On January 4, 2010, an Apply Now button will appear on this page -- please begin your application at that time.

Hosted by: The Department of Environmental Studies

Academic Focus: This program is open to all majors, but may be particularly suitable to students with academic interests in Environmental Studies.

Eligibility Requirements: Minimum 2.0 GPA; good academic standing; at least 18 years of age; completion of a full year of college; and currently enrolled in a college/university.

Program Dates: June 19 - July 16, 2010

Application Deadlines: Applications will be accepted starting January 4, 2010. The deadline for receipt of applications is March 1. CIPA encourages students to submit their applications as early as possible because some programs fill up by the end of January.

Program Information: The major goals of the Environmental Field Study Program will be to translate theories and principles taught in class into practice in the field, promoting the students' awareness of the connections and global interdependence among human and natural systems. The program will use an interdisciplinary approach to analyze and integrate the ecological, social, political, and economic aspects of the systems under study. The group will spend three weeks in Namibia and one week in Botswana. During that time, they will visit different ecosystems and use them as case studies to learn about major environmental issues of that region. Lectures, two quizzes,field research, independent projects, short papers, and workshops will be used in this field study.

NAMIBIA: Etosha National Park, Damaraland, and the Namib Desert. Namibia is a dry place located between two deserts, the Namib desert on the west and the Kalahari on the east. The country is characterized by low population density, extensive pristine areas, and a significant presence of wildlife. The program will address issues such as wildlife in parks, people and parks, community-based conservation projects, and the role of tourism in the economy and conservation of wildlife. In addition, the students will learn about scarcity of resources and the role of local and international institutions in the protection of endangered cultures and animal species.

BOTSWANA: Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert. Botswana is one of the most stable and prosperous countries in Africa. More important, it has one of the greatest wilderness areas left in the world, the Okavango Delta. The field study program will offer a rare opportunity to learn about the evolution and ecology of this biodiversity-rich ecosystem, the environmental issues associated with the contemporary human use of this system, and the ongoing initiatives to protect it. Students will also meet with and learn from local people like the San/Bushman in the Kalahari and the polers of Makwena in the Okavanko Delta.

Courses: All program participants take one course worth 6 Emory credit hours.

ENVS 446: Field Studies, Southern Africa
Description: 6 credit hours. (Lawrence Wilson)

Living Arrangements: Accommodations are provided in bungalows and campsites.

Costs: A full description of the program costs and billing procedures is described in the budget sheets. Please click here for Budget Sheet.

Financial Aid/Scholarships: Emory College students who qualify are considered by the Office of Financial Aid for a summer aid award after registration in summer study abroad classes. The amount of the award depends on the number of credits and current financial aid package. Students currently receiving financial aid from Emory are typically eligible. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for information about specific awards. Emory Scholars are informed separately about the procedures for Scholars Summer Study Abroad awards. Emory University Employee Courtesy Scholarships may be applied to the academic fee portion of the summer study abroad program's cost. For more information, please see Summer Study Abroad Scholarships. Students on this program may be eligible to apply for the following scholarship: CIPA Study Abroad Grant.

Application Process: This program is open to both Emory students and to visiting students from other institutions. For questions or assistance, please contact the CIPA Advisor to schedule a meeting or to inquire about the process. In order to apply, students must complete the following steps:

1. Apply online to your program via the on-line application system. Click on the Apply Now link. Emory students will need their Emory login ID and password. Visiting students from other institutions will create a username (current email address) and password through the online system.

2. View the application checklist and requirements. Once you log into the system, you will be required to complete a series of steps through the checklist process. The checklist includes the following types of documents:

Program Resources:Orientation: Each summer study abroad program will have a mandatory pre-departure orientation session and/or other pre-departure activities. The Program Director will contact program participants with details.

CIPA Summer Study Abroad Refund Policy

CIPA Summer Study Abroad Information for Visiting Students

For more information on Emory University's Structured Independent Language Study Program (SILS) please click here: SILS

Contacts:
Larry Wilson, Program Director, Environmental Studies/Fernbank Science Center, larry.wilson@fernbank.edu

Branka Gajic, Summer Study Abroad Coordinator, 404-727-7884, bgajic@emory.edu