Study Abroad
Since 1995, Stony Brook's study abroad program in Madagascar has provided students from across the country with the opportunity to study the biodiversity and culture of this exotic tropical island. Students spend part of their trip living and studying in the rainforest at Ranomafana National Park, sharing the research and training center (Centre ValBio) with scientists and staff conducting cutting-edge biodiversity research. Shorter stays in other parts of the country will introduce students to the wide variety of cultures, environments, and biodiversity that is Madagascar.
The Stony Brook study abroad program in Madagascar provides an unparalleled experience for students wishing to explore parts of the world virtually unknown to most North Americans. Courses are taught in English by Ph.D.-level research scientists from the US, Madagascar and Europe, and will prepare students for the final part of the course - an independent research project, designed and executed by each student. Field-based courses prepare students to tackle the tough questions posed by the complexity of tropical ecosystems and the looming threat of global climate change. Hands-on fieldwork teaches the methods of tropical field biology. Students who complete this program should be well prepared for advanced studies in tropical biology.
The Stony Brook study abroad program in Madagascar is organized through Stony Brook University's Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments (ICTE) in collaboration with SBU's International Programs Office.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- First-hand experience with tropical conservation issues
- Living and learning near the rainforest close to endangered and endemic species: lemurs, chameleons, tropical birds…
- Field-based laboratory courses taught in the rainforest
- Sharing Centre ValBio facilities with scientists actively involved in research
- Designing, conducting, and presenting an independent research project
- Access to small villages around Ranomafana National Park for cultural experiences
- Live closely with Malagasy people and develop friendships that last beyond the program
- All on-site housing, meals, and transportation arranged and included in program fee
- Excursions to other parts of Madagascar, including the capital city Antananarivo, the dry spiny forest, beaches and coral reefs, and Isalo National Park (the 'Grand Canyon' of Madagascar)
- Instructions and guidance in English by experienced American, Malagasy and European faculty
- Resident Coordinator remains with group throughout the entire program to provide academic and personal assistance
- Fully accredited by the State University of New York, with credit equivalency accepted by most U.S. colleges and universities
- No language requirement, but some knowledge of French (or Malagasy!) is helpful
Eligibility
Students from an accredited U.S. college or university may apply for the Stony Brook Study Abroad program in Madagascar. The program is open to seniors and juniors who have taken coursework in biology or anthropology and are in good/excellent academic standing. Students should consider their health and physical condition since many of the footpaths in Ranomafana National Park are steep and sometimes muddy.
Program Director
Professor Patricia C. Wright has worked in Madagascar since 1986 when her discovery of a new species of lemur, the golden bamboo lemur (Hapalemur aureus), led to the establishment of Ranomafana National Park in Madagascar. Dr. Wright has worked to protect and conserve the flora and fauna of the park as well as to promote rural development, education, and health services for villagers living around the park. Dr. Wright is Chairperson of the Consortium for Research and Training in Madagascar which oversees the Centre ValBio Research Station and is the Executive Director for the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments (ICTE) at Stony Brook University. As the program director, Dr. Wright has the right and responsibility to ensure that students abide by the program's rules and regulations. She also teaches classes and assists students academically whenever possible. The Resident Coordinator also teaches students and assists them academically and personally.
Program Description
Dates: We are currently offering a fall 2009 program. In 2010 we will be offering two programs, one that runs during the summer term and another which takes place from early September to late November (exact dates depend on flight availability). Application deadline for the fall program is ongoing.
Further Details: For further details about costs, courses offered, etc. please view our Madagascar pages on the SBU International Academic Programs website.
Study Abroad students in Madagascar
