This study abroad program will provide students with the opportunity to learn about the history, culture, environmental management, ecology, and geography of the Brazilian Amazon through course work, field trips and hands on research in a summer term course.  No place on earth is better suited for the study of the thorny problems of maintaining ecological stability and improving the human welfare of people in the developing world. Through a combination of classroom presentations, readings, and field excursions, the Amazon will become our laboratory for the consideration of these issues.  The course will last approximately six weeks, of which three will be spent traveling in and around Manaus, Brazil.

PROGRAM: The 2010 summer program runs for 6 weeks; May 24 - June 28, 2010.  Classes will commence at Salisbury University on May 24.  After two weeks in the classroom, the program travels to Manaus, Brazil.  Classes and lectures will be held at the Federal University of Amazonas on non-field trip days.  A field trip up the Amazon River will take place the first week of the abroad program, while a trip to an ecotourism Jungle Lodge and a biodiversity reserve will follow.  Additional day trips to sustainable forest reserves and indigenous Riberinho communities will depart from Manaus.

CLASSES: All students will be enrolled in two courses, and will thus earn six credit hours. Neither course has any prerequisites, and both are suitable for all students. ENVR 200: Environmental Studies in the Amazon, will provide a general overview of the Brazilian Amazon, including basic training in conversational Portuguese. The second course will be cross listed in three departments: ENVR 490: Environmental Field Studies; ECON 494: Directed Study in Economics; or GEOG 450: Topics in Geography. Students may select whichever course best suits their plan of study.

LOCATION: The city of Manaus is a cosmopolitan city of approximately 2 million inhabitants and capital of Amazonas State. Located on the Negro River near its confluence with the Amazon, it is the chief port and a hub for the region's extensive river system. A great diversity of wildlife can be found in the surroundings of Manaus. The city has many large parks with native forest preservation areas, such as the Bosque da Ciência and Parque do Mindú. The largest urban forest in the world is located within Federal University of Amazonas.

HOST INSTITUTION: The Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM) is a public university located in Manaus, Amazonas offering degrees in Medicine, Law and Social Communications, Engineering, and a wide array of science and art disciplines.  UFAM is the oldest university in Brazil; founded in January 1909 as the Free University School of Manáos. In June 2002, the school was renamed the Federal University of Amazonas.

HOUSING: Students will be housed in central Manaus, close to the university; along with stays over night on a river boat and at a jungle lodge.

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT INFORMATION:  An initial deposit of $250 is due at the time of application.  This deposit is part of the total advertised cost of the program.  Once a student is academically admitted by the faculty director, the initial non-refundable deposit is due to the Cashier’s Office.  The student will be automatically enrolled into the study abroad course.  The University Billing Office will then bill each registered student for the total cost of the study abroad program (less the deposit amount) through the regular university billing system.  Standard University deadlines for withdrawals do not apply to study abroad programs.  Once the published Application Deadline occurs, the accepted student is responsible for the entire amount of the study abroad program charge. 

APPLICATION INFORMATION: Application forms are available at the Center for International Education or from the faculty director.  

 To apply to the program you must submit the following items:

I.  Application Form:  A completed official SU short-term faculty -led study abroad program application form (4ply app).

II.  Application Essay:  Answer the following two questions on a separate sheet(s) of paper and attach to application.  Your response should be no longer than two pages.

 Questions: 

1) Describe how you believe participating in this study abroad program will affect you academically, personally and professionally.

2) Explain how you plan to contribute to the course.   

When preparing this essay please note that we are looking for a group of individuals with diverse experiences including students that have traveled extensively, and these that have not.  Think about how you would fit into such a group and more specifically what life experience have shaped you into a person that could contribute to such a group. 

 III. Letters of Recommendation:  Please include two letters of recommendation (or completed SU recommendation forms) from faculty members you feel can best recommend you for participation in this program. 

Recommendation form available here.

The application deadline is December 15, 2009.  Students will be notified of acceptance/rejection from the program by January 31, 2010.

All questions concerning the program should be addressed to the program director: Please turn in your completed application form, essay, and recommendation letters to:       
 

Dr. Jill Caviglia-Harris

Economics and Finance Department

Phone: (410) 548-5591    Email: jlcaviglia-harris@salisbury.edu

Printable Program Flyer Available Here