An intensifying, multi-dimensional problem across the planet is the invasion of ecosystems by exotic animals, plants and even disease organisms.  There is increasing evidence that elements of climate change and water, air and soil pollution exacerbate these incursions.  There is no place on the planet immune from these invasions, but also no place better suited to their study than the southern hemisphere country of NEW ZEALAND.  The goals of this course are to introduce participants to the ecosystem resources of the two principle Islands of New Zealand (including Kiwi (birds), Kauri (trees), tusked weta (insects)) and the incursions that threaten these (e.g. possums, pathogenic often soil borne microorganisms, rodents).  Interaction with native people (The Maori) and European and Asian settlers, will supplement these experiences.  From the ecosystem resources and these people the principles of biosecurity will be drawn and control measures derived and observed in some of New Zealand’s National Parks and Island Sanctuaries (e.g. “Ark in the Park” and the volcanoes of Tongariro).  Students will meet likely three or four times during the late fall semester of 2012, then will spend approximately two weeks in New Zealand.  The course is tailored for both undergraduates and graduate students, and for students in the sciences as well as the humanities.  The classroom for most of this experience will be the New Zealand forests, savannahs and mountains.  Students should expect and be prepared for experiences from treks to several isolated locations, observations in nucleic acid labs, to cuisine in metropolitan Auckland, penguin colonies on the Tiritiri Mantangi island.  Although it will be the height of summer in New Zealand during this excursion, field trips have the potential to range from glaciers on the high peaks to the beaches of the New Zealand’s extensive coasts. 

 

Cost: approx. $2000 plus air fare.  Scholarships and other financial support is available.

This is a limited enrollment course.  Students interested in participating should contact Prof. Stephen Williams immediately at sewms@uwyo.edu (766-2683) for an application.

 

Arts and Culture of Benin, WEST AFRICA. 3 credits. Dec. 27, 2012-Jan 12, 2013

The site of this study abroad opportunity is the small francophone country of Benin (formally called Dahomey) in West Africa, situated on the Atlantic Ocean. Participants will be based in the fascinating city of Ouidah, historical birthplace of voodoo and the slave trade of 18^th-19^th centuries, and currently home to a vibrant living arts culture. Organizational in-county liaison is the Centre Internationale for Art and Music at Ouidah (which can be googled as CIAMO.org on the Web).

Highlights include: instruction in the integrated arts of traditional African music, dance and visual art, visits to see active public school classrooms, short excursions to interesting nearby villages and historic sites, and an extended excursion to Abomey, the palace site of the original kings of Dahomey. This is a great chance to practice French language although English translations will be provided throughout.

    

3 credits, upper division. This course to be cross-listed through Outreach with Education and other subject areas. Contact the instructor listed below for more specific information.

Approximate dates: 8 weekly stateside evening sessions mid Oct.-Dec. 2012 in preparation for two weeks spent overseas Dec. 27, 2012-Jan 12, 2013.

Approximate cost: $4000 which includes r/t airfare from Denver, in-country transportation, lodging, many meals, excursions, cultural instruction, translation services, gratuities. (based on dbl. occupancy). Small group size, spaces limited! NOTE: Several SCHOLARSHIP opportunities available for UW students to help with partial funding. Application required of all participants, with initial deposit due once accepted. Time is of the essence, don’t delay.

Instructor-led by Dr. Lydia Dambekalns, Associate Professor, College of Education ( who just returned from living and working in Ouidah for six months during her recent sabbatical).

MORE INFORMATION: please email Dr. Dambekalns at LYDART@uwyo.edu.

 

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. January 2, 2013 through January 13, 2013

http://www.uwyo.edu/outreach/uwcc/study%20abroad%20galapagos/index.html
COURSE TITLES:
Casper College:
BIOL 2325: Tropical Ecology: Galapagos Islands (3 credits)
University of Wyoming:
AS 4900-81 (CRN 16657): Charles Darwin and the Galapagos Islands: The Evolution of Evolution (2 credits)
WHEN:  Winter Break- January 2, 2013 through January 13, 2013 including a two day trip to Bellavista Cloud Forrest Reserve near Quito
INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Will Robinson Dr. Scott Seville
Casper College University of Wyoming
307-268-2359 307-268-2543
wrobins@caspercollege.edu sseville@uwyo.edu
To be considered for this travel abroad course you must return the application form and a down payment check for $500 (made payable to the University of Wyoming) to Tina Markos.
Tina Markos
University of Wyoming/ Casper College Center (UWCC)
125 College Drive
LH 151
Casper, WY 82601
307-268-2412
tmarkos1@uwyo.edu
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS WITH DEPOSITS IS AUGUST 27, 2012.
Decisions on course participation/enrollment will be made following the August 27 due date. The instructors’ decisions are final. They are based on an assessment of the student’s current academic status and academic achievement, prior coursework, information provided on the form, financial considerations, and pertinence of this learning experience to the applicant’s life and career objectives. Individuals enrolling in the fall seminar described below will receive priority for the travel abroad course.
If you are not currently a college student you can apply for this travel abroad course. Nontraditional students will be admitted on a space available basis. Criteria described in this document will, to the extent possible, be used to determine whom to admit.
It is possible you will be placed on a waiting list. If so, you’ll be informed of your acceptance by mid-October, 2012.
All Casper College students must have the prerequisite of a semester of freshman biology. University of Wyoming students should be Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student