covers emergency air evacuation. Students must purchase an SOS card. Details to follow.
Cost (all amounts are approximate at this time): (assuming 10 students) Flight: $850 Van: $35 Room and board: $1760
Island trip (room and board) $150 Unanticipated expenses/spending money: $75 Total (subject to revision based on variable air fare): 2870
Eligibility:
-First year students are ineligible for travel winter study courses. -Priority will be given to Environmental Studies Concentrators and students with a demonstrated interest in environmental studies and sustainability -All applicants will be interviewed by the instructor