FAQs

Who is this program designed for and how is it different than your other trips?

The Dolphin Studies program is designed for participants who have an academic interest in marine mammals and the underwater world and want to delve deeper into the world of marine biology. High school and/or college academic credit is available, so there are requirements that you'll generally only find on Academic Treks trips such as class time, field journals and tests. Lectures and marine research are complemented by dives, snorkels and field studies. You will learn a lot on this program, and you have tons of fun doing it!

What will the academics be like?

Because Dolphin Studies is accredited by Lesley University as a college course, you can expect to participate in academic activities such as lectures and assisting with ongoing research projects. This program requires completion of exams, data collection and synthesis, a presentation, journals and service work. The academic work is designed to include both experiential and traditional learning, so while you will spend some mornings in a classroom listening to a lecture, you will also spend a significant amount of time on hands-on projects and data collection. All students should be prepared to fully participate in the academics, regardless of whether or not they want to earn school credit.

Will I interact with dolphins?

This program is focused on learning about and studying wild dolphins in their natural habitat. After learning about dolphins from marine mammal researchers, we will head out in small boats to identify and track dolphin behavior in a realistic scientific environment.

Is this program "all work, no play"?

No way! We learn a lot about dolphins and their environment, but much of the learning is hands-on. You'll discover so much about these amazing creatures while having a blast diving and snorkeling. Although this is an academic program with tests, lectures, journals and classes, there is plenty of time for fun. Additional activities include kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, island exploration, beach time and a field trip to the famous Blue Hole at Lighthouse Atoll.

What is a typical day like on this program?

If you enjoy doing a variety of activities, then this is the trip for you. Every day is different and flexibility is the key! Days are typically spent learning about the underwater world through classroom time, on field trips, scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking. Most days we will spend a couple of hours in a traditional learning environment while the rest of the day focuses on hands-on field studies. Mixed in is free time when we take a break to do something different. Our field work includes boat trips to identify and observe dolphins in the wild. We spend time exploring the cayes both above and below water, participating in community service, interacting in a variety of group activities and just having fun. In the evenings we have dinner, relax and work on our academic assignments.

Where do we sleep?

During the initial orientation and kayaking portion of the program you will camp amongst the mangroves. On Caye Caulker you will stay in a dorm-style guest house. At the Oceanic Society Belize Field Station, we live in tropical bungalows overlooking lagoon reefs. During the final sailing portion, you will be camping in tents on remote and beautiful white-sand islands.

What do we eat?

Expect traditional Caribbean fare including chicken, fish, rice and beans, tortillas, fresh fruits and vegetables. Breakfast can include cereal, bread, fruit, beans and eggs. Lunches may be picnic style with sandwiches and fresh fruit. Dinners are usually hot, some prepared by the group and others prepared by local cooks.

Who leads the Dolphin Studies program?

Two Academic Treks staff members will be with your group from beginning to end and both have relevant experience in marine science, kayaking and leading teens. At least one of the AT staff members is a certified EMT, WEMT or WFR. Additionally, we spend time learning with several staff members at Oceanic Society, including professional marine biologists who have either a master's degree or PhD in marine science.

What's the weather like?

Summer is the rainy season in Belize, and you can expect showers on some days in the afternoons. It is sunny, hot and humid, but on the coast we’ll have ocean breezes to cool us off!

How much time do we spend on a boat?

While much of our time is spent utilizing boats for scuba diving, snorkeling, conducting dolphin surveys, sailing and transfer to new locations, we do not overnight on any vessel.

Are there prerequisites for this program?

No previous experience in biology is required. Most students prefer to have some background in biology before the course begins, however this program will give a general overview of the biology concepts needed. There also is no scuba prerequisite for this trip. If you are not already a certified scuba diver, you will earn your Open Water Scuba Certification on this program.

How many credits do I receive on this course?

3 college Natural Science credits through Lesley University.

How am I evaluated on this course?

Two exams, data collection, presentations, a research report and a journal.

