Biodiversity & Natural Resource Management
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About this Program
Explore environmental challenges, conservation, and development strategies in Madagascar, an island nation isolated from neighboring landmasses for more than one hundred million years. This program offers classroom and field-based instruction in natural and social scientific methods to encourage students to analyze environmental issues in an array of ecosystems - including rainforest, dry spiny thicket, alpine and transitional forest, savannah, gallery and littoral forest, mangrove, and coral reef - and within multiple economic, socio-political, and cultural contexts.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- French
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Internship Opportunities
- Research Opportunities
- Study Center Program
- Homestay
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 16
- Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
- Typical Course load: 5
- Credit Per Course: 3-4
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: School for International Training
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 24
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $6,000
- Spring Semester: $6,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to SIT on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by SIT. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (September to November): Warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). This is a good time to visit for wildlife viewing.
- Summer (December to March): Hot and rainy, with temperatures between 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F). This is the cyclone season, particularly in coastal areas.
- Autumn (April to June): Cooler and dry, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking.
- Winter (July to August): Cool and dry, with temperatures between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Nights can be cold, especially in the highlands.
Travel Resources
- Air: The main international airport is Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo. Domestic flights connect major cities and tourist destinations.
- Train: There are limited railway services, but the Fianarantsoa-Côte Est (FCE) railway offers scenic routes through the highlands.
- Public Transport: Buses (taxis-brousse) are widely used for regional travel, but schedules can be unpredictable. In cities, taxis are the primary form of transportation.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Key attractions include Avenue of the Baobabs, Isalo National Park, Nosy Be (an island known for beaches), and Ranomafana National Park.
- Language: The official languages are Malagasy and French. English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas.
- Festivals: Important cultural events include the Hiragasy Festival (traditional music and dance), Alahamady Be (New Year celebration), and Donia Music Festival.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Staple foods include rice, zebu (beef), ravitoto (cassava leaves), and romazava (meat stew). Fresh seafood is common along the coast.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but they may be limited in rural areas. In cities and tourist areas, it is easier to find diverse dining options.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo: Lot 207 A Andranoro, Antehiroka,, 105 Antananarivo (Phone: +261 33 44 320 00)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is limited in Madagascar, particularly in rural areas. In urban centers, some accommodations and services may be available.
- LGBTQ+: Public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals are conservative, and there are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights. Discretion is advised for LGBTQ+ travelers.
- Religion: Madagascar is predominantly Christian, with a mix of Roman Catholic and Protestant communities, alongside indigenous beliefs and practices like ancestor veneration.
- Race & Ethnicity: Madagascar's population is ethnically diverse, with Malagasy people forming the majority, though ethnic minorities may face social and economic disparities.
- Gender: Gender inequality persists in Madagascar, with traditional roles limiting opportunities for women, particularly in rural areas, and challenges such as gender-based violence being widespread.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by SIT.
U.S. passport may be required to apply for a visa prior to departure (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). SIT will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in SIT’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.