Summer 2008 closed

May 16 - June 6, 2008

Sponsored by the Department of Zoology in the College of Natural Science

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What is BEAM?

This program, offered through the College of Natural Science, focuses on the behavior of African mammals and the ecological variables that shape the behavior exhibited by each resident species. During the program, students begin by identifying and becoming familiar with resident mammals. They then move on to making detailed observations of individuals and groups, and monitoring their interactions. The group then discusses how the scientific method is applied to the study of behavioral ecology. Ultimately, students use a variety of techniques for systematic data collection to test hypotheses suggesting explanations for why each species engages in particular types of behavior. Students will also address problems germane to understanding effects of human populations on the behavior and conservation of Africa's fauna.

The course focuses on the interactions between the behavior and ecology of African mammals inhabiting one of Africa's most spectacular national parks. The curriculum is designed to exploit the extraordinary richness and diversity of this park's mammalian fauna, as well as the ease with which it can be observed. The bush vehicles are used as classrooms and mobile "blinds" from which to observe the behavior of resident herbivores and carnivores.

Where does it take place?

The course takes place in Lake Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve in southern Kenya. Lake Nakuru lies next to Nakuru town in the Rift Valley Province. It is a very shallow alkaline lake surrounded by woodlands and grasslands that are home to many species of birds and mammals, including rhinoceros. Lake Nakuru was first gazetted as a bird sanctuary in 1960 and made a National Park in 1968. The Masai Mara National Reserve is situated in the northern portion of the Serengeti ecosystem, offering unparalleled opportunities for observation of African mammals. The vast open, rolling grasslands and the riverine forests of the Mara are occupied by an extraordinary diversity of mammalian species, and these animals serve as subjects in the studies conducted by students enrolled in this program.

What can I study?

Students are required to enroll in six (6) credits in the following course:

Course instructors lecture students on selected topics germane to understanding the Serengeti ecosystem and the behavior of its animals. Students design and carry out their own research projects. Although most of our work in this course is observational in nature, students also receive instruction regarding how to capture and handle African mammals.

Finally, this course offers students a unique opportunity to learn about the culture of the indigenous Africans, the Masai people, who inhabit the areas surrounding the Masai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park.

What are the requirements?

This program is designed for undergraduates and graduate students majoring in any biological science, environmental science, wildlife ecology, or related fields. Students from other institutions are encouraged to apply for this unique learning experience.

All students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application and submit a supplemental application form that can be obtained from the Office of Study Abroad.

Priority is given to students who have successfully completed both ZOL 313 (Animal Behavior) and ZOL 365 (The Biology of Mammals) or their equivalents. ZOL 355 (Ecology) and ZOL 415 (Behavioral Ecology) are also recommended, but are not required. Final acceptance into the program is based on an individual interview with the program leaders.

It should be noted that not all sites involved in this program are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Accommodations are in private campsites in well-furnished tents.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Katy Califf
Department of Zoology
203 Natural Science Bldg.
E-mail: califfka@msu.edu
Phone: (517) 353-5165

You can also log-on to the program’s Web site at http://hyenas.zoology.msu.edu/beamweb/ for more details about the program.

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of twelve weeks are usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/passports.html

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.

For more information about visas visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/visas.html

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

Students participating in this program are strongly encouraged to receive a series of immunizations specific for travel within Kenya and East Africa. Students should schedule an appointment to be seen at a travel clinic at least 4-8 weeks before the program to inquire about the recommended and/or required vaccines you may want to consider before departure.

For further health information and recommendations visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/health.html

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $4,375 and includes the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations
• meals
• accident and sickness insurance
• field trips

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• airfare
• books and supplies
• passport application fee ($100)
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

*Check http://www.ctlr.msu.edu/studrec/ for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate, regardless of state of residence.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university. If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/finaid/index.html

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships. Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need. Requirements are listed in the scholarship application. The deadlines to apply for these scholarships are February 1st for spring break programs, March 1st for summer, academic year and fall semester programs, and October 15th for winter break and spring semester programs.

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

In addition to the usual sources of financial aid, the College of Natural Science may provide scholarship support. Check with the Dean’s Office in the College of Natural Science for more information about scholarship eligibility.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/scholarships/index.html

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form by visiting http://studyabroad.msu.edu/applications/index.html

This program also requires a supplemental application which can be accessed online at: http://hyenas.zoology.msu.edu/beamweb/

Application review will begin in December and interviews for BEAM will begin in February. Please note that this review process begins well before the OSA summer program application deadline of March 1st. We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible as this program has in the past filled to capacity prior to the OSA deadline. Although applications are due by March 1st, priority will be given to students who submit their application before December 1, 2007.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year. Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required. Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter. You can also read the handbook online at http://studyabroad.msu.edu/abcs/index.html.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.