The Summer Student Program at our Bar Harbor campus offers a unique residential experience with an abundance of outdoor activities in a renowned Maine summer vacation destination
The Summer Student Program at our Bar Harbor campus offers a unique residential experience with an abundance of outdoor activities in a renowned Maine summer vacation destination
Students at the Bar Harbor campus reside at Highseas, a 40-room converted estate located about 1 mile from JAX in a quiet, wooded setting, with expansive ocean views. Students are typically assigned one to four roommates. The house has many shared spaces, including a large common living room, dining room, library, TV/game room and laundry room. While students should expect to interact with others on a frequent basis, people can readily find quiet and private places to study, read or be alone.
Breakfast and dinner are served daily at Highseas. Lunch is provided in the Roscoe’s Café, at the research laboratory. Weekend meals are prepared by a rotating ‘kitchen crew’ of 4-5 students and staff who also clean the kitchen after each meal during the week. Kitchen crew can prepare something simple and easy or get a bit creative to highlight certain dishes that are special to that team. Highseas is able to accommodate most dietary restrictions, with the exception of strict Kosher preparations.
Students can get around by foot, bicycle, JAX van, the Island Explorer Bus, or their own vehicle (if they drive). Taxis are expensive and inconsistent. Public transportation and Uber/Lyft are limited.
The residence is located roughly 2.5 miles from the Bar Harbor Village Green. The Bar Harbor shopping district caters to the needs of tourists; it is a 30-minute drive to Walmart and other larger stores. Bangor is the nearest transportation hub.
Highseas is a Living Learning Community with co-curricular programming to build teamwork, scientific communication and intercultural communication skills. The residence life staff, which includes a Residence Supervisor and three Residential Advisors who are alumni of the Summer Student Program, provides oversight and guidance at Highseas, organizes group activities, and offers general help and assistance to students throughout the summer. Staff host activities for small groups of students, ranging from short hikes to mini-golf to movie nights.
The Bar Harbor program emphasizes active outdoor pursuits. Many students enjoy hiking trails in Acadia National Park and exploring Mount Desert Island (MDI). Students also enjoy running, boat trips to see whales and wildlife, and swimming. Non-outdoor pursuits include spending time with friends at Highseas (enjoying conversation, movies and games), as well as visiting the numerous shops, restaurants, theaters and attractions on MDI. Medium to small group activities tend to be the norm.
Students have 24/7 access to the JAX fitness center on the primary campus.
