We are seeking curious, committed students with a thirst for learning, and the maturity and personal initiative to make use of our unique educational opportunity. Our goal is to create a well-balanced team of students willing to contribute academically, professionally, and socially to this experience. Applicants should exhibit enthusiasm, compassion, flexibility, as well as a willingness to put the needs of the group ahead of his/her own when necessary.

Participants are screened by the Admissions Committee to ensure they are choosing the program/course best suited to their abilities and experience. The committee strives to bring together students from diverse academic, economic, cultural and social backgrounds, with varied interests and talents, who support the mission of ITME and are committed to working with others toward a common goal. If you are willing to expend your intellectual and physical energy working toward a better understanding of marine ecology and conservation, we encourage you to apply.

Before completing your application for admission, carefully consider the fact that this experience will likely be very different from your academic experience to date. You will be working long hours, often feel physically drained from the field work, and be expected to fully participate in all aspects of group-living. You will be further expected to adhere to the rules and regulations of student conduct presented during orientation.

Admission to ITME is open to qualified students without regard to sex, race, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, religion, or physical or mental disabilities.

ITME programs are academic and decidedly different from travel or adventure type programs. We strive to give as accurate a portrayal of available space as possible. However, working and conducting research in a small island nation presents its own unique challenges. Often we find that a program will prove to run more smoothly if slight changes are implemented along the way. There are a variety of factors which, although monitored closely, are beyond our control.
For example: Some projects depend on the goodwill and generosity of individuals and institutions that lend their support. Tenuous weather conditions, natural disasters, or changes in political climate may require last-minute changes to site/research plans.

Be advised, therefore, that these and other unforeseen variables may result in changes before or during your time slot. As with any such experience, much of the challenge lies in adapting to changing circumstances and overcoming the obstacles they may present. Indeed, flexibility is the key ingredient to making the most of your ITME experience.

All students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature, responsible, and professional manner. and adhere to the ITME Rules and Regulations of Student Conduct. ITME reserves the right to remove any participant from the program at any time when the faculty deems that student's conduct to be detrimental to or incompatible with the interest, harmony, comfort or welfare of the course. This includes uncooperative or disruptive behavior, and use of alcohol or drugs not authorized by a physician. Should such a decision become necessary, ITME's policy is to notify the parents and return the student to his/her point of departure, at which time all responsibility on the part of ITME will cease. No refunds will be given.

To insure orderly arrival at the site, and lowest available fares, we encourage you to make your travel arrangement as soon as possible. Students receive specific travel details upon acceptance to the program. Students are responsible for all passport fees as well as all transportation costs to and from the point of departure. These expenses must therefore be considered when determining total course expenditures. US - Dominica routes typically require travel through San Juan (Puerto Rico) or St. John (Antigua), and sometimes an overnight stay will be necessary. American Eagle, Liat, and Air Guadeloupe are the major carriers flying into Dominica.

Students must submit a completed Physician's SCUBA Release Form, signed by a physician as soon as possible upon acceptance to the program. In the event the student's medical condition changes after submission of this form, but prior to the start of the program, students are required to notify ITME in writing, at which time the medical form will be altered to reflect said changes, and diving fitness will be reevaluated. Students with late medical forms may forfeit their space. All completed forms must be approved by ITME's medical advisory committee and all students must demonstrate the ability to meet the physical challenges presented by ITME courses without risk to self or others. Students will further be required to provide proof of up-to-date medical coverage and a signed ITME Medical Release Form. An academically qualified student may occasionally be disqualified from participating on medical grounds. No student will be allowed to join an ITME course until all of these prior stipulations have been met.
We strongly recommend that you sign up for SCUBA insurance prior to attending the program. Please visit www.diversalertnetwork.org for further information.