French Polynesia: Marine Life,

Warming Oceans, and Rising Seas

Spring 2027 | April 7–May 20, 2027

French Polynesia is home to some of the healthiest coral reef ecosystems on Earth, where rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, and dolphins thrive in crystal-clear lagoons. Over six weeks, you'll travel from island to island, using each as a living laboratory to explore barrier reefs, lagoon passes, volcanic landscapes, and tropical forests.

Working alongside local scientists and conservation practitioners, you'll snorkel coral reefs to investigate how warming oceans, ocean acidification, and rising seas are reshaping these ecosystems. You'll compare reefs facing different environmental pressures, study the connections between inland forests and coastal watersheds, and learn how Indigenous Polynesian knowledge continues to shape marine conservation across the islands.

Your spring team will be led by Dr. Mathilde Maslin, a marine ecologist based in Moorea with a PhD from the University of French Polynesia. Dr. Maslin leads scientific diving expeditions and marine conservation research throughout the Pacific and brings extensive field experience to the program.

Earn 15 quarter credits while gaining hands-on field research experience, developing ecological monitoring skills, and exploring one of the world's most extraordinary marine environments.