When you choose to enroll in marine biology study abroad, you may discover innovative research and guidance about diverse marine ecosystems in various countries throughout the world. Join in the world-class research that is conducted on salt marshes, environmentally clean beaches, coral reefs, and more at teaching facilities and research locations. You might want to take part in specialized dive training and field research methods that could lead to certification. You may also spend a summer investigating theoretical concepts in conservation and coral reef ecology through field trips to coral reef ecosystems and interactive lectures.

Marine Biology Study Abroad Options

A variety of marine biology study abroad programs exist in several different countries, including Australia, the Caribbean, Sri Lanka, and throughout Europe, spanning the countries linguistically, culturally, and regionally. Most locations offer marine biology courses abroad in a variety of disciplines such as local cultural studies. Many programs consist of extensive field research, laboratory studies, and lectures. Their semitropical environments equip students with year-round access to a variety of pelagic, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems, including beaches, coastal sand dunes, seagrass meadows, oyster reefs, and salt marshes.

Depending on your current study program, it might be a good idea to examine options for an international marine biology study abroad program. For instance, you might complete your current education program and choose to pursue a graduate degree in marine biology abroad. Some marine biology graduate programs abroad may offer various completion schedules and fees than domestic programs and offer you a once in a lifetime international experience. If you are contemplating pursuing a marine biology degree internationally, studying abroad at one of the many marine biology colleges in the world makes complete sense and may provide you the global contacts and network to satisfy your career objectives.

International Marine Biology Study Abroad Programs

Many marine biology internships abroad assign students to homestay with a local host family. However, during field research, you may be accommodated in other locations. By spending time with your host family, local peers, and other international students, you may be able to integrate into the local culture and gain support with housing, academics, safety, and other issues. If you are curious about seabirds and turtles, you may want to consider a marine biology study abroad program in Australia. For an ocean adventure to see the mangroves in Bonaire, marine biology study abroad programs in the Caribbean are ideal, home to some of the most diverse and pristine marine habitats in the world. Many programs in Europe might also satisfy your desire to study marine biology abroad.

During a marine biology study abroad program, students may develop skills for documenting and interpreting the environment of coral reefs and associated ecosystems. By focusing on theoretical concepts in coral reef ecology and conservation, you may also learn to identify various organisms, including corals and reef fish, and their behavioral interactions.

Types of Marine Biology Study Abroad Programs

As always, when considering where to study marine biology, consider the types of program available. For instance, do you want to enroll with a U.S.-based study abroad program provider or directly at a foreign university?  Do you want to go abroad for a few weeks, the summer, a semester, or a year? Semester, quarter, summer, full academic year, and intensive two-week, three-week, and month-long programs are available in most locations. Are you more comfortable studying marine biology in a culture that is familiar to you, or are you seeking immersion in an exotic setting? These are all great questions to help you explore options and determine which program is a good fit. Feel free to visit our Resources section if you need more help examining any of these questions.