Program Details
Location
Roatan,
Honduras
Term
Winter Break
Housing
Hotel
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
2.5
About
Coral reefs are some of the most diverse habitats on the planet, providing food and shelter to the corals themselves, other invertebrates, and a diverse community of fishes. They support complex interactions among members. Their proximity to shore in relatively shallow clear water makes them attractive to humans, but also highly susceptible to negative human impacts.
Spend two weeks in Roatan, home to some of the best reefs on the planet, learning about coral reefs and how to study them. Expand your diving skills to better appreciate and be prepared to study these spectacular systems. Learn about, and possibly investigate, human impacts on reefs and mitigation and protection strategies. You will also learn a bit about the history and culture of Honduras and Roatan and have the chance to interact with a diverse array of persons from around the world.
Updated Sept. 25th, 2025: You are welcome and encouraged to apply to the program even without a scuba diving certification or scuba diving referral form. If you do not have scuba diving experience, you should obtain either certification or referral form by late October, but no later than 18 November, 2025. Reach out to Anna DeWitt for more information.
You must be scuba certified to participate in this program. You can complete your scuba certification one of two ways:
- obtain certification prior to traveling to Roatan, or,
- complete your certification (open water dives only) during the program in Roatan.
In all cases, you must have obtained at least a referral form from an ISO recognized certification agency prior to being accepted into the program. See the apply section for more information.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
Stay at a resort on an island that caters to scuba divers. You will live in shared housing with other program participants. Most meals are included at the resort.
Excursions
Excursions may include:
- Dives with varying foci- some days include multiple dives
- Night dives
- Roatan Museum
- Dolphin swim
- Tour of animal care facility
- Visit to coral nursery
Draft Itinerary
Note: This is a draft itinerary and is subject to change at any time.
| Day & Date | Morning Itinerary | Afternoon Itinerary | Evening Itinerary |
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| Day 1: Saturday, January 3, 2026 |
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| Day 2: Sunday, January 4, 2026 |
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| Day 3: Monday, January 5, 2026 |
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| Day 4: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 |
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| Day 5: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 |
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| Day 6: Thursday, January 8, 2026 |
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| Day 7: Friday, January 9, 2026 |
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| Day 8: Saturday, January 10, 2026 |
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| Day 9: Sunday, January 11, 2026 |
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| Day 10: Monday, January 12, 2026 |
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| Day 11: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 |
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| Day 12: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 |
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| Day 13: Thursday, January 15, 2026 |
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| Day 14: Friday, January 16, 2026 |
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| Day 15: Saturday, January 17, 2026 |
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Accessibility
If you have a disability and plan to study abroad, visit our Accessibility Abroad page to learn about considerations, answer questions, and request accommodations before you go abroad.
Faculty & Staff
This program is led by Ray Newman ([email protected]), Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Marine Biology Minor and faculty member in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Biology, and Rachael Kaspar ([email protected]), Department of Ecology, Evolution & Behavior.
Program Structure
Program Level
4000-level coursework
Courseload
One 2-credit course
This seminar has all instruction abroad during January 2026. It is a 2+ week study abroad program led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that features:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Coursework
The goal of this course is to provide an academically relevant and enjoyable hands-on field and scuba diving experience that instills a basic understanding of, and interest in, the nature and conservation of coral reefs. Specifically, you will learn about contemporary coral reef biology and ecology and how to conduct surveys and research on coral reefs.
Learn about the biology, ecology, and human impacts on coral reef systems from lectures and firsthand observations while diving. Understand how to identify key members of coral reef systems and how they interact. Then use that knowledge to conduct surveys of and research on Caribbean coral reefs and apply that knowledge via a group project whose results you share with the class.
While abroad, each morning will begin with a lecture on the topic for that day followed by 1–2 dives. In the afternoon, another dive will be conducted, or a lecture and site visit will occur on another topic. In the evenings, we will do a debrief including photo sharing and discuss plans for the following day or week.
Diving into Coral Reef Ecology syllabus
Assessment
Assessment for the course will include photo identification quizzes, an objectives paper, Field ID practicum photo and evening photo share, a group project proposal, presentation, and data report, journal reflections, and participation and professionalism.
