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    • Study Abroad (RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK)

    Program Description
    The Madagascar Study Abroad Program has been running since 1998 as an undergraduate course through Stony Brook University. Stony Brook University is a leader in the fields of anthropology, as well as ecology and evolution. A full semester of credit can be earned through participation in this program, include both fall and summer programs.
    The main courses offered include but are not limited to:
    • ANP 325 Primate Behavior and Ecology - convering primate nutrition, social behavior and ecology of tropical rain forest primates, and conservation issues
    • ANP 391 Ecosystem Diversity and Evolution
    • ANP 350 Field Methods in Primatology and Field Biology
    • ANP or ANT 487 Independent Study: Research in Biology, Natural History, or Anthropology (both Cultural and Physical)

    Students enroll in all four courses and earn a total of 15 credits. In some cases additional credits may be earned, but this should be arranged and approved in advance. Courses will conducted by resident and visiting professors of Ornithology, Entomology, Ichthyology, Limnology, Botany, Anthropology, Zoology, and Primatology.

    Students work alongside Malagasy and foreign students and scientists, and research station staff, with guidance from field course professors. Your independent research will contribute to our understanding of Ranomafana National Park and the link between the Park and the people of the region.

    Mandatory Orientation
    The program begins with an intensive 1-2 day orientation on the Stony Brook University campus*. Students then travel as a group to Madagascar.(Housing can be arranged for non-resident students during this orientation period.)

    *Students are responsible for their own travel to SBU for this orientation.

    Why Madagascar?
    Ranomafana National Park (RNP), a larege area of primary rain forest in southeastern Madagascar, was established in 1991. Dr. Patricia Wright, ICTE Director and Study Abroad Program, paved the way for the Park's creation by the discovery of a previously unknown primate, the golden bamboo lemur (Hapalemur aureus), in 1986.

    Considered a "Megadiversity" country, Madagascar is among the world's most biologically diverse places with incredibly high levels of endemic plants and animals. Nearly 80% of its plants and over 90% of its animals are found nowhere else on earth. This unique diversity makes the island continent a natural laboratory of evolution filled with extraordinary opportunities for ecological research.

    Ranomafana National Park is home to 13 lemur species; several of which are extremely rare. The park contains over one third of Madagascar's birds, rare carnivores, amphibians, and reptiles including the world's smallest chameleon. The lush vegetation contains most of Madagascar's endemic plant families. Rapidly growing population pressure combined with extreme poverty threatens these unique natural assets. There is an urgent need to study Madagascar's biodiversity, not the least of which is to learn how to best conserve it for future generations. You can be a part of the research and conservation measures needed to assure the future of Madagascar's unique cultural heritage.

    Program Focus
    Anthropology, Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Primatology, and Wildlife Studies
    Join the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments (ICTE) for a semester abroad in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar
    Credits awarded through Stony Brook University

    Living Arrangements
    While in the RNP, students will lodge in tents at the Centre ValBio Research Station, on the edge of the Park. Meals are provided in the central dining facility. Courses are conducted in buildings associated with the Research Station and in the forest proper.

    Health Insurance
    Stony Brook University offers international health insurance for those who do not have adequate coverage.

    Eligibility
    MBA students in good academic standing may apply. There is NO language requirement.

    Program and Tuition Fees
    • Total Program Costs: Approximately $8,900 for the entire semester. Includes airfare (estimated at $1,500) and $500 personal money.
    • Registration/Tuition: Program participants will owe Stony Brook tuition for the Fall semester, assessed at the appropriate in-state or out-of-state rates.
    • Program Fee: $5,000
    • Airfare: Airfare varies, but students can expect to pay $1,200-$1,600. A group flight will be arranged.
    • Insurance: Participants must be covered by Medical/Accident Insurance that covers international medical evacuation in the event of any emergency. SUNY offers a policy for program participants, which costs approximately $380. SOS Insurance Plan also meets these needs.
    • Other: It is suggested that students bring at least $300 personal spending money. A list of all necessary personal camping supplies and text books will be provided and are not included in the program fee.
    Application Deadline
    Applications are due May 1st, 2009. Late applications will be considered at the Program Director's discretion.
    For more detail, please link to here.

    Contact
    Patricia C. Wright, Ph.D.
    Professor Department of Anthropology
    Director, Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments
    SBS Building, 5th Floor, Room N-541
    Stony Brook University
    Stony Brook, NY 11794-4364
    patchapplewright@gmail.com
    Tel: (631) 632-7425

    Jennifer Green
    International Study Abroad Advisor
    International Acdemic Programs
    Melville Library, Room E5340
    Stony Brook University
    Stony Brook, NY 11794-3397
    jennifer.green@stonybrook.edu
    Tel: (631) 632-7030

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    Lasted updated on 12-Mar-2009 10:00 AM EST