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 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.
Pacific Ecology
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DATES
25 Jun–31 Jul (approximately)
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.
COURSES
Students are required to enroll in 6 credit hours during the summer term experience. Students may choose from:
BIO 350 Ecology
BIO 450 Capstone in Biodiversity and Conservation
BIO 452 Marine Biology
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
$5,800–6,300
Includes BYU LDS undergraduate tuition, roundtrip airfare between Hawaii, Samoa, and New Zealand, 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 Hawaii and returning from New Zealand, some meals, and personal spending money, international phone plans.
PREPARATION
Accepted students are required to participate in a preparation course (IAS 369R, .5 credit hour). This course will be held during the second block of winter semester 2019.
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
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.
Deadline: 16 Nov 2018
FACULTY
Richard Gill, full-time faculty in the 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
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.