Course Description

Hidden Gems of Florida

In this travel course, students have an opportunity to explore two of Florida’s treasures: the everglades and the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary. Students work and live alongside a group of resident marine biologists and environmental educators on Big Pine Key as they “dive-into” an experiential learning journey of its reef system. These experts from the Newfound Harbor Marine Institute are committed to educating our students about the beauty and intricacies of this ecosystem in an effort to build environmental stewardship. As part of this training, students participate in several research projects and learning service programs focused on understanding human impact issues in this area. 

After spending time on the shores, students travel to the Florida Everglades where they live in chickee huts on the Seminole Reservation and explore Big Cypress Swamp by boat. Working with resident herpetologists students learn about the ecosystem’s venomous snakes and alligators. Students tour the Ah Tha Thi Ki museum to learn about the Seminole culture, as well tribe members share stories and legends from their past. Further cultural explorations occur in Key West where students partake in a trolley tour that introduces to legends of pirates, stories of Hemmingway and an opportunity to celebrate in the island’s nightly sunset festival.