Program Brochure
Contact the Program Director
Dr. Alex Cheroske
Life Science Department
P: 480-654-7303
Office: RDM S - 253
alexander.cheroske@mesacc.edu
A valid passport book or card is required to travel to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. Passport Info Here
Program Location
Puerto Peñasco is located on the Sea of Cortez (our nearest ocean experience) which has one of the best intertidal expanses in the world!
Our destination is a little over 60 miles from the US border which makes the seaside city an easy 3 1/2 hours drive from Phoenix.
May 14 - 21, 2019
This introduction to Marine Biology, designed for the non-major, will take you to the Sea of Cortez (our nearest ocean experience), which has one of the best intertidal expanses in the world! At low tide, as much as 300 feet of what was once covered by the sea is exposed. Students will study the area between the tides and collect both plant and animal specimens, which will be studied under the microscope. Students will take part in an ongoing scientific survey of intertidal organisms in local habitats.
Depending on the timing of the best tides, the dates of the program may vary from year to year.
Did You Know?
- Mexico has the largest population of Spanish speakers in the world.
- Mexico City is one of the world's largest cities.
- Mexicans drink more carbonated beverages than any other citizens in the world.
- As many as one hundred indigenous languages are still spoken in parts of Mexico.
- Read more detailed cultural information on Mexico provided by CultureGrams™
Mexico (2019). CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest.
Puerto Peñasco Excursions
- Bird-watching while kayaking through the Morua Estuary
- Take part in a bird census of the endangered California least tern and their nesting colony near a local estuary
- Lecture on whales at The Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO)
- Boat trip to Isla de San Jorge (Bird Island) to view, snorkel or possibly scuba dive* with a sea lion colony
- *additional cost for scuba diving
- Guided visit to Trona salt mines
- Group excursions to explore the town of Puerto Peñasco during the evenings.
Courses Offered (1 credit)
- BIO149AH Field Marine Biology in Mexico (1)
- Instructor: Dr. Alex Cheroske
Estimated Program Costs
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
Program Fee |
$994 |
Program Fee Due: March 22, 2019 |
|
Registration Fee Tuition: 1 credit |
$15 $85 |
Registration for Summer begins in March. Register prior to March 22, 2019 Tuition Due: Upon registration for course. For payment options, visit: www.maricopa.edu/become-a-student/tuition-paying/payment-options |
| Airfare (estimated cost) Transportation is by van - no airfare required. |
$0 | |
|
Meals (estimate) Daily breakfast & lunch included. Dinners are NOT included. |
$150 | Not needed until you arrive in Mexico! |
| TOTAL Estimated Costs | $1,244 | (program fee, tuition, transportation and most meals) |
| ADDITIONAL COSTS | ||
| Textbooks There are no textbooks required. |
$0 | |
| Passport Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of your return to the USA. Passport cards are acceptable for the Puerto Peñasco program since there is no international air travel. Pricing is $65 for new applicants and $30 for renewals. |
$145/110 (new/renewal) |
Be sure to allow at least 6 weeks of processing time for first time applicants and renewals. Visit the U.S. Department of State Students Abroad website for current fees and processing times. |
Passport Information Available Here
Puerto Peñasco Program Details
- PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The daily excursions can include walking, hiking, and climbing on uneven surfaces such as sand, mud, and rock, both in and out of the water. The kayaking adventure requires a moderate level of upper arm and core body strength. Participants will be out in the sun every day.
- Between tides, students will collect specimens from the rocky intertidal area and compare with specimens found in a sandy intertidal area.
- If you are a certified scuba diver, there will be time for diving*. If you are NOT certified, and would like to explore the sport, a divemaster in the area will arrange this experience for an extra fee. Notify the Program Director if you are interested.
- *additional cost for scuba diving
Dates to Remember
| Title | Date(s) | More Information |
|---|---|---|
|
SOUTHERN & DOBSON |
TUESDAYS: 1:30-2:15 pm WEDNESDAYS: 12-12:45 pm |
Financial Aid Workshops at Southern & Dobson Financial Aid FAQS Fast Tracking the Dream to College Completion In order to qualify for the Fast Tracking the Dream IDA accounts for the 2019 study abroad programs, you must be enrolled by October 31, 2018. For infomation, contact A New Leaf at 480.833.9200 and ask to speak with an IDA representative. |
|
RED MOUNTAIN |
MONDAYS 11-11:45 am THURSDAYS 12:30-1:15 pm |
Financial Aid Workshops at Red Mountain Financial Aid FAQS Fast Tracking the Dream to College Completion |
|
Friday, February 15, 2019 Maximum Award: $400 |
Get information on financial aid & grants, scholarships, and misc. resources for study abroad here. Student must be accepted into a program PRIOR to applying for a scholarship. Study Abroad Scholarship for Puerto Peñasco |
|
| MCC Honors Program Study Abroad Scholarship |
Friday, February 15, 2019 Maximum Award: $500 |
Must be in the Mesa Community College Honors Program. Awards announced in March. Applications are due by February 15, 2019 to the Honors Office. For more information, call 480.461.7143. |
|
Friday, March 1, 2019 Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
Complete online application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Space is limited. Apply early to reserve your place! |
|
|
Friday, March 22, 2019 |
Program Fee Deadline: March 22, 2019 Tuition Deadline: Upon registration for courses |
|
|
Saturday, April 6, 2019 9 am - 2 pm Room LB145 in the Elsner Library at the Southern & Dobson campus. |
You must attend the mandatory study abroad orientation! There may be additional required meetings for your specific program. Contact the Program Director for details. |