The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) is a research and education organization. The DCP Director, Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski, is a world-renowned dolphin communication and behavior specialist. As part of this program you will develop field research techniques including boat-based surveys, photo identification, and focal behavioral sampling. You will also learn about ecotourism and the human impact on the environment. The data collected in this course will become part of a longitudinal study on the wild populations of Atlantic spotted and the bottlenose dolphins. You will have the added bonus of having a research manager from DCP with you in the field.
Dates and Deadlines
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 2019 | 01/01/2019 | Rolling Admissions* | 05/31/2019 | 06/06/2019 |
Program Description
Need Help? Contact an advisor at 1-203-396-8028
The Bahamas is a well-developed, English-speaking Caribbean Commonwealth nation composed of hundreds of islands covering a territory approximately the size of California. Only 30 of its islands are actually inhabited, yet the islands dot the Atlantic Ocean from Florida almost to Haiti. The Bahamas has something for everyone — from vibrant city streets to tropical beaches. More importantly, the Bahamas is a perfect place to study dolphins in their natural habitat, particularly due to its abundance of the mammal, as well as the excellent water quality, which allows for more in-depth research.
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this orientation, further details about the course and program details will be discussed. The pre-departure orientation will be conducted at the end of April.
Summer 2019
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this orientation, further details about the course and program details will be discussed. The pre-departure orientation will be conducted at the end of April.
Summer 2019
- May 31st - June 6th
Bimini, the most westerly-inhabited island of the Bahamas, is located about 50 miles east of Miami and consists of a number of islands, islets, and cays, including North and South Bimini — the main tourist areas. A small island, Bimini is a place for those looking to escape from the noise and traffic of city life. Less than 7 mile long and only a few hundred yards wide, Bimini is known for big game fishing, SCUBA diving, mangroves, and of course, wild dolphins.
Prerequisites include:
Taught by Dr. Deirdre Yeater, this course will examine the behavioral and social ecology of coastal cetaceans, particularly Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. You will develop field research techniques including boat-based surveys, photo identification, and focal behavioral sampling. You will also learn about ecotourism and the human impact on the environment. The course will also improve your research techniques and scientific writing skills through completion of a group research project including hypothesis construction, data collection and analysis, and a written scientific report.
The first and last weeks of the course will take place online through the Sacred Heart University blackboard system, followed by 6 days on-site in Bimini. This cross-listed course will cover such topics as: behavioral and social ecology of cetaceans, dolphin species/interspecies interactions, research methods and observational studies (behavioral ethograms, photo-id, video-acoustic recordings), and ecotourism with regards to conservation, human/dolphin interactions, and dolphin cognition.
Dolphin Communication Program Presentation - Summer 2018
Also, check out the Dolphin Gazette for more information!
Course Credit
This course will count towards your general graduation total. This course will also factor into your cumulative Grade Point Average (course is not available for Pass/Fail). This course counts as LAE - Social and Global Awareness.
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
- Must be able to swim and willing to snorkel!
Taught by Dr. Deirdre Yeater, this course will examine the behavioral and social ecology of coastal cetaceans, particularly Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. You will develop field research techniques including boat-based surveys, photo identification, and focal behavioral sampling. You will also learn about ecotourism and the human impact on the environment. The course will also improve your research techniques and scientific writing skills through completion of a group research project including hypothesis construction, data collection and analysis, and a written scientific report.
The first and last weeks of the course will take place online through the Sacred Heart University blackboard system, followed by 6 days on-site in Bimini. This cross-listed course will cover such topics as: behavioral and social ecology of cetaceans, dolphin species/interspecies interactions, research methods and observational studies (behavioral ethograms, photo-id, video-acoustic recordings), and ecotourism with regards to conservation, human/dolphin interactions, and dolphin cognition.
Dolphin Communication Program Presentation - Summer 2018
Also, check out the Dolphin Gazette for more information!
Course Credit
This course will count towards your general graduation total. This course will also factor into your cumulative Grade Point Average (course is not available for Pass/Fail). This course counts as LAE - Social and Global Awareness.
