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UW Ceiba Rainforest and Coral Reefs FIG Field Expedition

Ecuador, Multiple, UW Ceiba Rainforest and Coral Reefs FIG Field Expedition
Ecuador, Multiple, UW Ceiba Rainforest and Coral Reefs FIG Field Expedition
Ecuador, Multiple, UW Ceiba Rainforest and Coral Reefs FIG Field Expedition
Ecuador, Multiple, UW Ceiba Rainforest and Coral Reefs FIG Field Expedition

This program is scheduled to take place in Belize for winter intersession/January 2022.

Ecuador, Multiple

*This FIG program will take place in either Belize or Ecuador.

This 10-day learning adventure takes students on an in-depth scientific exploration of the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. The program culminates the fall-semester Rainforests and Coral Reefs FIG. The program begins in Ecuador’s capital city of Quito, where you receive an orientation to the biogeography and culture of Ecuador. From there the group travels to the Tiputini Biodiversity Station (TBS), a world renowned scientific research station in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. At the station, you will receive an intensive review of the rainforest ecology material learned during the fall semester during guided hikes and explorations of the station’s canopy tower and walkways.

You will learn about ongoing research being conducted at TBS directly from researchers working there at the time. Instructor-mediated discussions on the process of scientific inquiry will help guide you as you develop a testable research question and conduct a small-scale field investigation in small groups. You will analyze the data and communicate the results orally and in writing on the last day.  A social outing to visit a local artisan market and dine on Ecuadorian food caps the program.

This program is offered in partnership with the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation, a non-profit organization offering field courses taught by highly experienced and knowledgeable staff. Their field courses provide quality education while taking you to some of the most remote and pristine ecosystems left on earth.

Note: The yellow fever vaccine is required for participants on this program.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Summarize the main biogeographical and cultural regions of Ecuador
  • Design a research project that demonstrates appropriate principles of scientific investigation
  • Apply science process skills to formulate testable questions about rainforest and coral reef ecosystems
  • Engage with fellow UW students and faculty
  • Achieve personal development and the ability to adapt to a new culture

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students.

  • Enrollment in the Rainforests and Coral Reefs FIG is required in order to apply to and participate in the program. 

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Freshman
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Biological & physical science, environmental studies

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Field Research Station

Program Duration

Winter Intersession: Early January

Application Deadline(s)

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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As a major in Zoology, being able to observe and study animals in the Amazon Rainforest gave me a first glimpse in what it is like to be a zoologist. Being able to study animals in the field is exactly what I want to do and I was even given the incredible opportunity to work with a primatologist. -Evan D.

You will earn one credit of Botany 299: Directed Studies.  Through the field experience you will be able to:

  • Illustrate ecological principles with examples from rainforest and/or marine ecosystems
  • Apply ecological principles and scientific reasoning to the design and execution of field research in rainforest or marine ecosystems.
  • Formulate a testable question or hypothesis, collect and interpret data, and present their findings orally and in writing.
  • Examine a conservation problem and identify the interdisciplinary factors at play (social, biological and physical).
  • Apply scientific reasoning to critically analyze conservation issues in the context of rainforests and/or marine ecosystems.
  • Communicate the importance of rainforests and coral reefs and their conservation to a lay audience.
  • Demonstrate collaboration and problem-solving skills through engagement in group research.
  • Identify major taxa of plants and animals that inhabit rainforest and marine ecosystems.
  • Evaluate opportunities for an academic and/or professional career in ecology and conservation with international scope.

Affiliate Institution(s)

Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

Dr. Catherine Woodward

Faculty Associate, Botany