THE SCHOOL FOR FIELD STUDIES

Transcription

1 THE SCHOOL FOR FIELD STUDIES SFS Program Copy for Website Listings We hope the information provided in this document will aid in the process of updating SFS listings on your school s study abroad program offering descriptions. Should you run into any questions, or need web quality program photos, please don t hesitate to contact us. PARTICULAR PROGRAM CHANGES TO NOTE: SEMESTER: Kenya/Tanzania: This semester program has transitioned to operating in Tanzania only. Bhutan: This semester program was added in Fall Program field station location has been updated and semester course titles have been added. Cambodia: This semester program was added in Fall Peru: This semester program was added in Fall SUMMER: Kenya Public Health: This has been removed from our offerings. Panama: NEW 1 program for 2016 Tourism and Island Systems: Assessment of Sustainable Practices Turks and Caicos Islands: The 1 and 2 sessions can be taken back to back as of PROGRAM PREREQUISITES Applicants to semester programs must have completed at least one college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science course (or related coursework, as assessed by SFS) There are no course prerequisites for summer programs. 1

2 Table of Contents Australia: SFS Center for Rainforest Studies... 3 Bhutan: SFS Program on Himalayan Studies... 6 Cambodia: SFS Center for Mekong Studies... 8 Costa Rica: SFS Center for Sustainable Development Studies Panama: SFS Center for Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies Peru: SFS Center for Andes-Amazon Studies Tanzania: SFS Center for Wildlife Management Turks and Caicos Islands: SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies For web quality program photos, please sfs@fieldstudies.org. 2

3 Australia: SFS Center for Rainforest Studies TERMS CREDITS COURSES PREREQUISITES LOCATION LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION APPLICATION DEADLINE WEBSITE Fall, Spring: Rainforest Studies Session I: New Zealand & Australia (4 weeks) Session II: Australia only (4 weeks) Combined: Sessions I + II (8 weeks) 16 credits in environmental studies 4 credits (per session) in environmental studies Rainforest Ecology Principles of Forest Management Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values Directed Research Session I: Rainforest Management Studies Session II: Techniques for Rainforest Research One semester of college-level ecology, biology or environmental science/studies (semester only) 18 years of age No prerequisites for summer programs Yungaburra, Queensland, Australia Session I: Northern New Zealand & Yungaburra, Queensland, Australia Session II: Yungaburra, Queensland, Australia English None; rolling admissions PROGRAM DESCRIPTION General (For both semester & ) Rainforest ecosystems are a hot spot for biodiversity, and provide humans with clean air, water, food, and medicines. Still, thousands of acres disappear each day. Large areas of northeastern Queensland, Australia, were once covered in spectacular rainforests, preserving millions of years of evolutionary history. Timber extraction, farming, and development have destroyed and disrupted rainforest ecosystems and habitats in both countries. Many of Australia s tropical forests and species are now protected under World Heritage legislation; however, they are faced with threats due to climate change and invasive species. Similar to Australia, in northern New Zealand, only fragments of the country s ancient forests remain to house the endemic fauna and flora. 3

