Bermuda is a group of coral islands, twenty miles long and a mile wide on average, that form a fishhook-shaped chain in the western Atlantic Ocean. Bermuda is not located in the Caribbean but in the middle of the Sargasso Sea, 700 miles east of North Carolina. Isolated unto itself, Bermuda is just under two hours direct flying time from every major U.S. city on the East Coast. This tiny 20 square mile island is lush with subtropical rolling hills, spectacular flowers, dramatic seaside cliffs, world class golf courses and famous pink beaches. Founded in the early 1600's, Bermuda is the oldest self-governing British colony and our 60,000 residents display a unique blend of island warmth and exacting British manners. The language is English, varying from the proper King's accent to an original Bermudian clip.
The climate is mild and very moist. September and October can be quite hot and humid, in the 80's and 90's, with cooling tropical breezes. November and December temperatures are in the 70's. Swimming is generally quite comfortable through December. Tropical depressions and storms can bring short bouts of high winds, 10-50 mph in the fall. During January, February and March, calm sunny periods alternate with brisk bouts of windy weather with temperatures in the 50's, 60's, and 70's.
The islands are hilly with a rocky limestone surface. Hamilton, a relaxing and friendly city located in the middle of the island, is the capital and chief port of the colony. St. George's, conveniently located near the Biological Station, is beautifully preserved in its colonial glory and is a thriving, working port town with strong ties to Williamsburg and Jamestown. To fully participate in the program students should be able to walk about a mile, (3 - 4 miles for "Walking Bermuda") enjoy a long bus tour and feel comfortable on short, smooth boat trips. Some walking excursions in the program may be considered strenuous. Both the academic portion of the program and accommodations are at the Bermuda institute of ocean sciences. You may have been to Bermuda before but our program will show you the Island in a new light.
The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences
BIOS is a research and education facility covering all facets of marine science from coral reef ecology to oceanography. The idea of establishing a biological research station in Bermuda was first considered in 1896. BIOS was established as an independent, non-profit U.S. research organization in 1903 by agreement between Harvard and New York Universities and the Bermuda Natural History Society. BIOS´s mission is to conduct research and science education of the highest quality from the special perspective of a mid-ocean island, and to provide well-equipped facilities and responsive staff support to visiting scientists, faculty and students from around the world. Bermuda's location makes it an ideal place for study. It has a marine system that includes elements of both northern and southern Atlantic fauna and flora with unique northerly incursions of reef-building corals and mangroves. Because of its small size and mild climate, a great variety of habitats are readily accessible throughout the year. BIOS complex consists of a series of laboratories, lecture facilities, meeting rooms, residential and support buildings. It is situated on the water's edge amidst 15 acres of well-kept tropical park at the eastern end of Bermuda.
Accommodations: Hostelers will stay in double occupancy bedrooms, with private bathrooms, in visitor housing (either a turn-of-the-century hotel or a recently constructed residential facility). Some singles are available with supplement. Meals will be taken in the central cafeteria-style dining room. Lectures will be presented in the main lecture hall as well as in the field.
NOTE: Facilities are clean and comfortable but not luxurious. Access to the main building, lecture hall and dining hall is via a single flight of stairs. Some accommodations are up two flights of stairs. Typical of many Bermudian homes, there is no central heating or air-conditioning, although fans and space heaters are provided in bedrooms and common areas. Smoking is not permitted inside any of the buildings.
