CONNECT WITH SFS
ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN ELEPHANTS,
CAMBODIA
PROGRAM DETAILS
- Term: Summer Session II
- Credits: 4 semester-hour credits (8 credits if taken with Session I)
- Prerequisites: No course prerequisites: 18 years of age
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Early applications encouraged
- Financial Aid: All accepted students can apply for need-based scholarships, grants, and loans
OVERVIEW
This summer, come and study elephants within a lush tropical wildlife sanctuary while exploring the livelihoods of the Bunong indigenous people who have incorporated elephants as part of their culture for many generations. Not only will you learn about elephant behaviour and ecology in a tropical forest ecosystem, you will discover the conservation issues facing wild elephants. Explore the challenges of the human-elephant interface associated with increasing human populations and habitat destruction.
- Spend two weeks learning and collecting behavioral, ecological, and welfare data with the NGO E.L.I.E. at their sanctuary, the Elephant Valley Project, where they care for injured and overworked elephants in the lush forests of eastern Cambodia
- Conduct direct field observations of elephants using various forms of data sampling techniques including continuous, scan, and interval sampling methods
- Learn how to estimate elephant age and group composition using indirect observations
- Understand elephant resource needs by gathering data on food-plant preferences and use of mineral licks
- Conduct health checks of elephants and learn about signs of illness and treatments given
- Identify habitat use indicators for wild elephants such as footprints, dung, and feeding signs along transects in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary
- Learn from the Bunong people about their traditional culture and their interactions with elephants, past and present
- Interview local villagers who are directly affected by elephant crop-raiding
- Contribute to discussions and developing ideas for mitigation strategies to minimize conflict in the future
Application Process for Other Approved Programs
This program is offered through one of our approved program partners. In order to participate you must apply through, and be approved, by both St. Thomas and the program.
Application Process
- Attend a group advising session. Dates posted online at stthomas.edu/studyabroad.
- Notify your study abroad advisor of final program selection.
- Complete all St. Thomas application materials by the St. Thomas application deadline.
- Complete program application via the program’s website by their deadline.
University of St. Thomas application deadlines:
October 1 for January Term and spring semester programs
March 15 for summer, fall semester and year-long programs.
Please note that some programs have deadlines earlier than St. Thomas.
St Thomas Criteria for Participation
- Minimum grade point average of 2.5.
- Students may not apply for, maintain an approved application, nor participate in a Study Abroad program while on academic or conduct probation. Any disciplinary records may be a consideration for approval to participate in an off-campus programs.
- View all eligibility requirements for study abroad through St. Thomas: stthomas.edu/studyabroad > Explore & Plan > Student Policies.
- Some programs have additional criteria.
Financial Aid/Scholarships
Financial Aid Awards (grants, loans and scholarships) typically do NOT apply to Summer study abroad. Visit stthomas.edu/financialaid for more information.
The Office of Study Abroad, and other approved program partners, offers scholarships. Visit stthomas.edu/studyabroad, and the program’s website, for details.
Program Information
For additional program information, contact the program partner.
For application procedures contact Study Abroad.
For application procedures contact Study Abroad:
Office of Study Abroad
University of St. Thomas
MHC 212 (Mail 5026)
2115 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105-1096 USA
Tel: 1.651.962.6450
Fax: 1.651.962.5199
Email: studyabroad@stthomas.edu
www.stthomas.edu/studyabroad