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Pacific Ecology

Dates: 5 May–5 June 2023 (approx.)
Application Deadline: 18 November 2022

This study abroad program takes students to three countries in the Central and South Pacific to teach foundational concepts in ecology and conservation. By exploring ecosystems of different ages, students will master concepts of coral reef ecology, ecosystem development, community assembly, and adaptive radiations. Island ecosystems are some of the most vulnerable in the world and this exploration through the Pacific will demonstrate how to quantify and address drivers of environmental vulnerability. Central to this experience is to see how three distinct but related Polynesian cultures have addressed conservation issues, from ahupua’a community management in Hawaii, to village-scale projects to address climate change in Samoa, to invasive species management in New Zealand.

Click here to apply today!

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Contact Us

Richard Gill
4101A LSB
(801) 422-3856
richard_gill@byu.edu

PDF

Program Flyer

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
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More Information

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Courses

Students are required to enroll in 6 credit hours during the spring term experience. Students may choose from the following courses:

BIO 350—Ecology
BIO 450—Capstone in Biodiversity & Conservation
BIO 494R—Mentored Research

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

$6,000–6,500

Includes BYU LDS undergraduate tuition; round-trip airfare between Hawaii, Samoa, and New Zealand; accommodations; some meals; group transportation between islands; cultural excursions; and international health insurance.

Does not include airfare between the continental U.S. and Hawaii, and returning from New Zealand; preparation course tuition; some meals; personal spending money; or international phone plans.
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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.

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 a preparation course (IAS 369R, 0.5 credit hours). This course will be held during second term winter semester.

Accompanying spouses need to be credit-bearing participants on the program; they will need to apply online and take the preparation course.

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

Students will live in hotels and backpackers’ hostels. Some meals will be provided on the program.

The program cannot meet all special dietary needs, nor can it ensure a safe environment for those with food allergies. If you have dietary or allergy concerns, we recommend that you speak with the International Study Programs office before you apply.
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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: 18 November 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

Richard Gill, full-time faculty member in the Department of Biology, will be the program director and instructor for the courses.

4101A LSB
(801) 422-3856
richard_gill@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.