Prerequisites
Updated Sept. 25th, 2025: You are welcome and encouraged to apply to the program even without a scuba diving certification or scuba diving referral form. If you do not have scuba diving experience, you should obtain either certification or referral form by late October, but no later than 18 November, 2025. Reach out to Anna DeWitt for more information.
You must be a certified open water scuba diver or have a recent referral (online e-learning plus all confined water skills completed and approved) to participate in this program. Certification and referrals must be from a recognized organization (PADI or SSI if from UofM). If you are certified but have not dove within the past 12 months, you must take a refresher or reactivate course prior to departure. The program leaders can work with you to ensure compliance and must see certification cards or plan for confined water completion prior to being registered. You should also have DAN membership and DAN dive insurance (Divers Alert Network), or insurance from one of the groups recommended by RIMS.
Sustainability
The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into our programs. This course can be tied to multiple Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:
- #14 Life Below Water—Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. Sharks and coastal marine systems are key components of this SDG. We will directly and indirectly address a number of the indicators and targets in the class, including managing and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, regulating and managing fisheries and harvest, and promoting artisanal fisheries.
- #8 Decent Work & Economic Growth—As it relates to development and sustainable tourism.
- #10 Reduced Inequalities—Our interaction with residents and local communities exposes students to consideration of ways to reduce inequality within and among countries.
Receive credit for: BIOL 4596
Prerequisites: Certified scuba diver or class and pool completed with Open Water referral to get certified in Roatan
BIOL 4596 is approved for:
- An upper-division elective for the Marine Biology Minor (2 credits) and complements BIOL 4591 Coral Reef Ecology
- A BIOL 4596 is all approved as a major elective for Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior majors/minors
- A life sciences upper-division elective for Biochemistry majors/minors
- A STEM elective for Microbiology majors/minors
- A major elective (additional elective) for Biology majors/minors
- A major elective (Other Elective Option) for Cellular and Organismal Physiology majors/minors
Academic Registration
If confirmed, you will be registered for your course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.
If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Program Term | Program Dates | Application Deadline | Confirmation Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Break 2026 | January 3–17, 2026 | October 2nd, 2025 by 5 p.m. | October 3rd, 2025 by 8 a.m. |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 15 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. This program may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Information Sessions
Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our event page.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Sept. 9th** | 12:00 p.m. | Hybrid. (Learning and Environmental Sciences 220, Saint Paul Campus) Register here. **This info session will dive into more detail about the program and provide an opportunity to meet the leaders. |
| Tuesday, Sept 9th | 3:00 p.m. | Hybrid. (Molecular and Cellular Biology 3-104N, East Bank). Register here. |
Friday, Sept. 19th | 12:00 p.m. | Zoom only. Register here. |
| Monday, Sept. 22nd | 4:00 p.m. | Online only. Register here. |
| Wednesday, Sept. 24th | 11:00 a.m. | Hybrid (Heller Hall 230C, West Bank). Register here. |
| Thursday, Sept. 25th | 8:30 a.m. | Hybrid (Heller Hall 230C, West Bank). Register here. |
Orientation Dates & Locations
The Learning Abroad Center facilitates a pre-departure orientation in collaboration with your program leader(s) in addition to any additional orientation sessions scheduled by your program leader(s). It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.
Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:
- Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
- LAC Seminar Pre-departure Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory. The discussion post is due before your LAC Program Orientation meeting.
- LAC Program Orientation: Program details and important UofM information will be covered (finances, health & safety, policies, insurance, etc.). This will be scheduled in collaboration with your program leader(s). Details will be sent to you via email from the LAC and/or your program leader(s). This is a mandatory meeting. **For embedded programs, this will likely be one of your class dates prior to departure.**
- Program Leader Orientation(s): Your program leader(s) will schedule 1–3 additional orientation sessions prior to departure. These will cover academic requirements and preparation, final travel and program logistics, cultural knowledge, and more. Details will be sent to you via email from your program leader(s). These are mandatory meetings. **For embedded programs, these will likely be included in your class dates prior to departure.**
The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:
Fees
The cost of participation can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. The program fee generally includes tuition, group flight airfare, airport transfers, in-country program related transportation, housing, most meals, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, program administration, and international health insurance. This program will also include a number of dives and marine park entrances. You must also budget for diving gear (rental costs or baggage fees to transport your own gear), passport and passport photos, some meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses. A detailed breakdown of the program cost and the additional costs listed will be provided soon.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
Fischer Study Abroad Scholarship
Special funding is available if you are a first-year student through the Gerald B. & Catherine L. Fischer Study Abroad Scholarship.
