Andros, Bahamas
Live on beachfront property, study on the crystal clear Caribbean waters, and earn your PADI Open and Advanced SCUBA certifications during a 6-week marine science program through the nonprofit, International Field Studies (IFS). Forfar Field Station, located on Andros, Bahamas, has been home to unique field study experiences for students since 1970 and IFS is thrilled to utilize the past 50 years of experience to support our very own program designed to give young adults a professional and academic experience of a lifetime. Students will partake in lecture based activities and land/sea excursions throughout the island as they explore the wonders of Andros as it is home to the highest concentration of blue holes in the world and bordering the 3rd largest fringing barrier reef. Students will earn internationally recognized certifications, a certificate of completion, and career guidance. Our 6-week program is offered at various times throughout each year, making it the perfect opportunity for those taking a Gap Year or semester off.
student scuba diving
Program Details
Ages: 18-24 years old
Length: ~6 weeks
Winter 2025 Cohort: January 13 - February 21, 2025
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
Fall 2025 Cohort: October 27 - December 5, 2025
Application Deadline: July 27, 2025
Winter 2026 Cohort: January 12 - February 20, 2026
Application Deadline: October 12, 2025
We also offer a 2 week condensed version of the program in the summer. For 16-17 yr olds you can check out our 1 week program.
Pricing:
$6,499.00 USD
Discounted rates for Bahamian residents available. Please note interest on your application.
Focus: Marine Science, Coastal Ecotourism, Island Ecology, Climate Change, Diving, Sea Kayaking.
Location: Forfar Field Station, Andros, Bahamas
Certifications you’ll receive: PADI Open Water, PADI Advanced Open Water, ACA Kayaking Certification, Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Leave No Trace (LNT)
Eligibility: Open to anyone (aged 18-24) with an interest in Marine Science. Open to US citizens and Non-US citizens. English speaking proficiency required. No specific school affiliation required. No previous SCUBA experience necessary.
College Credit: The option to earn credit for this program may be possible through a university/college you are currently enrolled in or by enrolling in Seattle Central College’s "Travel Study" course SSC297 or by applying to Wright State University’s “Study Abroad” course. Contact our office for more details.
student snorkeling
Program Overview
Our program has many different facets and will allow you to experience a true, immersive Marine-based field studies program with introduction to Ecotourism and the Bahamian Culture. We will also explore how Climate Change is specifically affecting the Coral Reef/Island Ecology and Ecosystem.
You’ll take classes from our qualified staff of Environmental Educators and Certified Instructors all while enjoying hands-on labs exploring the ocean, blue holes, and unique island ecology of Andros. As a recent college grad or post-high school student taking a Gap Year, this experience is sure to help you stand out as you start your career path.
Sample topics and activities that will be covered
Introduction to Marine Biology
Service Learning (invasive species control, mangrove restoration, etc.)
Bahamian Culture
Scuba Diving and Sea Kayaking
Island Ecology and Geology of The Bahamas
Reef Fish/Marine Invertebrates ID
Sustainable Fishing
Coral Reef Biology/Conservation
Mangroves
Blue hole water chemistry
Ecotourism
Read our Program Guide for a more detailed sample itinerary.
view from field station
Life on Island
Living at Forfar Field Station: You will be staying in rustic, cabin-style lodging along the beach. Cabins have 3-4 sets of bunk beds, electricity, fans, and a private bathroom with shower. The Forfar Lodge houses our Dining Hall, Classroom, and open living area. The Dining Hall is where all the meals take place at Forfar. We will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Most food allergies/dietary restrictions can be accommodated. You will have access to kayaks, beach volleyball, basketball, and swimming and snorkeling from the beach. Watch our Virtual Tour of the station for a first-hand look.
Living on Andros: Andros is the largest Bahamian Island but very sparsely populated and fairly undeveloped. Forfar Field Station is located in the middle of the island on the east coast and nearly 20 miles in either direction from the larger settlements on the island with a few establishments within walking distance. Read our About Andros Island blog post to learn more.
Deadline: Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis; first-come, first-serve based on student deposit payments once accepted. We are approaching capacity for all cohorts so we encourage students to apply ASAP or email us (support@intlfieldstudies.org) about availability.
Application
We are looking for passionate, driven individuals eager for personal and professional growth. No previous SCUBA or snorkeling experience necessary! We are here to help you gain the skills necessary to be the best version of yourself in your future career. We will be accepting applicants on a rolling basis and encourage applicants to apply early as spots fill up fast. There is no application fee. Email the IFS Program Coordinator with any questions support@intlfieldstudies.org.
Why Forfar Gap Year?
We’ve spent the past 20 years perfecting this program with partner universities to make sure we can give you the best experience possible. Universities and employers alike will be impressed to hear about your unique experience on Andros and you’ll learn invaluable skills to carry with you for the rest of your life. Check out these resources below for more perspectives on our Gap Year experience:
Read our blog post, 5 reasons parents worry about gap years (and why they shouldn’t)!
Read our blog post about Shelby, a former student turned dive instructor, who built a successful career after completing the Forfar Marine Science Program when it was affiliated with a partner university, Hocking College. Starting in 2019, we opened up the program to all students.
After opening up to students, the Forfar Marine Science Program was recognized for outstanding achievement by industry experts at GoAbroad.com when named a 2020 Finalist in the “Innovative New Program” category for Gap Year programs across the globe.
Email support@intlfieldstudies.org and we can connect you with one of our Student Ambassadors; Faith a Fall 2019 graduate, Isabel a Fall 2020 graduate, or Darwyn a Fall 2021 graduate who would all be happy to share their insider knowledge of what it’s like to complete the program. We can also connect parents with one of our Parent Ambassadors to share the experience from their point of view.
Forfar Field Station is Clean & Pristine certified by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Hotel Licensing Department. Forfar meets all the guidelines and mandates set out by The Bahamas Ministry of Health and will follow the protocols set by The Ministry of Health with regards to guest symptoms or exposure.
COST
Program Cost: $6,499
What’s included: Lodging, 3 meals a day, round trip flight from Nassau to Andros, ground transportation, all field trips and excursions, Dive, Kayak, WFA, and LNT certifications and instruction, and trip facilitators/environmental educators. Diving gear available includes: BCD, regulator, weights and belt. Job and resume assistance upon program completion.
What’s not included: Flight to Nassau, BS, health/travel/dive insurance, dive mask/snorkel/fins/wet suit, and the ACA membership fee.
Refund Policy: IFS has updated our refund policy to ease payment stress on participants. If any travel restrictions are put in place by any government entity preventing entry into The Bahamas then we guarantee the program fee is fully refundable (along with being transferable to the next available session).
Need-based Scholarship: IFS offers a need-based scholarship to students who belong to a family whose total household income does not exceed $100,000. After completing the Gap Year program online application, those indicating they are interested in learning more will receive an email with the scholarship application link. Apply early as scholarship funds are limited and given out on a rolling basis to those who qualify.