Can I earn credit for school or college?

Our academic programs offer high school students the chance to earn high school and/or college credit as well as community service credit, while also participating in a hands-on adventure. After the course, you will receive a transcript, as well as a letter detailing the course curriculum for your high school administrator. Most schools accept the credit after reviewing this course packet. Each academic institution has its own requirements, however, so we can't guarantee your school will accept the credit. We recommend asking for approval from your school administrator prior to program. You can also earn college credit for some courses through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the school credit options, call us at 888-833-1907.

How do I get high school or college credit for this program?

In the fall after program, Broadreach will provide you with a transcript, as well as a letter detailing the course curriculum for your high school administrator. Most schools accept the credit after reviewing this course packet. Each academic institution has its own requirements, however, so we can't guarantee your school will accept the credit. We recommend asking for approval from your school administrator prior to program. You can also earn college credit for this course through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the school credit options, call us at 888-833-1907.

Can I call home?

Of course! Depending on the itinerary of the program, most participants have the opportunity to call home about once a week. Most families also follow our trip journal updates which are short group updates written by teens or staff.

Do most participants come with friends? What if I don't know anyone?

Actually, most participants come alone, so there is no need to be concerned! It's normal to be apprehensive about not knowing anyone, but within a day of starting your program you'll be laughing and sharing exciting adventures with new friends.

I'm nervous about traveling alone! Is travel day difficult?

Travel day is generally easy and problem-free. After years of practice we have discovered ways to make this day run smoothly for everyone. The questions and answers in this section should put to rest most of your concerns about traveling to your Broadreach program.

What if I've never done this kind of thing before?

No worries. Many of our participants are 'first-timers' who have never been scuba diving or slept in the wilderness for more than a weekend. All we ask is that you come with an open mind, a desire to try new things and be ready to have lots of fun.

What is the male/female ratio?

Our ideal ratio for every program is 50/50 and we try to come close to just that. Some courses tend to attract more males than females, or vice versa, but typically the balance is close to even and not a concern. In our experience, the gender ratio plays a small role in the success of each program.

Do I need trip, travel or medical insurance ?

All participants on Broadreach programs are required medical insurance including coverage for international medical care. Since many personal medical policies do not cover international medical care and evacuations or have exclusions for certain sports, we have partnered with Trip Mate to offer a choice of travel insurance plans for our participants.
The minimum required policy includes coverage for medical care, emergency evacuation, lost or damaged luggage, travel delay, etc.
Most families also take advantage of our recommended tuition protection coverage , which offers 75% tuition refund FOR ANY REASON up to 72 hours before your trip departure and 100% tuition refund if you cancel for a covered reason.

Do you have any family discounts?

We do. We will give a 5% discount on the second (and any subsequent) enrollment in one summer. This offer is available to an individual student, or siblings. This 5% discount will be applied to the program of lesser cost, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Does your staff have emergency medical training?

At least one of the two lead instructors on each trip has completed training in either Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses. They are trained in managing emergency situations and field care and can handle most minor medical problems. In the unlikely event that your instructors can't handle your problem with their First Aid kit, they will take you to a local doctor for medical attention. We do our best to work with local medical personnel that we know and trust. However, it's important to understand that medical care can sometimes be delayed or inaccessible from our program locations. Note that the modernity of medical facilities and the number of medical services they provide will vary by country and location.

Can you give me the names of other families in my area that have done Broadreach?

Absolutely. Just call the office and we can put you in touch with past participants who have done the trips that interest you. Broadreachers past and present are part of a strong community that’s always there for one another. No need to be shy either, people will be glad to hear from you.

Where does everyone come from?

Broadreachers are a diverse group comprised of teenagers from across the country and all over the world. Very few participants know each other before the program begins, but everyone walks away with life-long friends at the end of the trip.

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Please feel free to call the Broadreach office if you have any questions or would like to discuss our adventures. We’d love to talk to you! You can also email us at questions@gobroadreach.com

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• Raleigh, NC 27603
• USA

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