Global Expedition Program

The expedition is in association with Operation Wallacea, 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 stunning forest and coral reef ecosystems southeastern Mexico has to offer, assist with important biodiversity assessment surveys, and learn about the history and culture of Mexico.

This Mexico 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.

The application process requires students to sign up through Operation Wallacea (OpWall) in addition to through Shasta College, pay the $250 deposit to hold your spot, apply for Financial Aid and scholarships, and register for expedition courses. There is limited space, so hold your spot as soon as you can!

• STEP 1: Go to www.shastacollege.edu/Mexico2022 to obtain the Global Expedition to Mexico Global Expedition Application (PDF).  Complete application and email to globaled@shastacollege.edu or submit in person in Room 2308. There is limited space, so hold your spot as soon as you can by submitting your application. 
• STEP 2: Sign up through Operation Wallacea (Opwall):
  • If you are 18 or over: then follow this link to sign up with Opwall https://www.opwall.com/school-booking-form/22759/details
  • If you are under 18: Please send an email to usa@opwall.com with "Shasta Trip" in the subject line and let them know you are interested in signing up, and they will reply to get you signed up.
• STEP 3: Once Operation Wallacea has created an online portal for you, please follow their directions and pay the $250 deposit to hold your spot on the trip! 
• STEP 4: Apply to Shasta College using www.ShastaCollege.edu/apply. If you are not already a current or former student at Shasta College, you must submit a general Shasta College application in addition to the Global Expedition to Mexico application in step one. High School Students need to complete a concurrent enrollment form and will be able to enroll for minimal costs.  
• STEP 5: Apply for financial aid and apply for general Shasta College scholarships (strongly recommended). General scholarship applications are due by March 20th. Many forms of aid exist that may be applied to this expedition program. Apply for scholarships and general financial aid by visiting shastacollege.edu/fa for general financial aid or https://shastacollege.academicworks.com. Global Expedition program specific scholarships are separate and will have a different due date. More information regarding these scholarships will be sent directly to you via email with details on the due date, application steps, etc. 
• STEP 6: Keep an eye out for emails from Shasta College and Operation Wallacea, and make sure to register for required courses once summer class registration begins. Information regarding trip details, how to register for classes, etc. will all be sent via email. 

The total cost for this expedition program will be approximately $3,000 - $3,200 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 and subsequent payments made to Operation Wallacea through their website portal. Travel gear, vaccinations, 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-$2000) by donations from The Shasta College Foundation, The McConnell Foundation, and private donors.

**Registration fees for courses will be waived for college students who qualify for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), as well as high school students. Those students who apply for and receive the CCPG and high school students will still be required to pay the health and campus center fees

Application Deadline:

• April 18th, 2022 11:59 pm

How to Apply:

Mexico 2022 Scholarship Application (Microsoft Forms)

• Answer all of the questions to the best of your ability.
• Submit your transcripts and letters of recommendation via email to GlobalEd@shastacollege.edu or in person to Room 2308.

Please Note:

• Application does not auto-save until you submit. If you would like to start a draft, we recommend typing answers on a separate document, then copying and pasting onto the application.
• If you are unable to submit the FAFSA, you can use the FAFSA Estimator to determine EFC (Expected Family Contribution).

In order to be eligible for scholarships, you must be signed up for the expedition through both Shasta College and Operation Wallacea and commit to sign up for associated courses.

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

• Gain important field skills while earning college credits in History & Life Science.
• Study forest and coral reef ecosystems of southeastern Mexico.
• Assist with real conservation research lead by experienced scientists with the research-based conservation organization, Operation Wallacea (OpWall) in safe, professionally operated learning environments.
• Research topics including assessing the impact of tourism on native sea turtle populations, analyzing the forest structure while estimating forest carbon stores, and searching for new or rare species.
• Receive practical training in forest and marine organism identification and survey skills.
• Experience traditional Mexican culture by learning traditional crafts and plant use, eating local Mexican foods, and connecting with locals on a personal level.
• Explore Mayan ruins and learn about the history of Mexico.
• Snorkel and/or scuba dive next to beautiful, species rich coral reefs, and help conserve sea turtle environments.
• Gain scuba diving certification (PADI).
• Build up your resume and help make your university applications stand out.
• Gain 7 units (UC/CSU transferable for General Education) in History and Life Science.
• Apply for study abroad scholarships (you may qualify for $500 to $2000)!
• Utilize Shasta College bus transportation to and from the airport.
• Have access to on-sight medical professionals and receive travel insurance coverage.
• Make lasting friendships!

• Susannah Johnson Fulton, Botany/Biology Instructor, sfulton@shastacollege.edu
• Chris Rodriguez, History Instructor, crodriguez@shastacollege.edu