WT 2027 - Cook Islands 

OPEN TO ALL MAJORS

January, 2027

See Below for Application Info

Winter Term, January 2027 

Program cost includes flights, lodging, meals (excluding travel to/from US), and activities.

Packing light may be required.  Likely need to bring snorkel gear.  

Draft Itinerary - Subject to Change

On Campus Class Prior to Travel

Travel from Eckerd to Tahiti, French Polynesia

4 nights on Mo'orea French Polynesia  

Various activities experiencing terrestrial and marine environments, cultural connection to environments and role of modern science. Activities including but not limited to snorkeling, coral reef research/preservation, hiking with cultural and naturalist guides, and cultural activities.

Day 1: Depart Tampa fly to Tahiti

Day 2: Arrive early am and Ferry to Moorea to Fare Om (lodging)

Day 2: Lunch and Orientation at Fare Om

Day 3: Kayaking and snorkeling with sharks and rays

Day 3: Hike to Afareaitu waterfall

Day 3: Snorkeling at Temae Beach for sunset

Day 4: Departure for Motu Ahi (small private islet)

Day 4: Coral reef preservation workshop (snorkeling) with Reva Atea non profit organization

Day 4: Beaches and Coasts, Snorkel

Day 5: Hiking to Opunohu’s valley : Polynesian plants + hike + marae visit (Opunohu’s valley) with Reva Atua organization

Day 5: Beaches and Coasts, Snorkel

Draft Itinerary - Subject to Change

Cook Islands

6 nights on Rarotonga

3 nights on Aitutaki

Various activities experiencing terrestrial and marine environments, cultural connection to environments and role of modern science.   Guided by Cook Island hosts throughout providing opportunities to discuss cultural connection to the environment and how they approach the future of the Cook Islands.  Activities include but are not limited to visit with Government, Communities, and Research groups , coral reef research field methods, snorkeling, lagoon exploration, hiking, cultural experiences and life in the Cooks. 

Day 6: early am Ferry to Tahiti; depart PPT (Rarotonga Air)

Day 6: arrive RAR, circle island tour/orientation

Day 7: Govt. Initiatives SBMA, Marae Moana Team

Day 7: Beaches and Coasts, snorkel

Day 8: Saturday Market Day/Cultural

Day 8: Beaches and Coasts, snorkel

Day 9: Fly to Aitutaki, Orientation

Day 10: Island Tour, A community-based exchange offering opportunities for cultural sharing, discussion, and learning between Cook Islands students and visiting Eckerd students.

Day 10: Beaches and Coasts, Snorkel

Day 11: Exploring the Lagoon, A full-day lagoon experience aboard a modern design of a traditional double hulled vaka, exploring coral reef ecosystems, lagoon biodiversity with CI food & entertainment

Day 12: fly Aitutaki to Raro

Day 12: Guided hike in Takitumu Conservation Area, Intro to traditional Cook Islands Medicine; with local conservationists Ian Karika & Gerald McCormack

Day 13: Coral Reef Survey Techniques, Introductory workshop on coral reef survey techniques: classroom session held at CIC OSC, followed by a practical skills session at Avatiu* survey location. Swimming skills required. Snorkel kit provided. The expectation will be to provide students with a hands-on example of reef surveying using transects and quadrats, focusing on indicator coral spp like Acropora, and easily identified reef fish. (*This could possibly be an opportunity to collaborate with MMR on continuing reef surveys.)

Beaches and Coasts, Snorkel

Day 14: Koka Lagoon Cruise, Exploring shallow reef ecosystems, lagoon dynamics, and the cultural importance of lagoons in Cook Islands life

Day 15: Beaches and Coasts, Snorkel

Day 15: Depart RAR 12:15pm (Air Rarotonga)

Day 15: Arrive PPT 3:00pm, Overnight Tahiti

Day 16: Fly Tahiti to Tampa

On Campus Class after Travel.

Course Description: A unique opportunity to explore the Cook Islands and French Polynesia. Students will explore the natural environment where Indigenous knowledge, community governance, and modern science intersect. Students will have an opportunity to learn about terrestrial and marine environments and how it is linked to the history and culture. First-hand observations studying the geology, biology, and oceanography of the unique environments of Pacific islands (Atolls). Evaluation will be based on participation, examination(s), a field journal, and a written paper. 

This will be a rustic and physically active (and sometimes physically demanding) trip with activities on land and sea (snorkeling). Students will be fully immersed in the environment and cultures. Students must be open to experiencing new and different cultures and environments, maintaining a positive attitude, and ability to adapt to changing and unfamiliar environments and activities.

The Cook Islands is a self-governing country in free association with New Zealand comprised of 15 islands and a population of ~17,500 people.  

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France comprised of 121 islands/atolls and a population of ~200,000.

Course expectations include active participation, and group projects dealing with aspects of environments and culture.  Grades will be based on participation, a field journal, exams, and a written report/oral presentation on the group project. Fulfills the Environmental Perspective