4 Students learn field research techniques as they collect data on: Potential responses to global climate change Habitat use and animal behaviors Resilience to disturbance Local resident involvement in restoration projects Cost-effective and ecologically beneficial methods of restoration The field station is located in the heart of the traditional land of the Yidinjji people in a protected World Heritage forest. Students share cabins nestled within the rainforest. Giant strangler figs, abundant vines and epiphytes, large pythons, colorful parrots, giant cassowaries, bandicoots and tree kangaroos fill the Wet Tropics forests with color, sound, and complexity. Short Description: Join SFS in northeastern Queensland and northern New Zealand s ancient rainforests which have been greatly affected by habitat loss, fragmentation and climate change. Student research aims to further the understanding of the dynamics of rainforest ecosystems, including the potential impact of global climate change. The Rainforest Studies program gives students a unique opportunity to travel to the tropical rainforest to both study and do hands-on field work on rainforest management and restoration. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ONLY Rainforest ecosystems are a hot spot for biodiversity, and provide humans with clean air, water, food, and medicines. Still, thousands of acres disappear each day. Large areas of northeastern Queensland, Australia, were once covered in spectacular rainforests, preserving millions of years of evolutionary history. Timber extraction, farming, and development have destroyed and disrupted these rainforest ecosystems and habitats. Many of Australia s tropical forests and species are now protected under World Heritage legislation; however, they face threats due to climate change and invasive species. The Rainforest Studies program builds understanding of the dynamics of rainforest ecosystems, including the potential impact of global climate change. The goal of the program is to develop rainforest restoration and management strategies that benefit both ecosystems and human communities, and that can serve as a model for conserving other rainforests. Student research contributes toward broader studies on global climate change, ecological integrity of rainforest fragments, and developing restoration practices to maximize rates of plant growth and colonization by fauna. Students learn field research techniques as they collect data on: Potential responses to global climate change Habitat use and animal behaviors Resilience to disturbance Local resident involvement in restoration projects Cost-effective and ecologically beneficial methods of restoration The field station is located in the heart of the traditional land of the Yidinjji people in a protected World Heritage forest. Students share cabins nestled within the rainforest. Giant strangler figs, abundant vines and epiphytes, large pythons, colorful parrots, giant cassowaries, bandicoots and tree kangaroos fill the Wet Tropics forests with color, sound, and complexity. 4

5 Short Description: Join SFS in Queensland, Australia to study and conduct research in rainforest management and restoration in the country s tropical rainforest. The region s ancient rainforests have been greatly affected by habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change. Student research aims to further the understanding of the dynamics of rainforest ecosystems, including the potential impact of global climate change. The Rainforest Studies program gives students a unique opportunity to travel to the tropical rainforest to both study and do hands-on field work on rainforest management and restoration. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ONLY Australia and New Zealand s rainforests are faced with continual threats due to development, climate change, and invasive species, leaving fragile fragments that are often too small or isolated to sustain some species. The Rainforest Management Studies and Research program provides a thorough introduction to biodiversity conservation, the socioeconomic factors influencing land and resource management in two unique areas, and field research techniques. Students attending Session I spend two weeks in northern New Zealand and two weeks in northeastern Queensland, Australia. In New Zealand, students discover the critically endangered flora and fauna and the impacts that have led to their decline. In Australia, students take their New Zealand experiences and examine similarities and differences in political structure, co-management arrangements, land-use patterns, and biogeography. During Session II, students explore Australia s tropical rainforests, examine the effects of fragmentation in highly endangered rainforest systems, and develop effective field research skills in multiple disciplines while learning about rainforest restoration and conservation. The Rainforest Studies summer program gives students a unique opportunity to travel to the tropical rainforest to both study and do hands-on field work on rainforest management and restoration. Short Description: Join SFS in Australia and New Zealand to study and conduct research in rainforest management and restoration in the country s tropical rainforest. The region s ancient rainforests have been greatly affected by habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change. Student research aims to further the understanding of the dynamics of rainforest ecosystems, including the potential impact of global climate change. The Rainforest Management Studies and Research program provides a thorough introduction to biodiversity conservation, the socioeconomic factors influencing land and resource management in two unique areas, and field research techniques. 5

