This internship program takes students to the South Pacific island of Samoa and Hawaii to learn foundational concepts in ecology, research, and ecosystem conservation. By spending time conducting authentic coral reef ecology and rainforest conservation research we will quantify and address drivers of environmental degradation. Participants will spend extensive time conducting research on the effectiveness of marine protected areas and develop and evaluate the best approaches to coral restoration. Central to this experience is seeing how Polynesian cultures have addressed conservation issues including village-scale projects to address climate change.

Pacific Ecology
DATES
July 8–August 12, 2021 (approximately)
HOUSING
Students will live in hotels, hostels and resorts. Approximately half of meals will be provided by 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.
COURSES
Students are required to enroll in 3 credit hours of BIO 394R (Research Internship) during the Summer Term experience. In addition, students can choose between BIO 350 (Ecology), BIO 452 (Marine Biology) or BIO 494R (Mentored Research).
Participants may not take any other courses on this program, including BYU Online courses, without approval by the program director and ISP.
COST
$5,000-5,500
Includes: BYU LDS undergraduate tuition, round-trip airfare between Hawai’i and Samoa, accommodations, some meals, group transportation between islands, cultural excursions, and international health insurance.
Not included in this program cost: airfare between the continental U.S. and Hawai’i, some meals, and personal spending money, international phone plans.
TRAVEL
Students are responsible for purchasing their own airfare to and from the program. Airfare reservations must be made through BYU Travel. Students should contact a BYU Travel agent at:
BYU Travel | 801-422-6293 | travel@byu.edu | 280 HRCB
PREPARATION
Accepted students are required to participate in a preparation course (IAS 369R 1 credit hours). This course will be held during second block winter semester.
Accompanying spouses need to be credit-bearing participants on the program.
Spouses will also need to apply online and take the preparation course.
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)
APPLICATION PROCESS
Students must be adults 18 years-of-age or older.
Complete the online application at kennedy.byu.edu/apply.
The application requires a $35 fee.
Students will be notified via e-mail of their acceptance into the program.
The first payment is due upon acceptance. Please refer to the 2021 Payment Information document (see kennedy.byu.edu/isp-forms/ISPpayments2021.pdf).
Deadline: 28 February 2021.
FACULTY
Richard Gill, PhD, Full-time faculty, Department of Biology will be the program director and instructor for the courses.
INTERESTED STUDENTS SHOULD CONTACT
International Study Programs
101 HRCB
(801) 422-3686
isp@byu.edu
kennedy.byu.edu/isp
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.