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Roatán, Honduras

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THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED   
                                

"In the spring semester of 2010, I participated in the New Europe Program in Bonn, Germany. I saw firsthand how great the experience of studying abroad was, and especially how well the programs are coordinated by LMU. I had no doubts in my mind that studying abroad in Roatán, Honduras would be any different. Although it was my first experience with scuba, I became instantly attached to diving on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. I never thought I would have a chance to dive with dolphins, sharks, turtles, moray eels, and grouper. Although I am not a science major, I developed an in-depth understanding of the workings of the reef, and could identify its flora and fauna. The diving, coupled with the world class accommodations, warm Caribbean sunsets, and great friends made Roatán an unforgettable experience."

Robert Konkel
Roatán, Honduras Summer Program
Summer 2010		    


Program Description


This program familiarizes students with the basic concepts in tropical marine ecosystems with an emphasis on coral reefs. This includes scientific examination of the common biota and their ecological relationships. Studies of coral reefs will help students understand the coral reefs' importance in global biodiversity and their role as indicators of climate change. In accordance with the Jesuit tradition of LMU, students will also be doing an environmental service project during the course.

Courses are taught by Dr. Roy S. Houston from the LMU Biology Department.  Houston has spent many summers doing marine research in the region and has been involved in long-term reef monitoring studies on the local coral reef system. In addition, there will be guest lectures by staff at the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences.


Location

 

This program is held at the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences, on the northwest coast of Isla Roatán. Students will be housed at Anthony’s Key Resort, adjacent to the institute. Much of the island coastline lies within the jurisdiction of the Roatán Marine Park, a protected reserve for countless species of marine and near-shore life. Roatán, the largest of the Bay Islands, is 30 miles off the north coast of Honduras. It is surrounded by close-in fringing and barrier coral reefs, which are part of the Meso-American reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. Roatán is a tropical island with mean air temperatures from 77 to 84 degrees and sea temperatures in the low 80’s. Rainfall averages 80 inches, however the island is out of the main hurricane belt.

Roatan students boat