[ECOLOG-L] Deadline Extension - Brazilian Ecosystems Program
Dear ECOLOG Community, Antioch Education Abroad would like to inform everyone interested that the *application deadline* for the Fall Semester Brazilian Ecosystems program has been extended to* March 30*. *Fall Semester (16 credits late Aug – late Nov)* participants study the value of biodiversity, the causes and patterns of biodiversity loss, the ecological significance of human disturbances, and methods of hypothesis testing in the field of conservation biology, issues of sustainable management and protection of Brazil’s biodiversity, including environmental policy and the role of non-governmental organizations in protective management. During the final four weeks of the semester, each student works with a Brazilian researcher on an ongoing study pertaining to ecology and/or conservation biology, or works with an environmental organization dedicated to environmental protection. Students also study Portuguese language at the introductory, intermediate or advanced level, all of which emphasize conversational proficiency and include a short homestay with a Brazilian family. The program gives students an opportunity to work and study in more than one tropical ecosystem, each located in a different biogeographical region of Brazil: Amazon, Coastal Atlantic Forest, Marine Environments, and Pantanal Wetland. *ECOLOG Students*: If you are passionate about the ecology and conservation of tropical habitats you should take advantage of either of these opportunities and apply as soon as possible! *ECOLOG Faculty*: If you have students who might benefit from attending the program, please spread the word. Please visit our website at www.antioch.edu/brazil and our Facebook Group Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/188136317882537/and contact Dr. Suzanne Kolb, Director of the Brazilian Ecosystems program with questions: sk...@antioch.edu With warm wishes always– Suzanne Kolb Suzanne Kolb, Ph.D. Ecology Associate Professor of Environmental Science Director, Brazilian Ecosystems Program AEA/Antioch University 900 Dayton Street, Yellow Springs, OH 45387 Office: 937-769-1018 http://www.antioch.edu/brazil https://www.facebook.com/groups/188136317882537/ Suzanne Kolb, Ph.D. Ecology Associate Professor of Environmental Science Director, Brazilian Ecosystems Program AEA/Antioch University 900 Dayton Street, Yellow Springs, OH 45387 Office: 937-769-1018 http://www.antioch.edu/brazil https://www.facebook.com/groups/188136317882537/
[ECOLOG-L] Deadline Reminder - Brazilian Ecosystems Program
Dear ECOLOG Community, Antioch Education Abroad would like to remind everyone interested that the *application deadline* for the Fall Semester Brazilian Ecosystems program is* March 15*. For undergraduate students interested in biodiversity, applied ecology, and conservation biology, the Brazilian Ecosystems program simply can’t be matched by campus-based learning. In addition, the Independent Research/Practicum portion of the program is so intensive that it almost always springboards students to obtaining competitive opportunities of many kinds once they return to campus. *Fall Semester (16 credits late Aug – late Nov)* participants study the value of biodiversity, the causes and patterns of biodiversity loss, the ecological significance of human disturbances, and methods of hypothesis testing in the field of conservation biology, issues of sustainable management and protection of Brazil’s biodiversity, including environmental policy and the role of non-governmental organizations in protective management. During the final four weeks of the semester, each student works with a Brazilian researcher on an ongoing study pertaining to ecology and/or conservation biology, or works with an environmental organization dedicated to environmental protection. Students also study Portuguese language at the introductory, intermediate or advanced level, all of which emphasize conversational proficiency and include a short homestay with a Brazilian family. The program gives students an opportunity to work and study in more than one tropical ecosystem, each located in a different biogeographical region of Brazil: Amazon, Coastal Atlantic Forest, Marine Environments, and Pantanal Wetland. *ECOLOG Students*: If you are passionate about the ecology and conservation of tropical habitats you should take advantage of either of these opportunities and apply as soon as possible! *ECOLOG Faculty*: If you have students who might benefit from attending the program, please spread the word. Please visit our website at www.antioch.edu/brazil and our Facebook Group Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/188136317882537/and contact Dr. Suzanne Kolb, Director of the Brazilian Ecosystems program with questions: sk...@antioch.edu With warm wishes– Suzanne Kolb Suzanne Kolb, Ph.D. Ecology Associate Professor of Environmental Science Director, Brazilian Ecosystems Program AEA/Antioch University 900 Dayton Street, Yellow Springs, OH 45387 Office: 937-769-1018 http://www.antioch.edu/brazil https://www.facebook.com/groups/188136317882537/
[ECOLOG-L] Brazilian Ecosystems Program Call for Applications
