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, 2018
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 (2017). 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 |
$888 |
Program Fee Due: March 23, 2018 |
|
Registration Fee Tuition: 1 credit |
$15 $86 |
Tuition Due: 35 days prior to course start date Registration begins in March. |
| 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 | $1,139 | (program fee, tuition, transportation and most meals) |
| ADDITIONAL COSTS | ||
| Textbooks There are no textbooks required. |
$0 | |
| Passport (new) |
$135 | Please allow up to 6 weeks for processing. |
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 |
|---|---|---|
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TUESDAYS: 1:30-2:15 pm September 12 & 26, 2017 Location WEDNESDAYS: 6-6:45 pm September 13 & 27, 2017 Location |
Financial Aid Workshops from 2:15-3:15 pm following Tuesday Info Sessions. For financial aid information, contact Juan Carlos Sanchez at 480.461.7312. Fast Tracking the Dream to College Completion In order to qualify for the Fast Tracking the Dream IDA accounts for the 2018 study abroad programs, you must be enrolled by October 31, 2017. For infomation, contact A New Leaf at 480.833.9200 and ask to speak with an IDA representative. Space is limited so apply early! |
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MONDAYS 12:30-1:15 pm September 11 & 25, 2017 Location THURSDAYS 1:45-2:30 PM September 14 & 28, 2017 Location |
Financial Aid Workshops at Red Mountain from 1:15-2:15 pm following Monday Info Sessions. Fast Tracking the Dream to College Completion |
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Friday, February 16, 2018 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 (Scholarship applications will open in October.) |
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Friday, March 1, 2018 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! |
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Friday, March 23, 2018 |
Program Fee Deadline: March 23, 2018 Tuition Deadline: 35 days prior to course start date |
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Saturday, April 7, 2018 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. |