Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management
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About this Program
Zanzibar’s extensive shoreline, unique flora and fauna, and tropical climate are ideal for exploring conservation and management of coral reefs, inter-tidal zones, and tropical forests. From your coastal base in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, gain a deeper understanding of biodiversity, conservation areas, and ecotourism projects. Study rare or endemic species such as the whale shark, Pemba flying fox, and Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Meet officials at Zanzibar’s Department of Forestry and the Institute of Marine Sciences to hear their perspectives on natural resource management. Learn and practice speaking Kiswahili during your homestays in Stone Town, Zanzibar, and on Pemba Island. Understand the techniques, methods, and ethics necessary for successful field research, and partner with experts on an independent study project of your choice. Examine issues in marine and coastal environments through short excursions. Observe wildlife while snorkeling off of Bawe. Chumbe, Kwale, Mafia, and Misali islands. You’ll also visit Pange Reef and Sandbar.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Language Intensive Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- 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: 4
- 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: $8,000
- Spring Semester: $8,000
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 (March to May): Long rainy season, with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Rainfall can be heavy, especially along the coast, making some roads difficult to traverse.
- Summer (June to August): Dry season, with mild temperatures from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it a popular time for safaris and visiting Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Autumn (September to November): Short rainy season, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Rainfall is lighter and less predictable than in the long rainy season.
- Winter (December to February): Warm and dry, with temperatures between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). This is an ideal time for beach visits along the coast and Zanzibar.
Travel Resources
- Air: Major international airports include Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar.
- Train: The TAZARA Railway connects Dar es Salaam to Zambia, while other regional railways serve areas within Tanzania.
- Public Transport: Buses are widely used for intercity travel, while dala-dalas (minibuses) and taxis are common in cities. Ridesharing apps are available in larger urban centers.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Major attractions include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar for beaches and historic Stone Town.
- Language: The official languages are Swahili and English. Swahili is widely spoken, with English common in business and tourism.
- Festivals: Notable events include the Serengeti Cultural Festival, Mzalendo Halisi Music Festival, and the Sauti za Busara music festival in Zanzibar.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Tanzanian dishes include ugali (cornmeal porridge), nyama choma (grilled meat), chapati, and pilau (spiced rice). Fresh seafood is popular along the coast.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian options are available, especially as many dishes are plant-based. However, rural areas may have fewer specific dietary options compared to larger cities.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam: 686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani, Dar es Salaam (Phone: +255 22 229 4000)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Accessibility is limited in many areas, particularly in rural regions. Major cities are gradually improving, with some accommodations providing accessible facilities.
- LGBTQ+: Tanzania has conservative laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights, and same-sex relationships are criminalized. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion.
- Religion: Tanzania is religiously diverse, with a nearly equal distribution of Christians and Muslims, alongside indigenous spiritual practices, coexisting peacefully in most areas.
- Race & Ethnicity: Tanzania is ethnically diverse, with over 120 ethnic groups, including Bantu and Nilotic peoples, generally coexisting harmoniously, though disparities in resources and opportunities exist in some regions.
- Gender: Gender inequality remains a challenge in Tanzania, with traditional gender roles and gender-based violence prevalent, particularly in rural areas, despite efforts to promote women's rights and education.
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 holders are required to apply for a business visa or a tourist 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.