Study Abroad

The first stop for interested students is the Office of International Programs which gives a step-by-step how-to on registering for study abroad opportunities. Students can choose from more than 1,000+ education programs in over 50+ countries.

Start the process here by searching all the possible options.

While there are many, many different options, here are just a few popular ones for biology and marine biology students:

James Cook in Townsville, Australia

Many of our Marine Biology students enjoy attending James Cook for its spectacular ecosystems of the rainforests of the wet tropics, the dry savannahs, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Universidad San Francisco de Quito/Galapagos Islands (part of the Republic of Ecuador)

Stunning ecosystems and biodiversity galore. Known for its vast number of species and being one of the most biologically unique places on earth.

Exchange Semester at the University of Southampton

UNCW has a long-standing relationship with the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom where students can live and learn in one of the largest and most prestigious oceanographic centers in the world.

Coastal Studies in Belize

Students can register in the fall for UNCW’s week-long, 3-credit spring semester course, BIO 480: Field Studies in Biology. This course allows for exploration of the biological and physical aspects of the coastal ecosystems of Belize including mangrove, seagrass, and coral reef and lagoon habitats. Students will meet regularly during the spring semester to analyze data and spend time studying an aspect of particular interest.

Prefer to travel in the U.S.? Try this program:

Semester by the Bay program through the University of Alaska-Anchorage

This program is for those students looking for a unique experience in marine biology where there are opportunities to work with walruses, sea otters, whales, and seabirds. Small classes ensure individualized attention with an abundance of field work experiences. 

experience Semester by the Bay

Steps for submitting a Study Abroad Transient Study form to the Biology Department:

• Check to see if the class(es) you want to take have already been evaluated and are listed in the Office of the Registrar's database of transfer credit.
• If you have a course(s) that are not in the database, then you MUST obtain a course syllabus from the host institution and attach it to your Study Abroad Transient Study Form. Please note: a course description WILL NOT be accepted – it must be a syllabus!
• Whether the courses are in the database or not, you still need to email the form (and syllabi if needed) 
• If you have courses not in the database that you want to count toward University Studies or another major or minor, you must get the approval signature(s) from the department chair(s) of the other department in which the class(es) belong prior to submitting to the biology department.

“I had an amazing time with this program. I had once-in-a-lifetime experiences that could only be accomplished with small size classes. I truly felt like a marine biologist and not just a student studying marine biology. Also, I made connections with agencies, researchers, and students that will forever stay with me.”

Brooke Faulkner
University of Alaska-Anchorage

“Studying abroad at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia was the highlight of my university experience. As a marine biology student, studying on the Great Barrier Reef and learning from professors who are experts in their field was incredibly valuable. Most of the classes I took had a field trip component where I conducted wildlife surveys in the outback and coral research on the Great Barrier Reef. I learned so many useful and applicable skills in the environmental science field in one of the most unique places on earth – Australia! I came back not only as a better biologist but also as a better global citizen.”

Ayla Busch
James Cook University - Australia

“Studying abroad at James Cook University allowed me to experience life beyond my comfort zone. I learned from professors who were leaders in their fields, was enamored by unique cultures (and delicious cuisine!), and discovered my passion for travel all while keeping the spirit of the Seahawks!”

Kayleigh Herrmann
James Cook University - Australia

"Studying abroad at James Cook University was one of the best experiences of my college career. Not only did I study with world renowned marine biologists who are experts in their field, but I was able to do hands-on lab and field work as part of my classes.

I met people from all over the world and was able to travel around Australia to places like the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, and Melbourne! James Cook is an amazing place to study and it really is the adventure of a lifetime!” 

Emily Greene
James Cook University - Australia

“Studying abroad at James Cook University gave me the opportunity to engage in unique marine biology courses that offered through in-depth field experiences. The skills and concepts I learned from courses like Intro to Aquaculture and Conservation Biology have influenced my intended career path and made me a stronger scientific researcher.”

Cailin Harrell
James Cook University - Australia

“Studying abroad was one of the best experiences of my life. I was able to get out of my comfort zone, meet a lot of new people, and travel the world. There aren’t many times where opportunities are available later in life to travel abroad, so take advantage of it now while you can!

Whether you travel alone or with friends, studying abroad will make you a more well-rounded person who is capable of handling anything that comes your way! I wouldn’t change my experience for the world and I can’t wait to return to my second home in Scotland!”

Andreana Buckenberger
Stirling University – Scotland