Dear ECOLOG Community, *Antioch Education Abroad now offers two Brazil program options for undergraduates, a one-month summer term and a three-month fall semester. * Both are open to undergraduate students from colleges and universities across the U.S. Our affiliates in Brazil included faculty and doctoral students at the Federal University of Paraná, the Federal University of Mato Grosso, and the National Institute of Amazonian Research (Manaus), as well as several NGOs working in different areas of biological conservation. *The application deadline for both the summer term and fall semester is March 15*, but study abroad offices at many schools have earlier internal deadlines. *Summer Term (4 credits mid July – mid Aug)* participants compare the flora, fauna, and ecological characteristics of two different Brazilian rainforests: the Amazon Rainforest and the Atlantic Coastal Forest. Students also have the opportunity to visit coastal marine systems and learn about current research efforts to understand them. *Fall Semester (16 credits late Aug – late Nov)* participants study the value of biodiversity, the causes and patterns of biodiversity loss, the ecological significance of human disturbances, and methods of hypothesis testing in the field of conservation biology, issues of sustainable management and protection of Brazil’s biodiversity, including environmental policy and the role of non-governmental organizations in protective management. During the final four weeks of the semester, each student works with a Brazilian researcher on an ongoing study pertaining to ecology and/or conservation biology, or works with an environmental organization dedicated to environmental protection. Students also study Portuguese language at the introductory, intermediate or advanced level, all of which emphasize conversational proficiency and include a short homestay with a Brazilian family. Participating in either program gives students an opportunity to work and study in more than one tropical ecosystem, each located in a different biogeographical region of Brazil. *A few highlights from the 2014 program*: During our stay in the Amazon we used frog species as a taxonomic group representing species richness. Conducting field surveys with Pedro Ivô, who is a specialist in this area, one survey found ten species in only 1.5 hours. For the research proposal challenges held, one team of students proposed a study to determine whether the standing biomass of trees in the Amazon would decrease if liana abundance increased. The students did a great job of explaining why this might occur and how it would weaken the role of Amazon Rainforest in serving as a carbon sink. During our stay on the coast of southern Brazil, we focused on three small islands visible from the shore that are the target for establishing a new marine conservation unit. They belong to a string of island stepping stones that form a migration corridor for endangered marine species. We met and spoke with a number of different stakeholders involved or impacted by this new conservation measure. Our study of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest included a research project to test whether moss abundance increases along a gradient from early to late successional forests. Independent research projects included looking at the effects of oil spills on oxidative stress levels in coastal intertidal zones. On top of their workloads the students somehow managed to find the time to learn how to samba and play some soccer with local community kids. They always greatly enjoy their immersion in Brazilian culture. The Portuguese language course, which includes a short homestay with a Brazilian family, remains as popular as ever. *ECOLOG Students*: If you are passionate about the ecology and conservation of tropical habitats you should take advantage of either of these opportunities and apply as soon as possible! *ECOLOG Faculty*: If you have students who might benefit from attending the program, please spread the word. Please visit our website at www.antioch.edu/brazil and our Facebook Group Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/188136317882537/ and contact Dr. Suzanne Kolb, Director of the Brazilian Ecosystems program with questions: sk...@antioch.edu I wish you all the best – Suzanne Kolb Suzanne Kolb, Ph.D. Ecology Associate Professor of Environmental Science Director, Brazilian Ecosystems Program AEA/Antioch University 900 Dayton Street, Yellow Springs, OH 45387 Office: 937-769-1018
[ECOLOG-L] Brazil Program - Enrollment Still Open
Dear ECOLOG Community, The enrollment deadline for Antioch Education Abroad's Brazilian Ecosystems program will accepting applications until April 15th. 4-credit Summer course: 'Comparative Ecology of Brazilian Rainforest Ecosystems' Dates: 7/27 - 8/23 Non-majors welcome!! 16-credit Fall program Dates: 7/27 - 10/25 Summer course listed above - plus - 4-credit course 'Ecology and Protective Management of Brazilian Biodiversity' 4-credit Portuguese Language course 4-credit Internship + Homestay Deadline April 15 More information AND APPLICATION: www.antioch.edu/brazil I hope to hear from you, Suzanne Suzanne Kolb, Ph.D. Ecology Associate Professor of Environmental Science Director, Brazilian Ecosystems Program *www.antioch.edu/brazil http://www.antioch.edu/brazil* 937-769-1018 Antioch Education Abroad Antioch University Yellow Springs, OH 45387
