Come immerse yourself in the South Pacific—RV’ing, and kayaking, hiking, and glacier traversing across New Zealand’s spectacular South Island; exploring the oceans, forests, and people of Western and American Samoa by participating in a near-peer, service-orientated education experience with Pacific Islanders; and snorkeling coral reefs of three sparsely inhabited islands in Fiji.
From Glaciers to Coral Reefs: Island Biogeography of the South Pacific
Seven Islands and Nine National Parks/Marine Reserves Across New Zealand, Samoa, and Fiji
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DATES
Spring Semester April 28th – June 18th (more than seven weeks)
HOUSING
Housing includes RVs, fales on the beach, houses located on the LDS Church College Campus, and luxury beach-front hotels. All housing will be arranged by BYU International Study Programs.
COURSES
PWS 150 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY (3 credit hours)—fulfill your Science and Global & Cultural Awareness GE while exploring the South Pacific
PWS 250 FIELD ECOLOG (3 credit hours)—link ecological theory, application, and environmental stewardship and sustainability in an international context
PWS 494R SPECIAL TOPICS IN ISLAND BIOGEOGRAPHY (3 credit hours)—investigate the biogeography, ecology, and natural history of the South Pacific while gaining a deeper understanding of the islands and islanders
Participants may not take any other courses on this program, including BYU Online courses, without approval by the program director and ISP.
COST
$5,500–6,000
Includes: undergraduate full tuition (increased cost for graduates and Non-Latter-day Saint students), international health insurance, housing, admissions, and all inter-island transportation.
Not included: airfare to and from the U.S., books, passport fees, and personal expenses.
PREPARATION
Accepted students are required to participate in an international, cross-cultural preparation course (IAS 201R, 1.0 credit hour). This class will be held Wednesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. during the second block of winter semester 2020. Accompanying spouses need to be credit-bearing participants on the program. Spouses will also need to apply online and take the preparation course. Part-time BYU students and non-BYU students will need to pay an additional tuition fee. Students are expected to keep all aspects of the BYU Honor Code and ISP rules during the program.
FUNDING SOURCES
Regular BYU tuition scholarships, Pell Grants, and Federal Insured Student Loans may be applied to study abroad programs.
Students who submit the financial aid section of the ISP application and who have a current FAFSA form on file at the Financial Aid Office (A-41 ASB) will be considered for a study abroad scholarship and may be considered for other scholarships. They must indicate on their original online application that they want to be considered for financial aid.
Academic departments and colleges may assist with scholarships and grants.
Private grants and scholarships outside of BYU may also assist (see kennedy.byu.edu/scholarships).
Environmental Science students may apply for Experiential Learning funds through the Plant and Wildlife Sciences Department.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Complete the $35 (non-refundable) online application at kennedy.byu.edu/apply.
Applicants will be interviewed once applications are complete.
Students will be notified via e-mail of their acceptance into the program.
The first payment is due upon acceptance.
Deadline: 15 Dec 2019
FACULTY
Zachary Aanderud is a professor of microbial and ecosystem ecology in the Environmental Science Program, Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences. Professor Aanderud specializes in the ecology and sustainability in a changing world, and will help you explore the diversity and connections among island biota and islanders.
SCHEDULE AND TIME COMMITMENT
The group will meet in Christchurch, New Zealand unless other arrangements are made with the director. Parents are not to visit students during the official program time period. Students should not plan late arrivals to the host country and they should plan to stay the entire length of the program.
INTERESTED STUDENTS SHOULD CONTACT
International Study Programs
101 HRCB
(801) 422-3686
isp@byu.edu
kennedy.byu.edu/isp
Zachary Aanderud
4125 LSB
(801) 422-4220
zachary_aanderud@byu.edu
PROGRAM ADJUSTMENTS
ISP reserves the right to cancel this program, revise its offerings, or make any adjustments to the preliminary cost estimates due to conditions beyond its control.