Description

Nearly 175 million years ago, Madagascar separated from the African landmass and drifted toward its present location. Uninhabited by humans until 2,000 years ago, the island's isolated evolutionary path gave rise to unique groups of plants and animals, including more than 30 species of lemur, two-thirds of the world's chameleons, 1,000 species of orchids, an array of baobabs, and the xeric vegetation of the spiny desert. More than 80 percent of Madagascar's flora and fauna are endemic, making the island's contribution to the world's biodiversity immeasurable and its conservation a global priority.

Ever-increasing demands on Madagascar's natural resources have led to rapid deforestation, erosion, and sedimentation of coral reef-mangrove complexes. Today, the Malagasy people face the challenging task of managing unique ecosystems that have provided them with food, fuel and shelter while fulfilling the needs of a growing population.

Prerequisites: Previous college-level coursework and/or other significant preparation in environmental studies, ecology, biology or related fields, as assessed by SIT. Three recent semesters of college-level French or equivalent and the ability to follow coursework in French, as assessed by SIT.

Highlights

Four-week homestay in Fort Dauphin and one-week in a rural village. Educational excursions to Spiny Desert, Ranomafana rain forest, and the Great Barrier Reef of Tulear.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

contact sponsor

Experience Required

yes

Previous college-level coursework and/or other significant preparation in environmental studies, ecology, biology, or related fields, as assessed by SIT. Three recent semesters of college-level French or equivalent and the ability to follow coursework in French, as assessed by SIT.

This Program is open to

American and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement

A pioneer in experiential, field-based study abroad, SIT offers semester, summer, and academic year programs for undergraduate students in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as comparative programs in multiple locations.

Programs focus on critical global issues in specific geographical and cultural contexts using an interdisciplinary approach. Studying with host country faculty and living with families, students gain a deep appreciation for local cultures and become immersed in diverse topics ranging from the politics of identity to post-conflict transformation, from global health to environmental policy. 

Year Founded

1932