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David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies
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From Glaciers to Coral Reefs: Island Biogeography of the South Pacific

Dates: 2 May–14 June 2023
Application Deadline: 15 December 2022
Apply Now

SIX ISLANDS AND EIGHT NATIONAL PARKS/MARINE RESERVES ACROSS NEW ZEALAND, SAMOA, AND FIJI

Come immerse yourself in the South Pacific—RVing, kayaking, hiking, and traversing glaciers across New Zealand's spectacular South Island; exploring the oceans, tropical forests, and people of Western Samoa while serving as a near-peer tutor for LDS Samoan high school students; and sea kayaking, snorkeling coral reefs, and participating in an ecotourism experience on sparsely inhabited islands in Fiji.

Click here to apply today!

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Contact Us

Zachary Aanderud
4125 LSB
(801) 422-4220
zachary_aanderud@byu.edu

PDF

Program Flyer

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
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More Information

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Courses

Students will enroll in the following courses while on this program:

PWS 150—Environmental Biology (3 credit hours). Fulfill your Science and Global & Cultural Awareness GE while exploring the South Pacific.

PWS 250—Field Ecology (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.

Students may not take any other courses on this program, including BYU Online courses, without approval by the program director and ISP.
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Cost

$6,200–6,700

Includes full undergraduate tuition (increased cost for graduates and non–Latter-day Saint students), international health insurance, housing, admissions, most meals, and all inter-island transportation.

Does not include airfare to and from the US, preparation course tuition, passport fees, or personal expenses.
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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.

Academic departments and colleges may assist with scholarships and grants.

Environmental Science students may apply for Experiential Learning funds through the Plant and Wildlife Sciences Department.

Private grants and scholarships outside of BYU may also assist (see kennedy.byu.edu/scholarships).
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Preparation

Accepted students are required to participate in an international, cross-cultural preparation course (IAS 201R, 1 credit hour). This class will be held Wednesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. during the second block of winter semester 2023. 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.

Students must meet all country- and program-specific COVID and health requirements for travel.
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Housing

Housing includes RVs, beach fales, tents, and stays with teachers from the LDS Church College in Western Samoa. All housing will be arranged by BYU International Study Programs.
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Travel

Students are responsible for purchasing their own airfare to and from the program sites. Airline reservations must be made through BYU Travel. Students should contact a BYU Travel agent.

BYU Travel
280 HRCB
(801) 422-6293
travel@byu.edu
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Application Process

Students must be 18 years of age or older to participate.

Complete the online application here. A nonrefundable $35 application fee is required; applicants will be interviewed once the application is complete.

Students will be notified via e-mail of their acceptance into the program. The first payment is due upon acceptance; please refer to the Payment Information document.

Application Deadline: 15 December 2022
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Program Adjustments

International Study Programs (ISP) reserves the right to cancel this program, revise its offerings, or make any adjustments to the preliminary cost.

If it becomes necessary for ISP to cancel a program, all program payments made to BYU ISP will be refunded to the student’s BYU Financial account.

ISP is the only office authorized to cancel any of its programs.
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Faculty

Dr. Zachary Aanderud is a professor of biogeochemistry in the Environmental Science Program, Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences. Dr. 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.

4125 LSB
(801) 422-4220
zachary_aanderud@byu.edu
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Contact Us

International Study Programs
101 HRCB
(801) 422-3686
isp@byu.edu
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ISP Student Handbook

To see the student handbook, click here.
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Payment Schedule

To see the payment schedule, click here.