6 Bhutan: SFS Program on Himalayan Studies TERMS CREDITS COURSES Fall ONLY: Himalayan Environment and Society in Transition 6 week program 16 credits in environmental studies; additional 2 credits in language/culture 6 credits in environmental studies Political and Socioeconomic Dimensions of Environment Mountain Ecology Land Use, Natural Resources, and Conservation Directed Research Religion and Culture of Bhutan (2 credits) PREREQUISITES LOCATION LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION APPLICATION DEADLINE WEBSITE Eastern Himalayan Forests and Rural Livelihoods One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental science/studies (semester only) 18 years of age No prerequisites for summer program Bumthang District, Bhutan Bumthang District, Bhutan English instruction with 2-credit Bhutanese language and culture course (semester only) Rolling admissions, however 1 Session applications will not be accepted after April 15th and Fall Term applications will not be accepted after July 15th of the program year. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Join SFS in Bhutan, a Himalayan country characterized by towering mountains, lush forests, and a unique cultural heritage, where progress and development is also evaluated on the basis of cultural preservation and environmental conservation rather than purely economic achievements. Bhutan has also been identified as one of the top-10 biodiversity hot spots in the world. As species do not keep to political boundaries, and since Bhutan is modernizing rapidly, we are considering how Bhutan can secure its rich culture and biodiversity in the face of change. Traveling across Bhutan, and focusing their studies in the central districts, students learn about Bhutanese culture, environment, and rural development in a country in transition. SFS has a partnership with the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE), an international research and training facility in Bhutan. Students contribute to the advancement of the Institute s research agenda in several priority areas, including sustainable forestry, conservation 6

7 biology, water resources, and socioeconomic policy. The field station is located at the UWICE campus, set in the pastoral Chokhor Valley in the central district of Bumthang. The facility is the former palace of Bhutan s first king, built in traditional Bhutanese architecture with colorful decorations both inside and out. Short Description: Join SFS in Bhutan, a Himalayan country characterized by towering mountains, lush forests, and a unique cultural heritage, where progress and development is also evaluated on the basis of cultural preservation and environmental conservation rather than purely economic achievements. Research focuses on sustainable forestry, conservation biology, water resources, and socioeconomic policy. 7

8 Cambodia: SFS Center for Mekong Studies TERMS CREDITS COURSES PREREQUISITES LOCATION LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION APPLICATION DEADLINE WEBSITE Fall, Spring: River Ecosystems and Environmental Ethics 16 credits in environmental studies; additional 2 credits in language/culture Environmental Ethics and Development Conservation Science and Practice Ecosystems and Livelihoods Along the Mekong Directed Research Language and Culture of Cambodia and Vietnam (2 credits) One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental science/studies 18 years of age Siem Reap, Cambodia English instruction with 2-credit Khmer language and Southeast Asian culture course None; rolling admissions PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Join SFS in Cambodia where students learn about the mighty Mekong River and its importance to the region s ecosystems and people. From its headwaters in the Tibetan plateau to its end in Vietnam s Mekong Delta, the river provides habitats to threatened species and sustains millions of people. The Mekong basin is home to the Irrawaddy dolphin, Cantor s giant softshell turtle, and other endangered species, and hosts diverse terrestrial eco-regions including tropical forests, flooded forests, and estuarine mangroves. Emerging from conflict, Cambodia and Vietnam are engaged in rapid economic development, which will have profound effects on the natural and cultural landscapes of the region and the livelihoods of their residents. While there are high levels of biodiversity in the lower Mekong, conservation efforts are only just beginning. Students identify the drivers of environmental change, and seek ways to mitigate the damage to natural systems while maintaining human livelihoods. Student research plays a critical role in local capacity-building: through education, benchmarking environmental conditions, and monitoring the rapid changes to natural systems within this vibrant region. The primary field station is located near the famed Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site. Angkor serves as a backdrop for understanding Buddhist cosmology and the deep historical and spiritual connectedness that humans feel with nature. Students follow the Mekong River during a month-long expedition across urban and rural Cambodia and the Mekong Delta. While on the road, students visit key conservation sites, gain appreciation for the region s recent history and have the opportunity to experience the contrasting political, social and economic systems in the two countries. The month of travel includes visits to rural Kratie, the capital Phnom Penh, Kampot on the Cambodian coast, and Can Tho University in Vietnam. 8