Dr. Deirdre Yeater joined Sacred Heart University in the Fall of 2008. She enjoys teaching and incorporates her research and training experiences with marine mammals in her classes. Dr. Yeater encourages students to meet with her if interested in becoming involved in marine mammal cognition and behavior research.
Housing and meals will be included as part of your study abroad program fees
You will stay at Sea Crest Hotel and Marina, which is a locally owned and operated hotel. Standard hotel rooms have two double beds, bathroom, in-room refrigerator, showers, air conditioning, and TV. There will be two students to a room. Three group meals and snacks each day are included.
You will stay at Sea Crest Hotel and Marina, which is a locally owned and operated hotel. Standard hotel rooms have two double beds, bathroom, in-room refrigerator, showers, air conditioning, and TV. There will be two students to a room. Three group meals and snacks each day are included.
In addition to collecting data on the boat trips, you will also be able to take advantage of some of Bimini’s local culture. Excursions may include:
- A guided tour of the island to learn about history and culture, plus getting the chance to sample local cuisine
- A trip to the South Bimini nature trail, including a visit to a Shark Research Laboratory.
Please note: all costs subject to change.
Fees Include: Program orientation, arrival airport transfer, local program transportation, housing in shared accommodations, most meals, program excursions, and mandatory basic international health insurance.
Fees DO NOT Include: Travel to/ from host country, major medical insurance, on-site course fees, visa/ resident permit fees, program materials, or any personal expenses.
Additional Billing Information:
- All expenses are subject to change based upon currency fluctuations, flight demand, personal spending habits, etc. Actual expenses may be more or less than the listed estimates.
- There is no extra charge for students who would like to use rental snorkel gear. Gear (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided by the boat operator and is in good, working condition, however size availability is not guaranteed. Sizes may not be to your exact specifications. You are welcome to bring and use your own snorkel gear.
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to encourage you to study abroad, and to make a study abroad experience more accessible, the SHU Office of Global Affairs prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Please note that this is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. The OGA encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.
Please speak with Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply towards studying abroad.
Please ensure applications for the Welch Tuition Waiver, Thomas More Honors Program Scholarship, and/or Matthew R Dalling Scholarship are submitted by the specified deadline. Applications and corresponding deadlines can be found in your Study Abroad Account. Failure to submit applications by the specified deadline may cause the scholarship dispersal to be significantly delayed.
- If you receive scholarships, grants, or financial aid through SHU, these awards are posted to your Student Account according to the normal disbursement schedule.
Please contact the Office of Global Affairs directly for further information.
Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to encourage you to study abroad, and to make a study abroad experience more accessible, the SHU Office of Study Abroad prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Please note that this is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. The OGA encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.
Please contact Dr. Deirdre Yeater for more information.
Summer 2019
- May 31st - June 6th
Program Budget Sheet
Summer Budget Sheet for Summer: Dolphin Communication Project
| Budget Item | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHU tuition * | ||||
| Program fee * | ||||
| Contingency Fee * | ||||
| Registration fee * | ||||
| Student Accounts subtotal: | ||||
| Application fee | ||||
| Confirmation fee | ||||
| Transportation- International Airfare (Estimate) | ||||
| Personal expenses (Estimate) | ||||
| Non-billable subtotal: | ||||
| Total: | ||||
| Notes: | ||||
Summer 2019
All costs are subject to change. Confirmation Fee: You are required to submit a non-refundable $250 confirmation fee payable to “Sacred Heart University” two weeks after you approval to study abroad on a SHU Office of Global Affairs program. This confirmation fee secures your enrollment in SHU study abroad. The Sacred Heart University Student Accounts office will bill you for the following amounts:
SHU TUITION/PROGRAM/CONFIRMATION FEES INCLUDE: Program orientation, local program transportation and transportation to/from the airport, housing in shared accommodations, most meals, program excursions, and mandatory basic international health insurance
SHU TUITION/PROGRAM/CONFIRMATION FEES DO NOT INCLUDE: Travel to/from host country, additional meals and snacks, major medical insurance, visa/resident permit fees, and all personal expenses
Scholarships: Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to encourage you to study abroad, and to make a study abroad experience more accessible, the SHU Office of Global Affairs prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Please note that this is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. The OGA encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible. |
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| * Billable item | ||||
