In case you missed the information session, click on the PDF below for details shared during the session:

Madagascar_info_2018spring.pdf


Program Description:  Introduce students to the natural history of Madagascar with an emphasis on tropical rainforest and arid spiny forest habitats. This will require short visits to two contrasting regions of the country. This will provide students with an opportunity to (1) contrast competing use of forest resources, (2) learn how the forests are managed, and (3) experience the incredible biodiversity of Madagascar with a particular emphasis on lemurs, birds, plants, and people. Ultimately, students will place Madagascar biology in the context of evolutionary time, and will examine human impacts and exploitation of natural resources that contrast with a growing ecotourism industry.

Program Travel dates:   March 7- March 18, 2018

Course : Natural Resource Ecology and Management NREM 496A, 3  credits , Spring Semester


Program Directors: 

Dr. Stephen J. Dinsmore : cootjr@iastate.edu

Dr. Peter T. Wolter :  ptwolter@iastate.edu

Participant Selection: 

• Selection will be based on completion of the ISU Abroad application form, a one-page essay, and possibly an interview with the course instructors.
• Preference will be given to life sciences majors,although others who can articulate a compelling motivation to experience this unique ecosystem will be welcome.Completion of or concurrent enrollment in an introductory biology course (e.g., Biol 211) is recommended.
• Participants should be capable of physical activity in warm environments, including hiking on rough and muddy surfaces.
• Preference given to students with 3.0 or higher GPA

Program Cost: 

Program Fee:$5670  (airfare, lodging, in-country transportation, some meals, CISI health and emergency insurance, entrance fees)

Other Fees - 1) $105 study abroad administrative fee charged by Study Abroad Center.

Out of Pocket Personal Cost - 1) passport which costs $135 if you don't already have one; 2) spending money for some meals and incidentals estimated at $150, 3) VISA cost $50
4)other personal costs, such as souvenirs, 5) preventative travel medicine (if applicable, varies), etc.

Program fee, and the $105 administrative fee will be applied directly to your Ubill in spring 2018

If you are an undergraduate student in the College of Ag and Life Sciences and are a first time international traveller and do not have a passport, contact Jodi at jcornell@iastate.edu to find out how you can have the cost of your passport reimbursed.

Scholarships:
There are scholarships available to apply for through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (0018 Curtiss Hall, scholarship application for Spring programs is due November 1st.. Application details are served to CALS students in the learning content section of the program application.







Program Itinerary

March 7: Depart Des Moines and fly overnight to Antananarivo, arriving mid-day on March 9
March 8: Drive East to the Andasibe area (overnight)
March 9-11: visit national parks in rain forest
March 12: Return to Antananarivo,flight to Toliara, drive to Ifaty (overnight in Ifaty)
March 13-16: Visit National parks and private reserve in spiny forest and coastal region
March 17: Morning near Toliara, then fly to Antananarivo
March 18: Flight to Paris and then Des Moines, arriving on 19 March


Important Note Regarding Missing classes: Please note that participation on some travel courses require you to be away from campus for some school days. The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences tries to minimize the number of days missed for this purpose, but in some events, the inflexibility of the travel schedule prevents us from working completely within our breaks. Should you choose to enroll in a travel course that requires missing some class(es) on campus, you will need to contact your instructor directly to inquire whether or not arrangements can be made to make up this class work and/or exams. The CALS Study Abroad office can provide you with a letter explaining the dates of the trip. However, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor to determine the potential impact on your grade before signing up for a Study Abroad program. The instructor is responsible for determining the impact of any absence from class.