9 Short Description: Join SFS in Cambodia where students learn about the mighty Mekong River and its importance to the region s ecosystems and people. The Mekong basin is home to the Irrawaddy dolphin, Cantor s giant softshell turtle, and other endangered species, and hosts diverse terrestrial eco-regions including tropical forests, flooded forests, and estuarine mangroves. The primary field station is located near the famed Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site. 9

10 Costa Rica: SFS Center for Sustainable Development Studies TERMS CREDITS COURSES Fall, Spring: Sustainable Development Studies Session I: 4 weeks Session II: 4 weeks Combined: Sessions I + II (8 weeks) 16 credits in environmental studies; additional 2 credits in language/culture 4 credits (per session) in environmental studies Tropical Ecology and Sustainable Development Economic and Ethical Issues in Sustainable Development Principles of Resource Management Directed Research Language, Culture and Society of Costa Rica (2 credits) PREREQUISITES LOCATION LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION APPLICATION DEADLINE WEBSITE Session I: Sustaining Tropical Ecosystems: Biodiversity, Conservation & Development Session II: Applied Research Techniques and Strategies Toward Sustainability One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental science/studies (semester only) 18 years of age No prerequisites for summer programs Atenas, Costa Rica English with 2-credit Spanish language and culture course (semester only) None; rolling admissions PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Join SFS in Costa Rica, known worldwide for its conservation efforts which have attracted millions of tourists to the country s parks and reserves. It is home to beautiful cloud forests, dry forests, volcanoes, lowland rainforests, and plantations and supports more than five percent of the world s biodiversity. However, the ongoing transition from an agriculture-based to a service economy, climate change, and accelerated infrastructural development threaten Costa Rica s biodiversity and society. As rural areas give way to urban development, already scarce resources, including fresh water and energy sources, are stretched to their limit. The Sustainable Development Studies program provides the opportunity for students to examine the effects of globalization on classic development issues such as agriculture, biodiversity protection, economic development, urban sprawl, population growth, waste management, and water resources. 10

11 Students learn field research techniques as they: Examine resource management schemes Identify the benefits of protected areas Determine which systems offer the best option for economic development, the maintenance of cultural norms, and the preservation of biodiversity The field station is near the friendly town of Atenas and is integrated with a Rainforest Alliance Certified TM mango and orange farm overlooking the fertile Central Valley. Short Description: Join SFS in Costa Rica, a country that is resource-rich, wonderfully biodiverse and, while rapidly developing, is increasingly recognized for its efforts to ensure conservation and the protection of natural resources. The Sustainable Development Studies program focuses on evaluating the actual success of Costa Rica s world-renowned conservation systems and developing alternative strategies for economic development and biodiversity conservation. 11

12 Panama: SFS Center for Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies TERMS CREDITS COURSES Fall, Spring: Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies Session I: 4 weeks Combined: Sessions I in Panama + II in Costa Rica (8 weeks) 16 credits in environmental studies; additional 2 credits in language/culture 4 credits (per session) in environmental studies Tropical Coastal Ecology Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values Principles of Resource Management Directed Research Language, Culture and Society of Panama (2 credits) PREREQUISITES LOCATION LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION APPLICATION DEADLINE WEBSITE Session I (Panama): Tourism and Island Systems: Assessment of Sustainable Practices Session II (Costa Rica): Applied Research Techniques and Strategies Toward Sustainability One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental science/studies 18 years of age Bocas del Toro, Panama English with 2-credit Spanish language and culture course None; rolling admissions PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Bocas del Toro archipelago, located on the Caribbean coast, is a complex and biologically diverse area composed of islands, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows. The archipelago hosts more marine and terrestrial species than almost anywhere else on Earth. The biodiversity of these island systems, however, is under threat from a variety of human and natural pressures, including climate change, logging, and expanding farming and ranching, all of which put delicate coral reefs and rainforests at risk. Combining scientific research with local and indigenous knowledge is crucial for the conservation and management of this wild and magnificent area. This program provides students with an exciting opportunity to conduct research and explore the rural Caribbean and the isthmus of Panama. The goal of this program is to: Assess the state of the archipelago s fragile natural habitats Define the main environmental issues Understand the community goals in natural resource management. 12

