Queens Students scuba dive in Yap

Through this unique month-long program, inaugurated in May 2001, students live and work in Yap, a member of the Federated States of Micronesia, located 500 miles southweat of Guam in the Pacific Ocean.  Surrounded by mangrove forests and beatuiful coral beaches, Yap has a peaceful tropical island lifestyle and traditional culture.

Under the guidance of their Queens professors, Belk Program students work with local Yapese officials, scientists, and students to survey the local landscape and monitor environmental resources.  This work aids the Yapese government in the preparation of its Environmental Stewardship Plan, an effort to balance the preservation and use of marine and watershed resources.

Students live in basic island accomodations in Colonia, the capital and epicenter of activity in Yap, and, during their free time, have the opportunity to partake of sea kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, beachcombing and sightseeing.  With its pristine coral reefs and crystal clear water, Yap is rated one of the top three scuba diving locations in the world.