Location | Academics | Housing | Dates/Deadlines | Program Costs | Eligibility/How To Apply

CWU Biodiversity and Conservation Field School, China - Summer Programs

Location

This faculty-led program in Biodiversity and Conservation takes place both in Ellensburg and in the Huangshan scenic district of China. The Huangshan scenic district is located in the Anhui Province of east-central China. The park where participants will be conducting research is recognized as a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site. It is also home to two well-habituated groups of monkeys that students can observe and research.

Academic Departments
Courses covering the following topics will be taught as part of this program. Courses are taught by CWU faculty Dr. Megan Matheson (Psychology), Dr. Lori Sheeran (Anthropology) and Dr. Steven Wagner (Biology).

Classes Offered

On this program in the Huangshan district of China, students will learn field methods while being involved in independent and collaborative research in the areas of primate behavior and ecology, and biodiversity assessment.

Additionally, students contribute toward team projects (in herpetology and primatology) and design their own projects. Students are encouraged to present their findings upon completion.

All students will be enrolled concurrently in three courses:

• ANTH 493--Anthropological Field Experience: Applied Issues in International Field Research (taught by Dr. Lori Sheeran)
• BIOL 493--Field Practicum: International Biodiversity Research (taught by Dr. Steven Wagner)
• PSYC 493--Design & Analysis for Observational Field Research (taught by Dr. Megan Matheson)

Pre-trip preparation and coursework will begin in early July.  During this time, students will attend lectures, complete homework assignments, participate in field trips, and develop proposals for their independent projects. Students will spend part of their time in China collecting data for these projects, and analyze their data and write a report after returning to CWU. The report is due by Sept. 30, 2008.

Each course is worth 4 quarter credits, for a total of 12 credits earned on the program.

Fieldwork: As an intensive field-based program, students can expect to spend the majority of their time at the VWM park engaged in hands-on training in behavioral data collection, habitat assessment, and herpetological survey techniques. Students will be responsible for assisting faculty coordinators and other students in collaborative projects and collecting data for their own independent projects. Typical field days consist of up to 10 hours at the park, which includes at least an hour for lunch and other breaks, and a typical weekly schedule consists of 3-4 field days followed by 1-2 days off for rest or excursions. That said, students should be prepared to be flexible; schedules are subject to change due to weather, presence of subjects, ect.

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Housing

Participants will be housed in a local hotel located a short drive from the park, and will share double rooms. Each room has a private bathroom. There are many stores within walking distance.

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Program Costs

The program fee will be TBA, depending on enrollment and currency fluctuation.

Program fees include:

• Tuition and fees
• Housing
• Predeparture and on-site orientation
• Credit transfer assistance
• Cultural activities
• Breakfast and lunch

Program Dates & Application Deadlines

• Summer Session: (July 25, 2008 - August 25, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: April 14, 2008

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Sample Program Budget

See our What Does It Cost page for more information on fees & deposits you may be responsible for.

Financial Aid

Most forms of financial aid and scholarships apply to the cost of study abroad programs. Students should consult with a financial aid counselor at their home campus for specific information about awards and eligibility. You can also visit our What Does it Cost web page.

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Eligibility

• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
• Other Info: Background in statistics or equivalent preferred. All applicants should note that the full cost of airfare will be due shortly after acceptance.
• Good academic standing
• No current disciplinary record
• An interview may be required

How to Apply

Before you begin your application, we highly recommend that you see a study abroad advisor to ensure that you have all the information you need about program logistics and eligibility. CWU students can call 963-3622 or drop by the International Center, Room 101 (across from L&L), to schedule an appointment.

• Apply Here

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More Information

Contact:

Drs. Megan Matheson, Lori Sheeran, Steven Wagner
Faculty Coordinators
mathesom@cwu.edu, sheeranl@cwu.edu, wagners@cwu.edu

Prices and dates are subject to change without notice. Contact Study Abroad & Exchange Programs for more information.