Concordia College

2010 Summer Field Studies

 
Summer Field Studies Application 
Summer Field Studies Timetable 
Summer Field Studies Financial Aid Info

Service in the Heart of Africa: Rwanda
May 4-June 10, 2010
World Discovery 325
Bill Snyder, English
Estimated seminar cost: $4,700 plus tuition: $2,800

If you are adventurous and flexible; if you have a strong desire to learn and to serve; and if you are interested in a journey that promises to be eventful, challenging and rewarding, this experience is definitely for you. Rwanda is a beautiful country with a fascinating culture and history, with warm and friendly people. We’ll help those who are working to improve their lives in five life-changing weeks of service and learning. We will spend the first two weeks teaching English to genocide orphans in Kigali, Rwanda’s capitol. In their early twenties, these students are very motivated and eager to learn. The students are a joy to work with and to teach.

We’ll spend the next two weeks in Musanze where we’ll teach at a primary school and help at a school for deaf children. The children at both schools are delightful, our hearts will stay with them forever. During orientation and on weekends, we’ll visit Butare, home of the National Museum and University, Gisenyi, on Lake Kivu, Akagera Game Park and genocide memorials. We’ll also visit artisan, farming and literacy groups, and learn about the work being done by NGOs.

No special training or experience is needed to participate, however, during spring semester and upon arrival in Rwanda, we’ll practice our teaching. You will also be provided with a thorough introduction to the culture and history of Rwanda and comprehensive information about what to bring and what to expect. Rwanda is a very poor country still carrying scars of the 1994 genocide; it is today a very peaceful, safe, and extremely beautiful country. All food and lodging is included in the cost.

The Ecology of Tanzania
May 8-31, 2010
Biology 380 • Prerequisites: Biology 122 and 221
Kirsten Diederich and Michelle Marko, Biology
Estimated seminar cost: $6,925 plus tuition: $2,800

This course will fulfill the field credit requirement for biology while providing a unique opportunity to become immersed in the ecology of East Africa and is designed to be an intensive field experience. You will learn basic field techniques, write a research proposal and learn about alpine and coastal ecology – all before leaving for Tanzania. Upon arrival to Tanzania, you will climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and observe and document the different ecosystems associated with each elevation.

Following the climb, you will conduct your research projects at Lake Manyara Ranch. This is a multi-use land that provides ranchland for native peoples and a wildlife corridor for many animals. Research projects must be related to understanding the invasive plant Dichrostachys cinerea, which is an ever-increasing problem for the Lake Manyara Ranch managers. This service project will give you an understanding of how to conduct a research project and the opportunity to learn basic field techniques while weighing the complexities of managing a vital resource.

After your research you will go on safari to the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu Lodge, and the Tarangire National Park where you will observe animal behavior and identify the unique flora and fauna of each region. Your trip will conclude in Pangani, a small fishing village located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, where you will study the mangrove forests and the aquatic ecosystems while living in rustic thatched roof huts. This course will be challenging yet exciting and will provide you with a once in a life time opportunity to see Tanzania from the eyes of a field biologist.

Connecting with People in the Middle East
May 4-25, 2010
World Discovery 326 (approval pending)
Stewart Herman, Religion
Estimated seminar cost: $5,295 plus tuition: $700

The aim of this summer field study is to explore common ground with the people of the Middle East. First, in Jordan we will help build the Abraham Path, an effort to promote ecotravel in the rocky hill country where once the Biblical patriarch Abraham walked. We will live in close learning contact with local Muslims, enjoying fresh local foods, and walking portions of the Abraham Path, far off the beaten tourist track. We will drive down the ancient Kings’ Highway to the stunning red-rock ruins of Petra, to be explored on your own. We will ferry to Egypt, climb Mount Sinai, and visit sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Luxor before driving to Cairo to learn about urban Muslim life and see the pyramids. This field study is intended especially for students who want to practice connecting across cultures under challenging but secure conditions.

Office of Global Education
inted@cord.edu
218.299.3927