Name: Michelle Lute

Email: lutem...@msu.edu

Message: Hello,

I'm hoping to share a study abroad program opportunity with the AFS student community. Is there a listserve that can post this program description?

Study Abroad in Madagascar, Summer 2013!

This study abroad program examines the nexus of biodiversity conservation and livelihood preservation on the world's fourth largest island, Madagascar. Madagascar is home to an astonishing diversity of species. Thousands of species of plants, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and primates live here and nowhere else on Earth. We will visit multiple terrestrial and marine protected areas in diverse habitat types to better understand the evolution and sustainability of natural resource governance in Madagascar. We will see first-hand and discuss the challenges associated with managing and enforcing protected areas as well as the opportunities. Students will learn how Malagasy people react to and think about environmental enforcement and environmental degradation. Conservation professionals and local guides will discuss voluntary and mandatory compliance interventions designed to foster co-conservation of cultural and natural resources, educational and technological innovations. Students will visit captive breeding programs for the world’s most endangered turtle, tortoise and duck species. Students will directly interact with conservation practitioners, enforcement officials, biologists, and local people to experientially learn about Malagasy culture and natural resources. Students will also: (1) Get close and personal with Malagasy flora and fauna; (2) Travel across diverse landscapes, from the capital city to remote country-side; (3) Interact with government, non-governmental, enforcement, scientific, and community managers; (4) Participate in hands-on learning including guided day and night hikes, and snorkeling; (5) Be fully immersed in a unique cultural experience that includes traditional Malagasy cuisine, music and dance; and (6) Experience a place visited by only 2% of American passport holders. The experience is an authentic and immersive one, allowing students to explore Madagascar less as a tourist and more as an insider. Students are guaranteed to come away from this study abroad with an once-in-a-l!
 ifetime
learning experience, new perspectives, lasting memories and new friends.

Essential Program Information:
- Earn a minimum of 6 credits in multiple subjects
- Travel by private vehicle with English speaking driver and visit parks with English speaking guides
- 24 days in-country (May-June 2013)

Visit MSU’s Office of Study Abroad Website (www.osa.msu.edu) or come to one of our informational meetings (information below).

Contact Dr. Meredith Gore (go...@msu.edu) or Michelle Lute (lutem...@msu.edu) with questions.
Informational Meeting Schedule:

Thursday October 25th 6pm Holmes Hall C1 Tuesday, October 30th 6 pm Case Hall 335B Thursday, November 8th 6 pm Snyder C203 Wednesday, November 14th 6 pm Brody 175