An Island-Hopping Study Abroad Exploration into the Complexity of the Bahamian Tourism Product and Residents’ Dietary Health
The Bahamian study abroad program seeks to provide a learning environment where authenticity and cultural immersion meet the educational challenge of an exciting island hopping experience that showcases the country from both tourist and resident perspectives. The course provides students with an awareness of the issues facing small state tourism destinations and their ability to achieve and maintain a competitive advantage in today’s dynamic global business environment while also managing diet related health disparities of its residents. Students will see first-hand the impacts of tourism on a people, community, and nation as well as understand how food supply challenges have affected the health of its residents; 70% of whom are directly employed in the tourism industry. From the tourist perspective, students will experience how culture, history, natural attractions, and local infrastructure help shape the design of tourism experiences for key travel markets. On the other hand, from the resident perspective, students will learn how food insecurity influences meal choices, eating habits, and chronic non-communicable diseases.
This study abroad opportunity should appeal to hospitality, nutrition, wellness, and hunger studies majors. Specifically, hospitality students participating in this study abroad experience will: learn about and experience these forms of tourism products - culinary, mass, alternative, sustainable, wellness (yoga), and volunteer - through excursions, tours, and lectures; one-on-one work shadow experiences with managers from the Five Diamond Sandals Emerald Bay Exuma resort; participate in a “behind-the-scenes” tour of the Atlantis Resort and conduct service quality evaluations of the resort’s finest restaurants; meet face to face with top industry executives and take part in engaging discussions on a variety of issues faced when managing a destination like the Bahamas. Nutrition and Wellness majors will get the opportunity to impact residents through programs, workshops, and outreach activities in their communities as well as at their place of employment and also consult on systems for addressing guest dietary needs and recommendations at major resorts.
All students will get the chance to: delve into the Bahamian culinary scene through a hands-on culinary class and world renowned food tour in Nassau; visit one of the most breathtaking beaches, participate in a yoga on the beach, and take an island long tour of Eleuthera; and enjoy water excursions such as kayaking or taking boat trips in Exuma.
Enhance your international education and join us for a once in a lifetime island experience! The enchanting islands of The Bahamas awaits you!
Undergraduates will be registered for HUSC 5940 (3 credit hours)
Graduate students will be registered for HUSC 6940 (3 credit hours)
Falculty Directors: Alecia Douglas and Onikia Brown
The cost of this program is $4,800. Additional student cost are international airfare (estimated to be $550). Meals and other discretionary spending not covered in program fee (estimated to be $1.200). Students will also incur the $638 Auburn Study Abroad fee. $1000 non-refundable deposit (required with application).
If you do not have a passport: Please check http://travel.state.gov for the nearest local passport office and forms. Application for a United States passport should be made at least 120 days in advance of your departure date. Auburn Abroad recommends that you apply for a passport as soon as you know you are participating in the program. If you already have a passport: Please check the expiration date. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months following your scheduled time abroad.
Visa Regulation:
