United States: Alyssa Arch
Program: UW Marine Biology in the Florida Keys, Winter Intersession
Alyssa’s Majors: Community and Environmental Sociology, Conservation Biology
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
We were up from 7am to 10pm almost everyday going to lecture, snorkeling, working on our journals, or doing our research projects. We had breaks during the day, but definitely be prepared to be going most of the day.
I highly recommend bringing an underwater camera to capture amazing moments. Make the most of every opportunity you have to be in the water or you chance missing out on some really cool organisms.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
My most memorable experience from my program was when we were snorkeling in the ocean side of the Keys; we saw dolphins, nurse sharks, and a hawksbill turtle all within 20 minutes of being there. Everyone stopped and admired everything we were able to see and experience and I thought it was so beautiful.
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
I learned that I don’t necessarily want to work in research that focuses on the individual scale and that maybe I prefer freshwater systems over marine systems. I enjoy studying the chemical and physical properties of water systems but love to look at all of the biological components.