- Dr. Shekelle has more than 20 years of experience conducting biodiversity research and conservation in North Sulawesi. Experienced co-teachers are often used.
- Formal learning includes methods and analyses for collecting critically important data on critically important taxa in critically important habitats and prepares students for their own field research. Lectures include the range of the instructors’ research, e.g. behavior, biogeography, taxonomy, conservation policy, Red Listing, and more.
- Each overseas student is paired with an Indonesian student, creating a multi-cultural learning environment, where students are embedded in Indonesian culture, where informal learning greatly outstrips formal learning.
- This course fine-tunes location and materials to best match the specific needs and opportunities presented with each iteration. Locations in North Sulawesi have included, Tangkoko, Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siau, and Mt. Tumpa, as well as Nantu Wildlife Reserve, in Gorotalo province. Experienced co-teachers are brought in to supplement the curriculum as necessary.
- Hands-on instruction will include some or all of the methods in the entire range of the instructors’ research: e.g. survey, population estimates (transects, square and center plots), capture and handling, radiotelemetry, behavioral data collection, bioacoustics, quantitative habitat mapping, and much more.
- At the conclusion of the course each student participates in a multi-cultural seminar to demonstrate what they learned about science and conservation before an Indonesian audience. (See slide shows and photo gallery).
- This course is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Price: $3300
- Inclusive of all cost airport to airport, except spending money: therefore, course cost includes airport pick-up and drop off, and all room, boarding, and course fees. Student only needs additional money for personal items, such as souvenirs.
- Exclusive of transportation to Manado’s Sam Ratulangi International Airport.
- Some financial aid and scholarships are available.
Students from the USA, Philippines, Korea, and France, have studied alongside Indonesian students, learning the methods of field research, while learning how the world values the biodiversity that is all around them. Thus far, more than 300 Indonesian high schools have learned about their own natural heritage through the students who have taken our course, and who are now high school biology teachers.