Ecuador: Ecology & Conservation Biology Quito, Ecuador — ¡Bienvenidos a Ecuador! Students will explore and experience the ecology and biodiversity of the cloud forest ecosystem of the equatorial Andes Mountains as well as canoe and explore the Amazon River headwaters —all the while being immersed in the South American, Incan and Amazonian indigenous cultures in and around the Quito region. Students will conduct research in 3 river systems at Reserva Las Gralarias, a tropical bird sanctuary located literally on the equator, in the Parish of Mindo along the Western front of the Andes mountain range. We will explore land-use in and around the reserve including the impact of rural farming and grazing. Students will have the opportunity to assist with ongoing forest re-vegetation efforts. The river baseline data collected during this program will inform the local community about enhancing and maintaining their local ecosystem.

During the second week of the program, students will explore the world-famous Indian markets of Otavalo and a condor rehabilitation center, and spend two days at a working ranch in the high-elevation Paramo ecoregion at Antisana. During the third week we travel into the upper Amazon Basin, trek down the Napo River, and live amongst the Sani Tribe and experience native culture, farming practices, education, and food ; all the while exploring and experiencing the tropics in all its biological richness.

Apply by February 1, 2016 at: www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad

Eric Snyder 3390e Kindschi Hall of Science Biology Department 616-331-2417 snydeeri@gvsu.edu

Program Director

Find this program on Facebook and Flickr! www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad/ecuadorbio

STUDY ABROAD

GVSU FACULTY-LED PROGRAM

Students will register for a total of 6 credits:

BIO 417: Tropical Field Biology (3 credits) AND

NRM 407: Natural Resources and Society (3 credits)

Independent study credits available

Language of instruction: English

Dates

Courses

Housing May 1 - May 19, 2016 (3 weeks)

Students will stay in a lodge on the reserves and in hostels.

*All program information including courses, duration of program, dates and other logistics are subject to change. Fee subject to adjustment based on actual exchange rates and international airfare. Programs may be cancelled due to extenuating circumstances.

Eligibility It is recommend but not required that students take BIO 215 (general ecology) before departure. 2.5 GPA required.

Non-GVSU students are eligible. Visit the website for details.

Experience the local culture, ecology and biodiversity of the cloud forest ecosystem of the Andes Mountains

Help local communities maintain biodiversity via long-term bio-monitoring and independent ecological research

Explore Andean culture in the world-famous open markets of Otavalo Canoe down the Napo River, a tributary of the Amazon, and live amongst the

indigenous Sani Tribe

Excursions & Highlights

Cost Program Fee Tuition Other expenses $4,368 (paid to GVSU) $2,916 (paid to GVSU) $568 (estimate)

What’s Included? Round-trip airfare Accommodation Most meals All excursions and field trips All ground transportation

What’s Included? 6 credits

What’s Included? Personal expenses ($300) Passport ($140) Additional meals ($100) ISIC—optional ($28)

How do I pay for study abroad? Students can use financial aid, scholarships, grants, personal funds and alternative loans to fund study abroad. Scholarship options include but are not limited to the Faculty-Led Program Grant ($1,500).

For more information on funding, visit www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad

Total Estimated Cost: $7,852

Padnos International Center 130 Lake Ontario Hall Allendale, MI 49401 www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad studyabroad@gvsu.edu 616-331-3898 Walk-In Advising Hours: Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm Hours are extended to 7pm during the fall & winter semesters. No appointment necessary!

Contact

Apply Apply online by February 1, 2016 at: www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad

*All program information including courses, duration of program, dates and other logistics are subject to change. Fee subject to adjustment based on actual exchange rates and international airfare. Programs may be cancelled due to extenuating circumstances.