This is a program run by Wildlife Ecology and Conservation faculty at the University of Florida (McCleery, Fletcher, Austin and Wisely). Please consider applying and contact the investigator if you have specific questions.
As part of a National Science Foundation’s IRES (International Research Experiences for Students) program, we are looking for 5 students to participate in a wildlife research program in Swaziland, Africa, from late- May to the end of July. Selected applicants will be a part of a study abroad program (http://www.wec.ufl.edu/courses/study_abroad_swaziland.php), and then will undertake individual research projects focused on hypotheses regarding how land-use change and agricultural intensification influence wildlife biodiversity and ecosystem services. Please review our website (http://uf-ires.com) for full details on the program, and for course information before applying. This is a competitive program! Selected students will receive: 1) plane fare, 2) fully-funded 3-week study abroad course, 3) a 6-week paid internship, and 4) food and accommodation at camp. This will be the third cohort of students to participate in this program and details on the types of projects from previous cohorts are available on the website (http://uf-ires.com). To be eligible, students should be preferably juniors or seniors (who are not graduating Spring/summer 2018), from a U.S. institution, and who are enrolled in school and who have taken at least 3 credits of general ecology. Interested students should apply on our website http://uf-ires.com with the following materials as one PDF file before Dec 2, 2018: 1) A 1 page (single spaced) motivational statement detailing why this international experience in Swaziland will be beneficial to your academic and career goals. 2) A curriculum vitae that includes relevant research and educational experience, related volunteer activities, courses, hobbies, etc. 3) A copy of academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable for initial application, with formal copy available upon request). 4) We require 1 letter from an academic (professor strongly preferred), and the contact information (email and phone) for two additional references who can speak to your academic work ethic and suitability for this program. References will be contacted for short-listed candidates prior to final selection. 5) Also include a writing example you have done during your academic career (indicate the course and faculty associated with the course).
