Tropical Ecology and Biodiversity in Ecuador
Summer II 2016
ation Abroad —
c
u
d
Unive
E
rsity
of Nor
th Carolina Wilmington
Program Overview
Tropical Ecology and Biodiversity in Ecuador will provide an
introduction to the structure, function, biological diversity, and
conservation of terrestrial Neotropical ecosystems. The focus
of the course will be a two-week trip to Ecuador, with intensive
hands-on experience in lower montane rainforest. We will be
staying at the new Wildsumaco Biological Station on the slopes of
Sumaco Volcano. This area is in one of the most biodiverse areas
on the planet. Students will design and conduct research projects
in this amazing natural laboratory.
Academics
Program Facts
Location(s):
Wildsumaco Biological Station, Ecuador
Tentative Program Dates:
July 11 - 15 pre-trip classes (UNCW)
July 18 - Aug 1 in Ecuador
Aug 3 - 5 post-trip classes (UNCW)
Biology 480 - Field Studies in Biology: Tropical Ecology and
Biodiversity in Ecuador - 6 Credits
Program Leader(s):
Brian S. Arbogast, PhD (arbogastb@uncw.edu)
Department of Biology and Marine Biology
Prerequisites: BIO 201, BIO 202; Consent of Instructor; 3.0 GPA
Application Deadline: April 1, 2016
1 additional course in advanced zoology or botany recommended.
Limited to 8 students
Program Activities and Features
Hands-on field research in Tropical Ecology, Field-Methods, and
Conservation in Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary, Ecuador.
A Margay at Wilsumaco
• To apply log in at: https://itsappserv02.
uncw.edu/intprogapp/ and select your
program of choice
• A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at
time of application
Eligibility:
Students are eligible to apply for this program
if they meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Degree-seeking student
• At least Sophomore standing at time of
participation
• Good judicial standing
• 3.0 GPA at time of application
• Consent of instructor; BIO 201, BIO 202,
BIO 366; 1 other 300+ Botany/Zoology
course recommended
• Completed application with personal
statement verifying student is physically
able to perform field work and is aware that WBS is very limited in its ability to
provide individualized dietary options
Learn more at www.uncw.edu/international
Open up yo
ur w
orld
- Go
Abroad!
Cost
Estimated Program Fee:
Sumaco Volcano as
viewed from the
Wilsumaco Biological
Station
$1,450
Location
Wildsumaco Biological Station and Sumaco National Park sit within
the Tropical Andes biodiversity hotspot, at the confluence of lowland
Amazonian and highland Andean regions of Ecuador. This area is
recognized as having one of the highest levels of vertebrate diversity
on the planet. The Biological Station is located at an elevation of about
4,800 feet, nearly halfway up the slopes of 12,500 foot Sumaco Volcano. We will be staying in the new Wildsumaco Biological Station, a
partnership between UNCW and Francis Marion University. All meals
while we are at the Station are included. There are modern (shared)
bathrooms with hot-water showers, and a large common room/dining
facility. Students’ rooms are dorm-style and shared. Program Fee Includes:
• Medical Insurance
• All housing and meals at Wildsumaco;
Shared hotel rooms in Quito
• In-country Transport
• Excursions to:
o Guango Hummingbird Reserve
Additional Costs: (not included in program fee)
• Round Trip Flight: ~$1,350
• Meals during travel and in Quito: $150
• UNCW Tuition for 6 credits
• Textbook ($70); Passport costs if
applicable
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Federal and state financial aid may be applied
toward this program. Even if you are normally
ineligible for financial aid, you should submit a
financial aid application (FAFSA). You may find
that you are eligible for additional funding.
Map & Images
Dining Room at Wildsumaco
UNCW students may also apply for a UNCW
Summer Education Abroad Grant and additional
study abroad scholarships. Grant applications
and additional information are available at
www.uncw.edu/international/abroad/aid.html.
Location of Wildsumaco Biological Station
Of
r o g r a m s • 11 8 F r i d a y A n n e
ational P
x • UN
Intern
C Wilm
f
o
ing
fice
Wildsumaco Biological Station
ton •
601 S
o
uth C
o ll e g
e Ro
ad •
Wilm
ing
ton, N
C 284
03-59
6 5 • 910.962.3685 • studyabroad@unc
w.edu