Program not offered in 2021 due to COVID-19
Scholarships & Funding
Program Brochure
Contact the Program Director
Dr. Alex Cheroske
Life Science Department
P: 480-654-7303
Office: RDM S - 253
alexander.cheroske@mesacc.edu
Program Location Change
I
n 2020 the Study Abroad program, BIO 149AH will be moving to the Mediterranean and based in Nice, France. More information to come as it becomes available.
Look for Puerto Peñasco program in 2021!
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.
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
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Puerto Peñasco Program Details
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- 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
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 (2020). CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest.
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Estimated Program Costs & Deadlines
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Expense Type Estimated Cost Deadline Program Fee
Includes round trip transportation by van, field trips, lodging in the dormitories of Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO), secondary medical insurance, and daily breakfast & lunch.$TBA Program Fee Due: TBA
$150 Confirmation Deposit (towards total program fee) Due: upon acceptance
Confirmation deposit is non-refundable after the program fee payment deadline.
Registration Fee
Tuition: 1 credit
In-state: $85 per credit hour
Out-of-state: $205 per credit hour$15
$85
Registration for Summer term begins in March.
Tuition Due: Upon registration for courses
If not a current MCC student, you must admit yourself to MCC prior to registering for courses.
For tuition payment options, visit:
For payment assistance, call 480.461.7400 or contact .
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 $ (program fee, tuition, transportation and most meals) ADDITIONAL COSTS Textbooks
There are no textbooks required.$0 Passport Passport Info Here
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 website for current fees and processing times.Program Application Deadline TBA
Late applications will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Complete online .
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.Space is limited. Apply early to reserve your place!
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Scholarships and Funding Your Program
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Title Date(s) More Information Deadline: Friday, February 14, 2020
11:59 pm MSTMaximum Award: $1,000
Get information on financial aid & grants, scholarships, and misc. resources for study abroad here.
PRIOR to applying for a scholarship, student must:
- Be accepted into the program you are a applying for a scholarship to
- Pay the program deposit of $250 online, at Cashier Services, or by calling 480.461.7400.
2020 Study Abroad Scholarship: link TBA
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Information Sessions & Mandatory Orientation
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