13 Through coursework and research, students gain an understanding of the interdependence of livelihood strategies of island residents, population structure of key species, and habitat arrangements and conditions, and then apply sustainability principles to define potential management strategies. The field station is located on a quiet waterfront on Isla Colon, the most populous island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. The sounds of frogs, birds, and monkeys along with clear, Caribbean waters are the backyard of the Center. Due to the Center s central location, the coral reefs, jungles and beaches of Bocas are only short distances away. Short Description: Join SFS in Panama s Bocas del Toro archipelago where students study the state of the island system s fragile natural habitats, defining the main environmental issues and understanding the community s goals in natural resource management. The archipelago hosts more marine and terrestrial species than almost anywhere else on Earth. 13

14 Peru: SFS Center for Andes-Amazon Studies TERMS CREDITS COURSES PREREQUISITES LOCATION LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION APPLICATION DEADLINE WEBSITE Fall, Spring: Biodiversity and Development in the Andes-Amazon 16 credits in environmental studies; additional 2 credits in language/culture Tropical Ecology of the Andes-Amazon Political Ecology of Developing Landscapes Conservation Science and Practice Directed Research Language, Culture and Society of Peru (2 credits) One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental science/studies 18 years of age Pillcopata, Peru English with 2-credit Spanish language and culture course None; rolling admissions PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Join SFS in Peru, a leading destination for biodiversity enthusiasts, anthropologists, scientists, educators, and students from around the world. With extensive humid tropical rainforest, highland forests that make up the upper reach of the Amazon watershed, and the dramatic elevation gradient upward to the continental towers of the Andes Mountains, Peru easily earns itself a place among the five most mega-diverse countries in the world. The complex topography and array of habitats support diverse flora and fauna and are also home to many indigenous groups. Southeastern Peru is a region rich in natural resources, yet the ecosystems, habitats, and species that comprise the biodiversity and provide services to local residents are threatened by rapid and unplanned urban and peri-urban development, expansion of road systems, unregulated logging and mining, and high-input agriculture. Students work with local communities to examine how their social fabric is threatened by environmental degradation associated with these industries and inequities in rural development. Students take multi-day excursions to both the pristine lowland Amazon rainforest of Manu National Park and to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the Andes, including the opportunity to visit the famous Machu-Picchu UNESCO World- Heritage Site. The field station is located deep in the Peruvian Amazon surrounded by a wide variety of habitats including intact but disturbed rainforest, secondary forests, streams, rivers, waterfalls, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. Short Description: 14

15 In southern Peru, this hands-on program explores the forests, fields, communities and rivers along the elevational gradient from the Andes Mountains to the lowland Amazon rainforest. The field station is located deep in the Peruvian Amazon surrounded by a wide variety of habitats. 15

16 Tanzania: SFS Center for Wildlife Management NOTE: SFS has suspended Kenya operations for the Wildlife Management Studies program. While this program was previously run as a two country program, it will now operate in Tanzania only. TERMS CREDITS COURSES PREREQUISITES LOCATION LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION APPLICATION DEADLINE WEBSITE Fall, Spring: Wildlife Management Studies Session I: Tanzania only (4 weeks) Session II: Tanzania (4 weeks) Combined: Sessions I + II (8 weeks) 16 credits in environmental studies; additional 2 credits in language/culture 4 credits (per session) in environmental studies Techniques in Wildlife Management Wildlife Ecology Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values Directed Research Intro to Swahili Language and East African Tribal Communities (2 credits) Session I: Wildlife Management and Conservation Session II: Techniques in Wildlife Field Research One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental science/studies (semester only) 18 years of age No prerequisites for summer programs Rhotia, Manyara area, Tanzania Session I: Rhotia, Manyara area, Tanzania Session II: Rhotia, Manyara area, Tanzania English with 2-credit Swahili language and culture course (semester only) None; rolling admissions PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Northern Tanzania offers a tightly packed hub for wildlife tourism. The area is home to world-famous national parks, such as Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This extremely scenic area, which is the center of tourism in East Africa, has been the home of the Maasai, Iraqw, and other groups for centuries. The Wildlife Management Studies semester program allows students to examine how land-use practices within Maasai 16

