Global Expedition Program

The expedition is in association with Operation Wallacea (Opwall), a research-based conservation organization that works to preserve biodiverse regions of the Earth in coordination with teams of student volunteers working alongside academic researchers. This expedition will give students the opportunity to get a taste of some of the stunning landscapes, organisms, and coral reef ecosystems Madagascar has to offer, assist with important biodiversity assessment surveys, and learn about the interesting ecology, geology, history, and culture of Madagascar.

This Madagascar Global Expedition Program is part of a course combination requiring course enrollment and active involvement in specific Shasta College courses that take place online and, in the field, and focus on conservation biology, ecology, geology, and natural and cultural history of the region.

During the three-week field portion of the course, students will spend their first week assisting with research in the dry forest habitats and associated wetlands of Mahamavo in the North. The second week will be spent at a marine research site on the small island of Nosy Be off the northwest coast. The third week will be spent exploring some of the major natural wonders of Madagascar, such as Tsingy de Bemaraha, Avenue of the Baobabs, dry forests, rainforests, and more lemurs, birds, and chameleons.

The application process requires students to complete and submit a Global Expedition to Madagascar Application (PDF) and pay a $250 deposit. Complete application and email it to globaled@shastacollege.edu with the email subject title as "Madagascar 2024".

Once your application has been received, you will receive a confirmation email with directions on how to pay your deposit and more information on next steps. There is limited space, so hold your spot as soon as you can!

• 2024 Madagascar Application (PDF) — Submit completed application to globaled@shastacollege.edu with the email subject title as "Madagascar 2024".

The total cost for this expedition program, including international and domestic flights will be approximately $6,500 but could vary depending on the number of students who sign up, the price of flights, and the price of Shasta College credits/ tuition*. The total amount for the expedition will be split into payments with the first payment being the deposit of $250. Travel gear, vaccinations, some meals, and passport costs are all additional costs. We will accept students on a first-come, first-served basis, so please do not delay as the program may fill quickly. Substantial scholarships are available ($500-$2500) by donations from The Shasta College Foundation, The McConnell Foundation, and private donors.

*All registration fees for the expedition courses, except for the $36.50 health and campus center fee, will be waived for high school students and for college students who apply and qualify for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) or who are full time and get a Shasta Promise Grant.

Substantial scholarships are available ($500-$2500) by donations from The Shasta College Foundation, The McConnell Foundation, and private donors. Contact the Global Education Center for more information at (530) 242-7626 or email globaled@shastacollege.edu.

Joining the Shasta College Madagascar Global Expedition Program will provide you with the opportunity to:

• Gain important field skills while earning 7 units (UC/CSU transferable for General Education) in Earth Sciences and Life Science.
• Assist with real conservation research lead by experienced scientists with the conservation organization, Operation Wallacea, in safe, professionally operated learning environments.
• Receive practical training in forest and marine organism identification and biodiversity survey skills, such as standardized transects, vegetation surveys, bird mist netting, and point counts.
• Experience traditional Malagasy culture, crafts, language and foods.
• Explore major natural wonders like Tsingy de Bemaraha, Avenue of the Baobabs, dry forests, and rainforests.
• Snorkel/dive next to species rich coral reefs, and help conserve beach and marine habitats with the opportunity to gain scuba diving certification.
• Build up your resume and help make your university applications stand out.
• Apply for study abroad scholarships (you may qualify for $500 to $2500!) and get fundraising support.
• Utilize Shasta College bus transportation to and from the airport.
• Have access to on-sight medical professionals and receive travel insurance coverage.
• Connect with field scientists and students from around the world.

• Susannah Johnson Fulton, Botany/Biology Instructor, sfulton@shastacollege.edu
• Monique Gaido, Earth Science/Geology Instructor, mgaido@shastacollege.edu