 |
 |
|
Program Terms
Spring
Summer
Program
Participants
Undergraduate
(College)
Subject Areas
Biology
Botany
Ecology
Environmental
Science
Environmental
Studies
Forestry
Geography
Marine
Science
Spanish
Zoology and
Wildlife Sciences
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
Quick Look
Location:
Quito, Galapagos - Ecuador
Host Institution: Universidad San Francisco de Quito
Language of Instruction: English
Academic Credit Available: Yes
Overview
 The Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization that has teamed up with the University of Wisconsin - Madison and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito to offer fully accredited tropical ecology and conservation study abroad programs in Ecuador. Our programs immerse students in the rich ecosystems and cultures of Ecuador, while providing hands-on training in conservation science and practice! Our rigorous programs are led by experienced tropical biologists active in conservation work.
During the 4-week summer course, we spend 12 days exploring the remote Amazon rainforests of eastern Ecuador, with opportunities to view amazing wildlife including 10 species of monkeys, over 500 species of birds, jaguar, tapir and many other species of animals and plants. We also visit Andean cloud forests and alpine tundra, and dry tropical forests along Ecuadors wild Pacific coast. The course is designed to provide a solid background in the principles of tropical ecology and conservation, as well as hands-on experience in the field methods used for studying tropical ecosystems.
The Tropical Conservation Experience: Galapagos, Andes & Amazon semester program in Ecuador combines training in tropical ecology and conservation with immersion in Latin American culture. The program is ideal for students in both scientific and social fields that seek applied experiences in international conservation along with instruction in ecology and field research. The semester includes five courses for a total of 16 credits: conservation biology, terrestrial ecology and conservation, marine biology and conservation, conservation internship and Spanish language.
Over half the semester is spent at field sites in the varied habitats of the tropics. We take field trips to the tundra-like pαramo and lush cloud forests of the Andes, spend 3 weeks in the Amazon rain forest, and 2 weeks in the Galapagos Islands. Each student selects an internship or research project with an Ecuadorian conservation organization with whom they work for the last month of the semester. Students may work with an ongoing program or project, or develop a new project jointly with the host organization. Internships will allow students to apply what they have learned in their coursework and language training to gain first-hand experience in international conservation work.
The TCE program provides a special opportunity to travel to exotic and fascinating places, with astounding biodiversity and a rich and varied culture very different from our own. Such an opportunity can be a life-changing and eye-opening experience.
Academic Credit
Academic credit is available.
Transcript issued by the University of Wisconsin - Madison for 16 credits to students from any U.S. university. Student from outside the U.S. receive a transcript from the Universidad San Francisco de Quito and must seek transfer of credit authorization from their home institution.
Eligibility
Prerequisites are 1 semester of college-level biology, ecology or environmental science and 1semester of Spanish. Minimum GPA of 2.5. Participants must be at least 18 years old.
Housing/Accommodation
Homestay / Host Family
Program Costs
Summer Program Tuition for 2008: $2990 - see website for current year.
Semester Program Tuition for 2008: $10,500 - see website for current year.
Costs
Include: Program tuition covers all food, lodging and in-country travel, as well as instruction and credits. International airfare, pre-departure expenses (including visas) and personal expenses during the program are not included.
Financial Aid
Yes.
Various forms of financial assistance are available through the University of Wisconsin system. See http://studyabroad.wisc.edu/financial/index.html for more information.
Dates
Tropical Ecosystems: Andes to Amazon summer program is offered mid-July to mid-August each year. To apply submit online application, transcript, two letters of reference and doctor's statement of health to the International Academic Programs office of the University of Wisconsin - Madison by the 1st Friday in February. Current tuition information can be found on our website, or at UW's site: http://studyabroad.wisc.edu/sa/ecuador_ecology.asp
Tropical Conservation Experience: Galapagos, Andes and Amazon semester program is offered every spring semester. To apply submit online application, transcript, two letters of reference and doctor's statement of health to the International Academic Programs office of the University of Wisconsin - Madison by the 1st Friday in October. Current tuition information can be found on our website, or at UW's site: http://studyabroad.wisc.edu/sa/quito_tropical.asp
Deadlines
Summer Program: 1st Friday in February; Semester Program: 1st Friday in October
Contact
Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation
2319 North Cleveland
Chicago, IL 60614 U.S.A.
Tel:
773-871-3798
Fax:
773-871-3798
Email
Send Email
Web
Visit Website |
