International Conservation Study Abroad Program

With the objective of fostering international citizenship and the development of future leaders in global conservation, the Foundation initiated a partnership with the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and Earthwatch Institute.  This unique program provides the opportunity for university students to study overseas in supervised international conservation settings.  UCSD professors accompany small groups of students and provide academic instruction on site while Earthwatch scientists supervise their participation in actual research projects.  This program also serves as an opportunity for UCSD faculty to engage with the Earthwatch Institute in field research studies.  Future plans include semester abroad study programs and expanding the program to the entire University of California system.

Study opportunities for Summer 2009 program include:

Kenya - Wamba: Grevy’s zebra conservation, carnivore ecology & human-wildlife sustainability, and medicinal plants

Mongolia - Ikh Nart Nature Reserve: Conservation management for local wildlife species

Peru - Puerto Maldonado: Macaw biology and conservation

Vietnam - Tam Dao National Park: Conservation of butterflies as well as forests and other ecosystems

Mexico - Laguna San Ignacio, Baja California Sur: Feeding ecology of black sea turtles

Fiji - Viti Levu Island: Excavating earliest human settlements on Fiji

Canada - St. Lawrence Estuary: Marine mammal observation and conservation