Since January 2004, FSU students have had the opportunity to take part in a three week program that takes place in the eastern island African nation of Madagascar. Madagascar is a country of extraordinary natural environments. Nearly the size of California, it is a living laboratory of biodiversity with almost 80% of its flora and fauna endemic to the island. Students will have an opportunity to explore the biology, as well as cultural and ethnic aspects of this country.

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Dates: The program normally takes place during the first three weeks of January. In 2006 the program dates are January 2-28, including all travel. Deadline for trip applications, complete with references, as well as for Study Abroad Scholarships, is October 14.

Course Offerings: Students will register for BIOL 490 'Rainforest Ecology of Madagascar' (2 credits). The course will be taught by Linda Lyon in the Biology Dept. (301-687-4213), with additional project supervision by Fred Senese, Dept. of Chemistry (301-687-4153) and Lori Senese, Institute for Service Learning (301-687-7599). There will be an exploration of the ecology of the southern region of the island with a specific emphasis on the delicate balance between human needs and nature conservation/resource management. Students will also explore kinship and gender practices of various ethnic groups, cultural taboos and beliefs, and the use of plants for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. Peace Corps volunteers will teach an introductory course in the Malagasy language. Students may choose to carry out an academic research project under the supervision of one of the three FSU faculty/staff advisors. Students and faculty from Hartwick College will also join the FSU group.

Pictures: © Karl Lehmann Go to webpage
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Costs: Costs will vary from year to year. For 2006 the overall program cost is $3,150 per student. This covers all program costs, housing, meals, health insurance, ground and local transportation, several excursions, field station fees, park guides, and all airfare costs from JFK to Antananarivo. It does not include FSU tuition, passport, ISIC card, or any additional travel or personal expenses.
The first nonrefundable trip payment of $1,000 must be paid to FSU by November 4, the final nonrefundable trip payment of $2,150 must be paid by November 18. NOTE: Scholarships are available to qualified students from the CIE. Deadline for application is October 14th. Additional financial aid may be available through the CIE. Applicants should speak directly with Dr. Henry Bullamore, Interim CIE Director, for further details.

Accommodation: Students will be housed in hotels for some of the time, with local families, and otherwise will be camping out in villages and in the rainforest. Details will be available from Dr. Lyon. Food costs are included in the program fee.

Links: Madagascar Images, PBS Information Site, PBS Nova Program on Madagascar,

Program Coordinator:
Dr. Linda Lyon, Dept. of Biology
Tel: 301-687-4213

How to Apply: Come by the CIE to pick up an application form, or attend the CIE study abroad fair in September, or any CIE information session at the Fuller House. Students who wish to take part in the program must apply to the Center for International Education by 14 October.