[ECOLOG-L] Antioch Announces NEW Brazil Courses
Dear ECOLOG Community, Antioch Education Abroad is excited to announce NEW course offerings for undergraduate students interested in field study comparing the ecology and protective management of two different Brazilian Rainforests, with both summer term and fall semester options. Dates 4-credit Summer Term July 27-August 23 16-credit Fall Semester July 27-November 2 Application Deadline March 15 To find out more please visit our website: www.antioch.edu/brazil Or contact me! sk...@antioch.edu Suzanne Kolb, Ph.D. Ecoology Associate Professor of Environmental Science Director, Brazilian Ecosystems Program *sk...@antioch.edu sk...@antioch.edu* Antioch Education Abroad Antioch University Yellow Springs, OH
[ECOLOG-L] Brazilian Ecosystems 2nd Call for Students
Dear ECOLOG Community, Please invite your students to participate in Antioch Education Abroad's Brazilian Ecosystems Program. It is an outstanding opportunity for direct field experience with the ecology and biodiversity of Brazil's preserved environments, and with real world conservation problem solving where those preserved areas are under threat. Besides being a really exciting cultural experience, the program appeals to students with a broad range of interests. While we focus on the ecological concepts at work in conservation science, the program also includes a hard look at the sociopolitical factors that are key to addressing the environmental problems facing Brazil. The program is a 16-credit fall semester for undergraduate students that takes place from 30 August to 29 November. The program travels to the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado Savanna, Amazon Rainforest, and Pantanal Wetland, across four different states: Paraná, Goiás, Amazonas, and Mato Grosso. Students return to campus inspired and energized about continuing their education towards more realistically defined career goals. Please encourage your students to learn more about this program by directing them to aea.antioch.edu/brazil *Also please note that we will continue to accept applications past the March 31st deadline until the program is full.* Thank you for your time, Suzanne Kolb, Ph.D. Ecology Associate Professor of Environmental Science Director, Brazilian Ecosystems Program sk...@antioch.edu Antioch Education Abroad Antioch University 900 Dayton Street Yellow Springs, OH 45387
[ECOLOG-L] Brazilian Ecosystems Call for Students
Dear ECOLOG Community, Please invite your students to participate in Antioch Education Abroad's Brazilian Ecosystems Program. It is an outstanding opportunity for direct field experience with the ecology and biodiversity of Brazil's preserved environments, and with real world conservation problem solving where those preserved areas are under threat. The program is a 16-credit fall semester for undergraduate students that takes place from 30 August to 29 November. The program travels to the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado Savanna, Amazon Rainforest, and Pantanal Wetland, across four different states: Paraná, Goiás, Amazonas, and Mato Grosso. Students return to campus inspired and energized about continuing their education towards more realistically defined career goals. Please encourage your students to learn more about this program by directing them to aea.antioch.edu/brazil Thank you for your time, Suzanne Kolb, Ph.D. Ecology Associate Professor of Environmental Science Director, Brazilian Ecosystems Program sk...@antioch.edu Antioch Education Abroad Antioch University 900 Dayton Street Yellow Springs, OH 45387
[ECOLOG-L] Response to Clara Jones' Note on Study Abroad
I couldn't agree more with what Jason Hernandez had to say in reaction to Clara Jones' piece on experiential education and study abroad programs. The following is my response to Clara's statements: Antioch University's Brazilian Ecosystems program does not cater exclusively to financially privileged students. Yes, some students can write a single check to cover all program costs, but that is rare. The average student funds the program by stitching together federal financial aid, aid from their home institution, and summer job paychecks. We are also often able to provide tuition aid to the neediest applicants. Concerning your complaint about the questionable value of environmental education abroad programs, I can understand your disappointment with some of the less than academically credible programs on offer in this particular arena of education. They can be considered offensive given the urgency of the current biodiversity crisis. Perhaps you can understand how frustrating it is to be mistakenly included in that group. In fact, wrongful allegations in this regard can work against the power that strong education abroad programs have in transforming young students into professionals with important contributions to make towards biological conservation. Over the past fourteen years directing the Brazil program, I have learned that serious students are savvy consumers when deciding on a study abroad program. They ask for course syllabi, they contact past participants. The fingerprints of my education at Stony Brook University, the University of Georgia's