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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.

Personal Information

Full Name:

Email address:

Date of Birth:  month   day   year

Place of Birth:

Sex: Male       Female

Are you a US citizen? Yes       No

If No, indicate citizenship:

Mailing Address

Address Line 1:

Address Line 2:

City:

State:       Zip or Postal Code:

Country:

Phone:      

Address Valid from (date):       Valid to:      

Parent or Guardian Address (if different from above)

Guardian Name(s):

Relationship:

Address Line 1:

Address Line 2:

City:

State:    Zip or Postal Code:

Country:

Phone:       Fax:       Email:

 

Academic or Employment References

Name of First Reference:

Relationship:

Company/Institution:

City: State: Zip:

Country:

Daytime phone:

Email:

Name of Second Reference:

Relationship:

Company/Institution:

City: State: Zip:

Country:

Daytime phone:

Email:

Academic History

What is your current standing? (check one)

Freshman     Sophomore     Junior     Senior     Grad Student

For each academic institution, please give the following information:
(1) Institution name, city and state
(2) Number of years completed
(3) Final GPA
(4) Graduation date or expected date of graduation

High school:

College:

Other Institution(s):

Essay Questions

Explain why you wish to participate in this program:  what aspects most interest you and what do you wish to gain from the experience? (250 words max.)

Describe any prior experiences or other factors you would like us to consider in evaluating you as a candidate for this program. (250 words max.)

How might your participation contribute to the success of the course?
(250 words max.)



Submit Application
I certify that all information in this application is true and correct, and understand that my application will not be considered until all required materials have been received by Ceiba (Is my application complete?).  I further certify that I have read the program information packet in its entirety, and understand its contents.

Yes       No

Date submitted:   / /


                     

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:
Download application

TCS Recommendation Form

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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

Download packet Download application

TCS Program Packet (1.1 MB)

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TCS Application Form

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Thanks for your interest in Ceiba's Tropical Ecology field programs!

 






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