Program Duration

Fall Semester: Mid-September – Mid-December
Spring Semester: Early February – Early May
Summer Program: Early June – Early July

Program Description

Offered through the School for Field Studies (SFS), the program in Mexico is co-sponsored by UW-Madison. The program takes place at the Center for Coastal Studies in Baja, Mexico. Students will participate in research on the management of critically important fisheries and water quality issues in Bahía Magdalena. Students in the fall and summer programs also research conservation strategies to protect several marine turtle populations reduced to near-extinction. Students gather data to help understand the condition of the various habitats that are critical to the turtles' lifecycle, monitor the demographic and behavioral characteristics of turtle populations, and gain more insight into the role of the turtle in the social, cultural, and economic lifestyle of the local community. Student research is contributing to the development of a conservation and management plan for sea turtles. Spring semester students, while continuing research on turtle conservation, also focus on applied ecology of the gray whale and a socioeconomic analysis of whale watching activities.

This program is designed for all students who like to learn in an interdisciplinary and experiential environment, although it may be most appropriate for students with biology or ecology- related majors. Highlights of the program include field research, participation in field trips, community service trips, and the opportunity to gain research experience through an independent project.

Academics

SFS’s interdisciplinary, experiential approach to education is designed to train students to learn by doing. As students engage in high-quality field research, they begin to understand the challenges of confronting environmental issues. They learn the value of experiencing another culture, of collaborating with their fellow students and with the local community to develop workable solutions. They are also given the rare opportunity to work side by side with an international research team and learn state-of-the-art field research skills. The program combines classroom-based academics with field study. Students should expect an academically intensive experience and be willing to learn in a variety of settings.

Each field station is staffed by a Center Director and two to three full-time, resident faculty. Most of the SFS faculty are native to the country/region in which they teach.

Semester students are registered in four academic courses: Coastal Ecology (four credits), Principles of Resource Management (four credits), Economic & Ethical issues in Sustainable Development (four credits), and Directed Research (four credits).

Summer students take Preserving Coastal Diversity: Sea Turtles and Bay Resources (four credits).

Housing

The Center for Coastal Studies, the SFS field station, looks out over Bahía Magdalena and lies on the outskirts of the fishing community of Puerto San Carlos on the west coast of the Baja peninsula. Students share four-person cabins at the center. Additional facilities include a computer room, library, classroom, laboratory, kitchen, dining and study areas and a bath/shower house serviced by our artificial wetland waste water treatment system. Faculty live in cabins on site. Meals are provided for the duration of the program.

Excursions and Activities

Students participate in a pre-departure orientation at UW-Madison as well as an on-site orientation upon arrival in country. The orientations are designed to introduce students to the program and prepare them for living abroad.

As part of the program, students take field trips to explore wildlife ecology and management techniques in the area. Camping, hiking, traveling, and research may all be part of the trips. Past field trip locations have included: Puerto Magdalena Island, Bahia Santa Maria, and day trips to various reefs, deserts, oases, and mangroves. In addition, a variety of cultural events and activities are available to students.