Institute of Ecology (Odum School of Ecology), and my own participation in an Organization for Tropical Studies field course, are all over my development of the Brazilian Ecosystems program. And, in published descriptions, students easily identify this program as one that can effectively advance their post-graduate career goals in ecology and conservation. Antioch's 16-credit Brazilian Ecosystems program is a fully accredited university program that undergoes annual external and internal review and assessment. Schools such as Bard College, Amherst College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Swarthmore College, Goucher College, among others, regularly enroll their students and continuously monitor the quality of the program. I posted your message on our Brazil program alumni listserv, asking them to reflect on the value of their semester of experiential learning. Their replies came streaming in within only an hour or so. They gave strong personal testimonies to the way in which their program experience uniquely catalyzed their post-graduate work in the fields of ecological research, environmental policy, natural resource management, environmental law, and science education. Almost all of them blanched at the thought of undergoing Special Forces Survival Training in order to potentially come into contact with environmental criminals, who are capable of armed violence. But you may be pleased to know that the Rambo route to habitat protection was tentatively appealing to two former students. I most definately support the idea that we find some way to quantitatively measure the impact of all environmental study abroad programs on the issues you list, as representing an environmental payoff. I would gladly welcome any information on how this might be done. We would all benefit from that. Suzanne Kolb Associate Professor of Environmental Science Director, Brazilian Ecosystems Program sk...@antioch.edu Antioch University
[ECOLOG-L] Brazilian Ecosystems Call for Students
Antioch Education Abroad's Brazilian Ecosystems Program is a 16-credit fall semester for undergraduate students. Now accepting applications! Please encourage your students to participate in this vital field experience. It is an outstanding opportunity for direct field experience with the ecology of Brazil's biodiversity, and with real world conservation problem solving. The program travels to the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado Savanna, Amazon Rainforest, and Pantanal Wetland, across four different states: Paraná, Goiás, Amazonas, and Mato Grosso. Students return to campus inspired and energized about continuing their education towards more realistically defined career goals. Program dates: 30 August - 29 November. Please invite your students to learn more about this program by directing them to aea.antioch.edu/brazil Suzanne Kolb, Ph.D. Ecology Associate Professor of Environmental Science Director, Brazilian Ecosystems Program sk...@antioch.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Brazilian Ecosystems Call for Students
Please invite your students to participate in Antioch Education Abroad's Brazilian Ecosystems Program, a 16-credit fall semester undergraduate program with SPACE STILL AVAILABLE. This is an outstanding opportunity for direct field experience with biodiversity concepts and real world conservation problem solving in Brazil. Students return to campus inspired and energized about continuing their education towards more realistically defined career goals. The program travels to the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado Savanna, Amazon Rainforest and Pantanal Wetland, across 4 different states: Paraná, Goiás, Amazonas, and Mato Grosso. Program dates: 31 August - 5 December Still accepting applications! Please encourage your students to learn more about this ultimate field experience in biodiversity conservation by directing them to aea.antioch.edu/brazil -- Suzanne Kolb, Ph.D. Ecology Associate Professor of Environmental Science Director, Brazilian Ecosystems Program sk...@antioch.edu Antioch Education Abroad Antioch University
[ECOLOG-L] Brazilian Ecosystems Call for Students
Please invite your students to participate in Antioch Education Abroad's Brazilian Ecosystems Program, a 16-credit fall semester undergraduate program NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. This is an outstanding opportunity for direct field experience with biodiversity concepts and real world conservation problem solving in Brazil. Students return to campus inspired and energized about continuing their education towards more realistically defined career goals. The program travels to the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado Savanna, Amazon Rainforest and Pantanal Wetland, across 6 different states: Paraná, Bahia, Goiás, Pará, Amazonas, and Mato Grosso. Program dates: 31 August - 5 December Now accepting applications! Please encourage your students to learn more about this ultimate field experience in biodiversity conservation by directing them to aea.antioch.edu/brazil sk...@antioch.edu -- Suzanne Kolb, Ph.D. Ecology Associate Professor of Environmental Science Director, Brazilian Ecosystems Program sk...@antioch.edu Antioch Education Abroad Antioch University
