Quick Facts

Application Deadlines

Fall semester: April 1
Spring semester: November 1 (application deadline is Oct 15 for those that want to be guaranteed a place on the BCA group flight)

Program Dates

Spring Semester: January through April (Extended stay for additional research possible in spring.)
Fall Semester: August through November

Language of Instruction

English

Host University

Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning (FERAL)

Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning (FERAL) is a non-profit research organization founded in 1997 and based in Pondicherry, India with a field research center in Tamil Nadu. FERAL emphasizes the value of ecological research and advocacy and focuses its mission on combining science with social justice initiatives.

Key areas of work include conservation oriented research, natural resource management, training and environmental monitoring. A proactive role towards local environment issues is encouraged by engaging local communities in dialogue, as also through awareness and training programs.
Current work is with coastal communities to explore opportunities in sustainable resource utilisation and building strategies for restoration of native coastal habitats. Research also focuses on wildlife conservation biology and valuation of ecosystem services.
FERAL works with eight women Self Help Groups in an effort to empower women belonging to low socio-economic status groups.
You will be able to apply your research at FERAL in a way that feeds into the current activities and benefits the host community.

Housing

Student housing at FERAL (capsules -- elevated thatched huts)

GPA Requirement

2.6

Required Courses

Field Methods in Marine Systems
Island and Reef Ecosystems
Upland Process and Estuaries
Introduction to Geographical Information Systems in Marine Systems
Choice between Art as Sustainable Development or Culture, Class and Gender

Great for Majors

A good overview of marine biology and ecology for those considering majoring. For those already majoring in marine science, this program offers many opportunities to conduct in-depth research in the field.

Excursions and Activities

Explore reefs, mangroves, estuaries, islands and coasts as you conduct marine science field research at a variety of sites including the Havelock and Nicobar Islands, the Andamon Islands and Mangalore Fisheries.

Extra Educational Opportunities

Extend your stay beyond the regular semester for three weeks and continue to work on a research project with the center for academic credit.