PROGRAM APPLICATION
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 Friday,
October 23.
Students at U.S. and Canadian institutions should
apply directly through the University of Wisconsin's
Office of International Academic Programs (IAP). Please contact the IAP office
for more detailed information (250 Bascom Hall, 608-265-6329, peeradvisor@bascom.wisc.edu).
Please send your application to:
University of Wisconsin
International Academic Programs
250 Bascom Hall
Madison, WI 53706
Fax: (608) 262-6998
Students outside the U.S. and Canada should
apply directly to the Ceiba Foundation. Please contact your own study-abroad
advisor to ask about transfer of credit. The
Universidad San Francisco de Quito, the Ecuadorian institution that hosts the
Tropical Conservation Semester, has academic exchange agreements with over 70
universities.
Please send your application to:
Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation
Tropical Conservation Semester
1202 Williamson Street
Madison, WI 53703 USA
Tel: (608) 230-5550
Fax: (608) 227-0141
Application Prerequisites
Applicants to the Tropical Conservation Semester must meet the following prerequisites:
- 2.75 cumulative GPA, 3.0 in Biology coursework
- two semesters of college level Biology (including Botany, Zoology, Ecology,
etc.)
- one semester of college level Spanish
- 18 years of age
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)
Please include transcripts from all upper education institutions you have attended. 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, indicating 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*
*Only if you are applying directly to the Ceiba Foundation (students outside the
U.S.), you must submit a tuition deposit with your application. The deposit 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)
Early Applications
If you would like your application reviewed before the deadline, please contact
Ceiba. In the case of exceptionally strong applications we may choose to
extend to you a provisional early acceptance.
Tropical Conservation Semester:
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 (*only applicants from non-U.S. universities)
If you have any questions, see instructions above
or please email Ceiba
All materials must be received prior to the application deadline.
Download Information Packet & Application Forms
Thanks for your interest in Ceiba's Tropical Ecology field programs!