Location:

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Summer Ecosystem Experiences for Undergraduates (SEE-U) program provides undergraduate students of all majors from all accredited colleges or universities with a global understanding of ecology and environmental sustainability. It provides students with the opportunity to conduct fieldwork in unique natural settings in addition to participation in a combination of classroom lectures and lab work. SEE-U Brazil The Atlantic Forest, Sao Paulo 5 weeks, 6 credits Session 1: May 30 – July 4, 2015 or Session 2: July 11 – August 15, 2015 The SEE-U course in Brazil is hosted by the Instituto de Pesquisas Ecologicas (IPE) at its Center for Conservation Biology. IPE is headquartered at Nazare Paulista in Sao Paulo and is the third largest nongovernmental organization in Brazil. The Institute, which began as a project to study the Black Lion Tamarin, today comprises more than 60 professionals working in 30 projects throughout Brazil. The Institute is located in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest, a temperate forest that is considered one of the most threatened ecosystems of the planet and one of Conservation International’s 25 biodiversity hotspots. The landscape around the Institute is a mosaic of forest, pasture, eucalyptus plantations and reservoirs. There is a network of backcountry roads running through valleys and hills, offering excellent routes and views for hikes and mountain bike riding. The reservoir near IPE is also open for swimming and kayaking. Adjacent to IPE is a small organic farm, which is the source of much of the great variety of fresh fruits and vegetables used in meals prepared for the class. During the SEE-U Program in Brazil, you will also travel for one week to the coastal area of Picinguaba, located in Serra do Mar State Park. Here, you will learn about coastal ecosystems such as restinga, mangroves, jatoba and shallow marine. This week is capped off with an evening in historic Paraty.

The SEE-U program consists of introductory ecology and biology courses. Lectures coincide with designated labs and topical discussions for the course, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge to practical field techniques in your chosen location. You will receive a weekly schedule that includes reading assignments, lectures and fieldwork. Typical daily activities revolve around a morning lecture and afternoon fieldwork, with full days Monday through Saturday. The program is designed for non-science majors and therefore prior experience or knowledge of the topics, the techniques and the computer programs used is not required. Topics covered by the course include: biomes, biotic processes, abiotic processes and contemporary issues in conservation biology. Course Components Individual Project The individual project gives you the opportunity to explore a testable question that interests you in your respective location. The individual project entails: •Literature searches •Draft and final proposal •Field data collection •Data analysis •Final presentation You will have the support of teachers and field assistants, including workshops on how to carry out literature searches, and the opportunity to learn field techniques before developing your individual project. You will be supported in the design and development process. Field Practical The field practical is a chance for you to test out your newly acquired field skills. You will formulate your ideas in a group, present your ideas, collect and analyze field data, and give a power point oral presentation. The field practical emphasizes the community nature of science, as many scientists in the field must successfully communicate with a team to answer important large-scale questions. Journal You will be required to keep a journal while you are at field sites. The journal acts as an account of your work both in and out of the classroom. A certain number of entries are required and should reflect your experience at the site and your day-to-day activities. An electronic blog may also serve as your journal. Participation Participation is graded on attendance, punctuality, group discussions, presentations and overall effort for the course. Quizzes Periodic quizzes will be given during the course.

Undergraduate students of all majors at all colleges and universities may apply to our: Summer Ecosystem Experiences for Undergraduates (SEE-U) Summer 2012 Field Sites (5 weeks, 6 credits): - Jordan: Amman, Aqaba, Dana, and Wadi Mujib - Brazil: The Atlantic Forest - Puerto Rico: El Yunque National Forest - Dominican Republic: Punta Cana Learn ecology and environmental sustainability in unique natural settings through applied field techniques: - Earn 6 Undergraduate Credits in just 5 weeks. - No prerequisites required to enroll. - Fellowship funding is available through EICES. SEE-U is offered by the Center for Environmental Sustainability (EICES) at Columbia University's Earth Institute. Visit our website for more information or contact EICES directly. Apply online: - Rolling admissions - apply early for fellowship consideration. - Next application review date is April 1, 2012. We look forward to hearing from you!

Setting Description:

Accommodations: Brazil You will live at the IPE headquarters in Nazare Paulista, Brazil. The IPE campus lies within a small village with many trails that cut through local forests and pastures. There are three main buildings on the campus: Dormitories The dormitories are double occupancy and single sex. Four students share a full bathroom that connects two double rooms. Beautiful sunsets can be seen from the dormitory building, which overlooks the reservoir and courtyard. Clean linens and towels are provided daily and laundry service is provided weekly. Kitchen & Sala All meals, including daily coffee breaks, are served in the kitchen. The sala acts as a secondary classroom and lounge area with wireless internet and television. Classroom All lectures and lab work are carried out in the classroom, which is also outfitted with wireless internet access. For one week of the course, you will travel to Serra do Mar National Park in Picinguaba where you will be housed in single sex d

Cost:

Tuition: 8,640 ($1,440 per credit) Room and Board $1,950. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required for the program. Airfare is not included.