17 group ranches can be sustainably managed to promote both local economic livelihoods and wildlife conservation. Students gain a general overview of cultural perceptions, conservation issues, wildlife dispersal areas, and biodiversity conservation in Tanzania while meeting and interviewing wildlife managers and members of the Maasai community. The summer program exposes students to a rich array of issues related to wildlife management and conservation, and in methods and practices in wildlife field research. The Center for Wildlife Management Studies field station, Moyo Hill Camp, is located in northern Tanzania in the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem between Lake Manyara National Park and the famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Short Description: The Wildlife Management Studies program allows students to examine how land-use practices within Maasai group ranches can be sustainably managed to promote both local economic livelihoods and wildlife conservation. Students gain a general overview of cultural perceptions, conservation issues, and human/wildlife interaction in Tanzania while meeting and interviewing wildlife managers and members of the Maasai community. 17

18 Turks and Caicos Islands: SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies TERMS CREDITS COURSES PREREQUISITES LOCATION LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION APPLICATION DEADLINE WEBSITE Fall, Spring: Marine Resource Studies Session I: 4 weeks Session II: 4 weeks Combined: Sessions I + II (8 weeks) 16 credits in environmental studies 4 credits (per session) in environmental studies Tropical Marine Ecology Principles of Resource Management Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values Directed Research Session I: Tropical Marine Ecosystems: Monitoring and Management Session II: Applied Marine Research Techniques One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental science/studies (semester only) 18 years of age No prerequisites for summer programs South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands English None; rolling admissions PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The clear waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are considered among the world s top 10 diving destinations, where vibrant coral reefs, a dramatic sea wall, and a deep ocean trench harbor a stunning diversity of sea life, from corals to whales. The charismatic fauna include more than 300 species of fish and the colorful and cryptic biota is easily spotted in the warm waters just steps from our field station. Nearby seagrass beds, mangroves, sandy shoals, and reefs lend a patchwork appearance to the miles of shallow blue waters that surround the Islands. But beneath the turquoise waters, a delicate ecosystem is under assault. A relatively healthy ecosystem supports much of the community on South Caicos Island, with fisheries providing the primary source of livelihood. However, pollution and increased extraction of precious marine resources, coupled with large-scale, unsustainable tourism and industrial development, is very likely to inflict irreparable damage to this delicate 18

19 ecosystem. Depletion of key resources would have a dramatic impact on employment and social structure on South Caicos Island. Developing sustainable fisheries is essential if this resource-dependent community is to survive. SFS is working with the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and the National Park Service to develop management strategies to help conserve marine biodiversity and provide economic opportunities for island residents. Snorkeling and SCUBA diving in the waters surrounding South Caicos, students learn field research and monitoring techniques to identify and assess the health of a wide range of marine organisms and habitats. Students learn to identify and observe the behavior of marine species, assess coastal and marine habitats, and quantify fisheries resources through hours of training, observation, and study in the water. In the community, students grapple with the challenges of assessing the rights and needs of local stakeholders and reconciling those with conservation goals. The field station is just steps from the ocean with coral reefs, barrier islands, mangroves, and seagrass beds within a three-mile radius. Short Description: The turquoise waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands offer students the perfect laboratory for Marine Resource Studies. Snorkeling and SCUBA diving in the waters surrounding South Caicos, students learn field research and monitoring techniques to identify and assess the health of a wide range of marine organisms and habitats. Students learn to identify and observe the behavior of marine species, assess coastal and marine habitats, and quantify fisheries resources through hours of training, observation, and study in the water. 19