programs overview

You might say that the edge of the sea is our classroom. Based on the beautiful and dramatic coast of Downeast Maine, AIO takes advantage of everything that nature has to offer. While one group of students finishes a profile of the beach, another group collects specimens for the cold water tanks in our wet lab. Still other students might be busy focusing their binoculars on offshore seabirds and cetaceans.

Each evening our staff or visiting speakers present special lectures that provide background information for the field activities, and mini-seminars about topics in oceanography are offered daily before dinner. There are also optional morning lessons in laboratory techniques. And all students design and maintain a saltwater aquarium.

Summer Sessions
Over the summer, AIO offers one 1-week introductory session, two 2-week intermediate sessions, and two 2-week advanced sessions. For all of these sessions, however, prior oceanographic experience is neither assumed nor required.

Learn about the Introductory Session
Learn about the Intermediate Session
Learn about the Advanced Session

Specialized Programs
In addition to core summer programming, AIO offers alumni of our summer programs an opportunity to participate in our select winter programs based in Belize and Florida.
Learn more about the Belize Program
Learn more about the Florida Program

For More Information
For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions page or Request a Brochure.