Frequently Asked Questions 

The short answer is as many weeks as you are able to attend.
Everyone's situation and availability are different and therefore you can come for just one week or attend for the entire summer. The more weeks you attend, the more experience you will gain and the more animals you will be able to experience, collect data on and release. If you attend four or more weeks, you are listed as a chief scientist with benefits outlined on the website. Six weeks or more has a different level of benefits and you get all the lectures for the program.

Anyone over the age of 18 with a desire to participate in a field research project studying sharks and rays.​
You do not have to be enrolled in college.

We have an open enrollment policy to allow as many students as possible to participate in our program. If there is space during the week or weeks you are requesting, you will be accepted into the program after receipt of your deposit.

YES.
If you submit an application and deposit for a week that is full you will receive your entire deposit back.

Yes.
Provided there is availability in the weeks you want to move to.

The summer program costs $849 per week if you sign up during early enrollment (prior to Dec 31) and is $949 per week between Jan 1 and March 31.

No.
Housing is not included in the tuition price.

Yes!
You can stay with anyone or anywhere you like while participating in the summer program. You will however be responsible for arranging your own transportation to the marina and classrooms.

Yes.
We provide housing at a fixed cost of $345 per week that you attend the program. Housing starts on Sunday night and ends the following Saturday morning unless you are staying for multiple weeks in which case Saturday night is also included.

All housing payments are due prior to March 31 of the year you are attending regardless of when your enroll.

Yes.
You can stay in the same room, you just need to let us know once you are accepted into the program who you would like to house with. You can list desired roommates on your application.

The short answer is no. However, if you have a small animal such as a hamster, fish, snake or some other small animal that is kept in a cage or aquarium it may be possible. Please contact us regarding your specific situation.

YES.
You may drive your own car to the program. Parking is available and is free.

You should make plans to arrive on Sunday at anytime and depart on the Saturday following your program at anytime if you are flying. If you are driving you can depart anytime after the conclusion of the program on Friday or Saturday.

All participants are encouraged to speak to their advisor regarding receiving credit for the program. Different schools have different policies on how credit is awarded and how much credit is awarded depending on your length of stay. Most schools offer credit for this program so check with your advisor for more information.

ABSOLUTELY!
We have had many graduates attend. Grad students may also use our program for either an introduction into field work or possibly for collecting data for their own projects. Contact us for more details.

There is a welcome packet listed under the forms page with a suggested packing list. The number one thing not to forget is closed toe shoes.

If the program is canceled by CMERA due to Covid-19 or any other reason, all monies paid in are refundable.

Although internship positions are VERY limited and subject to availability, in order to apply to become a CMERA intern, you would need to send us a resume and cover letter to info@coastalmera.com stating how you are qualified for this position. The vast majority of positions are awarded to those with previous CMERA experience.

This job position requires driving a large 15 passenger van transporting students to and from student housing, classrooms and the marina, also transporting students to and from the airport on the weekends, boat maintenance, manual labor working on a boat in the heat of the Florida summer, being able to teach students how to safely and properly handle animals, being able to teach students about the animals we are sampling and properly identify each species, safely handle sampling gear and teach the students proper safety and handling techniques, cutting bait, making lunches for the students every day, and any and all duties assigned by the CMERA Intern Supervisor or lead interns. This internship is going to require long hours each day. The main concern for interns is they are watching for the students safety when dealing with the animals and gear. This is an unpaid position to give interns quality experience in handling animals, teaching, and field experience.

If you have more questions on what this position entails email us at info@coastalmera.com

Yes you can add more weeks at the late enrollment price IF there is both housing and boat space available.

Yes!
You can come on non consecutive weeks.

Yes!
The requirement is just four weeks in total.