My Island School Journey

Jose G. ‘22 during an open water dive 60 feet below sea level. Students at The Island School take advantage of the ocean and often use it during their days. (The Island School)

During the second semester of my junior year, I was fortunate to spend my time abroad at The Island School in Eleuthera, Bahamas, expanding on my studies in marine ecology and sustainability.⁠

My story at The Island School began with an adventurous two weeks of travel around the island of Eleuthera. One of the key components of the program's curriculum is to fully immerse yourself into the island in order to understand how to live well in that place. 

The first trip I embarked on consisted of four days of camping, two of which were completely alone. This part was called the “Solo.” It was a period of reflection for 48 hours where food, resources, and connection with the rest of the world was limited. I was on a beach for those two days without any knowledge of the time or method to contact any person. This powerful experience allowed me to realize how valuable relationships are and how the natural world can make you feel vulnerable. 

The next week was an open ocean kayaking trip. This was a time where the teachers gave us ample autonomy to survive on the deserted beaches and navigate the Caribbean Sea. Through cooking, cliff jumping, or building fires, my classmates and I became closer as we became immersed in this new environment.

Jose during an expedition on Diels Point beach. (The Island School)

The following eight weeks was the time where I took all of my classes. This included: applied mathematics, writing and literature, research, marine ecology, histories of the Bahamas, as well as human ecology. All of these classes were focused around teaching us how climate change is and has been affecting the world, particularly small island developing nations including the Bahamas. 

The most important aspect of The Island School curriculum is the ability for students to work in the fields of what they are studying. This included learning how to reuse and recycle plastics properly, work with master and PhD students in our research class on studies being published in the near future, calculating the correct way to install a solar panel, and scuba diving. 

Studying life underwater was my favorite part of the journey. I became a certified diver during the program and learned amazing things with my marine ecology teachers. We observed fish population densities in corals that were 20 feet in height and watched sharks the size of an average person swim next to us 60 feet below the surface. By having a first-hand look at everything, I was learning about how human environmental actions ripple throughout the rest of the world.

Jose moves sharks in a research class to study different habitat facilities. (The Island School)

The founder of The Island School, who is a retired Navy Seal, implemented a rigorous, physically-demanding routine in order to better the lives of the students by showing them how to be active without any weights, machines, or gyms. Every semester, the students train in order to complete a challenge at the end of the term. I trained for a speed triathlon. It consisted of a 0.6 mile swim, 12 mile bike, and a five kilometer run. The goal is to do this course in the fastest time possible. 

Every day, except for Wednesdays and Sundays, all the students would wake up at 6:15 in the morning and train for an hour and a half. The morning exercises were either a run, bike, or swim, all of which were targeted to build our endurance and strength for the triathlon. I was able to complete the race on the second to last Sunday of the semester. It was a difficult process and took commitment, but it was absolutely worth the effort when I crossed the finish line. 

Jose presents his final English project on climate change and how the industrialization of tourism will affect the coastal landscape of Eleuthera. (The Island School)

The reason I became so focused at The Island School was because of the fact that there were no external distractions. No phones were allowed—the faculty take it once you get to the airport on Eleuthera and give it back to you right before you board the plane to leave. You are allowed to have your computer, however, the internet is limited to school sites only and you are allowed one phone call home a week for 20 minutes. 

Most people would look at this as a disadvantage, but it was the highlight of my experience. I was not distracted by any information, or worried about what people were doing at home. I was happy to not have social media and the news in my face 24/7. Also, you become so busy that you do not have time to think about anything else than what you are doing there. 

It felt like when you are a child and have no worries influenced by social pressures. You just learn to occupy yourself and have fun with your friends. I used this opportunity to learn guitar, read books, and play cards with my roommates. My disconnection from the world on my phone gave me a greater appreciation for the natural beauty of the earth. The semester was life-changing because I was not influenced by outside sources and just focused on my experience on Eleuthera.

Jose scuba diving at Split Head with a five-foot reef shark. (The Island School)

The Island School is by no means an easy task to undertake. It tests young and ambitious learners through emotional, physical, and academic challenges. You will discover a whole new way to learn information and use it to create original solutions to real-world problems. The days are long and tiring, but full of meaningful work that you will hold with yourself through the rest of your life. 

The teachers are experts at connecting with students and finding a unique way to push their limits and destroy barriers you find along your journey. The place that you will be in is beautiful and full of rich history that will question your tolerance of ambiguity. If you want to learn something in a classroom and experience it in-person, then apply to the Island School. 

The semester will forever change you and give you so much wisdom, but the most rewarding part of it all will be the accomplishment you feel when you arrive at day 100. Three months away from your home, family, and friends is difficult. However, when you look back years from now and remember taking a chance to study in Eleuthera, the impact it will have on your life will be powerful and forever-lasting. 

The sunrise, just off the coast of The Island School campus. (The Island School)