Tentative Program Dates: May 17 - May 29, 2026

This program is a real life case study on sustainability. We travel to 3 different Bahamian islands: the heavily populated New Providence (where Nassau, the capitol, is located), the less-populated North/Central Andros, and the very rural, subsistence-living South Andros. Our main focus is on sustainable tourism in The Bahamas, since tourism accounts for 80% of The Bahamas’ revenue. Each island has a different culture and way of providing tourism. On each island, we experience tourism from the perspective of a customer, talk to business leaders and government officials about their island’s sustainability issues and efforts to get their perspectives, and relate those perspectives to the local community. We learn about the main sustainability issues facing The Bahamas as a whole, the different kinds of sustainability, how businesses and the government are trying to promote different kinds of sustainability, the tradeoffs that need to be made by each party involved, and the obstacles that face The Bahamas’ sustainability efforts, including the effects of those decisions on local communities. We do not just talk about these things; we see their effects on the ground.

This is an action-packed, adventurous, rugged two weeks. Do not sign up if you want a relaxing vacation. Although we do have some time to rest, this trip is for students who want to get outside, be active, and learn about what is really going on in The Bahamas, behind the tourist facade. You’ll leave having experienced the real Bahamas. You need to be willing to walk, swim, get sweaty, and get dirty. We have a lot of fun!

This course 1) counts toward the EVST major or 2) fulfills the Logical Reasoning requirement of CNU’s core curriculum and a Luter requirement, as PHIL 207. We limit the number of students to 12, for ease of travel. No experience, prerequisites, or textbooks are required. Students will receive a course pack made specifically for this course at one of our meetings before departure.

What is Included:

Accommodations, some meals, tips, ground transportation, international health insurance, and group activities.

What is NOT Included:

Airfare, tuition (3 credits), travel insurance, some meals, and personal expenses. 

Students are responsible for purchasing their international airfare to and from the program destination(s). Students should not purchase their flight until receiving specific instructions from the faculty leaders after December 1.

 **Passport Requirement** 

Deadline: December 1, 2025

Student with a Valid Passport: 

Students who have a current passport will need to upload an image of their passport by December 1, 2025 to their enrollment forms.

Student without a Valid Passport

Apply for or renew your passport immediately. After November 1, students must pay to expedite the application process. Do not delay beginning this process.

Application & Renewal Website: 

The routine processing time is currently up to 6 weeks and expedited services is up to 3 weeks. These processing times are subject to change and can lengthen significantly. We highly recommend applying for or renewing your passport as soon as possible. Most countries require at least 6 months remaining time on your passport expiration from your intended date of departure. Example: If your passport expires December 1, 2026, you would need to renew your passport to travel in the summer 2026. 

**Preparing for Travel** 

Travel and Entry Requirements: U.S. State Department Website: 

Each country has established entry requirements and travel restrictions set for foreign visitors and their citizens. Any country can change their regulations at any time. We encourage all students and their families to review details about the country or countries you plan to travel to and to continue monitoring the information leading up to your departure. 

U.S. State Department Website: The Bahamas