Application Form
Application Instructions
All application forms are included in the Program Information
Packet, which also contains important details on the course structure, prerequisites,
schedule, enrollment, and trip planning. All applicants should read the
program packet prior to applying -- it will answer many of your questions! The
application form can be submitted online, but all other
materials must be sent by mail. Applications are due by the first Friday
in October.
University of Wisconsin - Madison students
taking this course for academic credit should apply directly through UW
International Academic Programs (IAP) and submit their application materials to
them. Please contact the IAP office for details and forms (250 Bascom Hall, 608-265-6329,
peeradvisor@bascom.wisc.edu).
Students from other universities or UW students
not seeking credit for the program should apply directly to the Ceiba Foundation.
Students from universities outside the UW system should contact their advisor to ask
about transfer of credit. The Universidad San
Francisco de Quito, the Ecuadorian institution that hosts the Tropical Conservation
Experience, has academic exchange agreements with over 50 universities. Check
here to see if your university
already has such an agreement with USFQ, and if so, notify your advisor of this when
making credit transfer arrangements.
Please send your application to:
Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation
Tropical Conservation Experience
2319 North Cleveland
Chicago, IL 60614 U.S.A.
Fax: (773) 871-3798
Submit the following to apply:
1) Application Form
Submit the online form below, or fill out and email
the application form in the program packet. Please note
that you still must mail in other materials separately if you choose to submit your
application online.
2) Student Recommendation Form
The recommendation form must be completed and signed by a professor or employer,
and sent directly by your referee to UW-IAP or Ceiba, as appropriate. The form
is included in the program packet, or go to the recommendation form section below to download the recommendation
form or email it directly to your reference!
3) One copy of your University Transcript(s)
A cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or better is required to participate in the Tropical
Conservation Experience semester abroad program. If the Spanish language and
biology prerequisites for the program are not indicated on your transcript, please
provide other documentation that these prerequisites will be met by the start of the
program (such as a letter from a professor or proof of enrollment).
4) Statement of Health from your doctor
To ensure that course participants are in good physical condition and are able
to cope with the rigors of international travel in the field, it is necessary that
you have a physical examination by a qualified physician within one month of the date
of your application. Your doctor should provide you with a signed statement of
health, indicatign that you are in good physical condition and have no health
problems that would prevent you from participating in this study abroad program.
5) $100 Tuition Deposit
The application fee is payable by check, money order or wire transfer and must
be received by Ceiba no later than the application deadline. Please make your check
or money order payable to the Ceiba Foundation. If you are accepted to
and enroll in the course, your deposit is applied to the total tuition amount. If
you are not accepted to the course, your application fee will be refunded to you upon
notification.
Acceptance and Enrollment
Notification of acceptance to the program will be mailed to you approximately one
week after applications are received. If you are accepted to the course, your
acceptance packet will include the following enrollment materials and instructions
on how to enroll. You must confirm your enrollment in the program and pay the
full tuition by the first Friday in November.
1) Enrollment Form
2) Liability Release Waiver
3) Travel Itinerary Form
4) Tuition Payment (see schedule and fees)
Late Applications
Late applications may be accepted in special cases and only if you contact
CFTC to ask for approval of an extension before the application deadline. The
$100 tuition deposit is non-refundable for late applications.
Tropical Conservation Experience:
Galapagos, Andes & Amazon
Online Application Form
Note: This application includes three short essay questions (250 words
each). We suggest you type these in a word processing program ahead of time,
and cut and paste them into the form to minimize the risk of losing your data if your
browser or internet connection crashes.
Click Submit Application to send your application
by email. Click Reset to clear your form. Click the "Back"
button in your browser to return from the confirmation message you will see.
Student Recommendation Form
The recommendation form must be completed by one of your present or prior professors
or employers, evaluating your academic and personal qualifications for the field course.
The signed recommendation form must be mailed or faxed and received by the application
deadline. You can obtain the recommendation form in two ways:
1) Download and print the complete
program packet, which includes the recommendation form.
2) Download the recommendation form only (PDF), and send to your reference:
Is Your Application Complete?
Your application is complete once we receive the following materials from you:
1. Application Form
2. University Transcripts
3. Student Recommendation Form
3. Letter of Health
4. $100 Tuition Deposit (*not required if applying through University of Wisconsin)
If you have any questions, see instructions above
or please email CFTC
All materials must be received prior to the application deadline.
Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation
Tropical Conservation Experience
2319 North Cleveland
Chicago, IL 60614 U.S.A.
Fax: (773) 871-3798
Download Information Packet & Application Forms
Thanks for your interest in CFTC's Tropical Ecology Education Programs!