Learning in Paradise: Lainie Powell Reflects on Studying Abroad in the Bahamas

Many college students return home after the spring semester ends to spend time with family and friends, relax and sometimes work a job. But Lainie Powell’s summer experience was a bit different.

Powell, a senior majoring in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology, was one of several NC State students who journeyed to the Bahamas over the summer as part of the FW 445: Human Dimensions of Conservation Biology in the Bahamas course.

The 10-week study abroad program, held from May to July, allows students to travel to Andros Island for two weeks to conduct research on blue holes and other aquatic ecosystems.

We recently asked Powell about her study abroad experience — from her decision to enroll in the course to how it helped prepare her for a career in conservation biology. Check out the Q&A below.

Why did you choose to study abroad? 

I chose to study abroad because I knew it was an opportunity that I likely would not get again. I have never traveled outside the country, and NC State offers so many incredible study abroad opportunities ranging across many areas of study so it was hard to choose one program. I chose this program in particular for two reasons: The program’s focus is on conservation biology, which is the area of study I want to pursue as a career in the future; and the opportunities to experience tidal creeks and snorkel along the coral reefs surrounding the island. 

What was your favorite part of the program? 

My favorite part of the program was snorkeling along the barrier reef. We had two boat days during the program. We spent the entirety of both days boating to and from many reefs along the island, snorkeling among the shallow reefs. We were able to see so many incredible and colorful fish, as well as thriving coral reefs. I brought an underwater camera for this program and ended up coming back with hundreds of photos of the reef alone. We also went out for a night snorkel, and were able to see how active the reef became during the night: we saw lots of the usual fish, as well as a few octopi. We even saw some fish that literally lie down in the coral to sleep. I had never seen or heard of that before.

What is a moment of your program that you will never forget? 

I will never forget our encounter with a manatee on the second day of the program. We were getting ready to snorkel along a tidal creek just off a boat ramp when a manatee swam right up to us. The manatee was very curious and even tried to nibble on my fingers and toes. I had no idea manatees were so gentle and friendly. It was certainly an incredible moment that I wish I could relive.

What did you learn about yourself through this program? 

I think the most important thing I learned about myself through this program was how much I enjoy the opportunity of hands-on fieldwork. This program validated my choice to pursue a research-based career that will allow me to spend workdays out in the field. Even though the days were often long and physically demanding, I still found myself enjoying the act of collecting data and experiencing each new site we visited. 

Were you surprised by anything during your time abroad? 

By the end of the program, we had visited around 20 inland blue holes on Andros Island. Not many people have the chance to visit that many blue holes, or really any blue holes at all. Even many of the people that live on the island have never visited the blue holes, many of which are located just a mile or so into nearby woods. Learning this made me realize what a privilege this program was for me to be able to experience so many of them.

What new skills or information did you learn during your program? 

I learned many new research collection skills on this program such as water chemistry testing, which I had not had much practice with before. It was also very interesting to learn new information about an ecosystem I had not seen before. Not only did we learn about the ecosystem, but we were also required to collect information about it and analyze it in a way that would aid in future conservation efforts. I also had two weeks to perfect my snorkeling skills.

How did your study abroad experience prepare you for your future career?

This study abroad course taught me many relevant skills that will help to prepare me for a future career. I learned and practiced field work skills as well as hands-on research collection techniques. During the program, we were taught research techniques in a real-world setting at the inland blue holes. After the program, we had the chance to practice collaborating with peers on an academic research paper, something I hope I will have more chances to do in a future career. The program also gave me experience talking to people who come from a very different cultural background. This is a situation I will likely encounter again in a career that may require me to travel to different kinds of environments, and thus different countries where I may experience new cultures. 

What advice would you give to students considering studying abroad for the first time?

If you are a student considering studying abroad for the first time: Absolutely do it. Take advantage of the opportunity you have through NC State to experience new places and cultures. If you feel that the financial aspect of study abroad is a concern, definitely consider applying for financial aid. NC State’s Study Abroad Office is a helpful resource and has students’ best interests in mind. If you are considering this program in particular, make sure you are prepared for hands-on field research and long days of hiking through rough terrain. Although the research could be strenuous, the destinations were worth it and the experiences and scenery were unlike anything I’d ever seen before.