Additional Scholarship Opportunity for Passport Funding
Students on a 2025–26 winter break, May, and summer Learning Abroad Center Seminar who apply for and are awarded the Gopher Study Abroad Scholarship during the Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 scholarship application cycles will receive an additional $500. No additional scholarship application is required. Eligible students who are awarded a Gopher Study Abroad Scholarship will automatically be considered while funding remains. This award is funded by the generous support of WorldStrides, an LAC partner organization.
This program is considered part of spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Bridging Loan
Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
Winter Break 2026
Diving into Coral Reef EcologyWinter Break 2026 |
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Program Fee
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| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $4,384 |
| International health insurance | $38 |
| Housing and/or mealsAll meals included, except for breakfast and lunch on arrival day and lunch and dinner on departure day | $923 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $1,425 |
| Total Program Fee | $7,170 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $7,170 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
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| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program site | $0 |
| Passport/photos | $175 |
| Visa/required documents | $0 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations*Optional travel clinic visit | $50 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $225 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materialsCosts may vary. See the diving gear budget on the fees page for more information. Diving gear, additional luggage costs, diving insurance, etc. | $1,907 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feemeals not included: breakfast and lunch on arrival day, and lunch and dinner on departure day. Specialty drinks (i.e. specialty coffees, etc.) are not included. | $100 |
| Essential daily living expensesInternational phone plan and one checked bag, etc. | $185 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $2,192 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
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| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $9,587 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $150 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Diving Gear Cost Details
The table below provides estimates for the diving gear and additional costs you may need to budget for. These costs are based on estimates. Actual costs on site may be different and you may be able to purchase used gear before the program starts, if you do not already own it.
| Cost Name | Estimated Amount To Rent | Estimated Amount to Purchase (if not already owned) |
|---|---|---|
| Rental BC and Regulator | $370–472 (including tax) ** | Option to purchase in advance of program |
| Rental Wetsuit | $138 (including tax) ** | Option to purchase in advance of program |
| Rental Dive light | $35–69 (including tax) ** | Option to purchase in advance of program |
| Rental Dive Computer | $138 (including tax) ** | Option to purchase in advance of program |
| Nitrox (only if Nitrox certified) | $322 (including tax) ** | N/A |
| Mask, fins, and snorkle | N/A | $150–250 |
| Booties | N/A | $50 |
| Rash guard | N/A | $20 |
| Mesh gear bag | N/A | $12 |
| Second checked bag for personal diving gear | N/A | $45 |
| Scuba referral check off dives* (only if you plan to complete certification during the program) | N/A | $300 (including tax) |
| DAN Insurance | N/A | $75 |
| Optional diving/underwater camera | N/A | $75–500 |
*We recommend budgeting an additional 10-15% for tips for on-site staff helping students complete to referral check off dives
** Prices based on higher end of potential costs. Cheaper options may be available, particularly if you choose to buy used gear in advance of the program.
Prepare
Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
Apply
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
- Upload proof of scuba certification OR a valid scuba referral form from an ISO recognized certification agency
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
Diving Specific Requirements
Updated Sept. 25th, 2025: You are welcome and encouraged to apply to the program even without a scuba diving certification or scuba diving referral form. If you do not have scuba diving experience, you should obtain either certification or referral form by late October, but no later than 18 November, 2025. Reach out to Anna DeWitt for more information.
You are required to show proof of scuba certification OR a valid scuba referral form from an ISO recognized certification agency before being admitted into the program.
If you are not able to show proof of certification or a valid referral form, you will be conditionally admitted into the program and placed on a waitlist on a first-come-first serve basis.
If you are conditionally admitted, you can be fully admitted into the program by submitting proof of certification or a valid referral form later, on a first-come-first serve basis. We strongly recommend that you upload proof of certification or a valid referral form to your application checklist no later than 8 a.m. on October 3rd, 2025.
Diving certification agencies and the resort in Honduras will also require you to show proof of medical clearance prior to diving. We strongly recommend that you work with a diving certification agency and your doctor to ensure that you meet health requirements for diving. An example of a medical form for diving is provided in the application.
General Requirements
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Anna DeWitt at [email protected],
or call at
612.626.2234.