Summer Environmental Exchange

  Russia

• All Other Areas: 
Irkutsk,  Ulan-Ude,  Baikalsk

Term: Summer 
Dates: mid-June to late August, annually

Description: The Tahoe-Baikal Institute's Summer Environmental Exchange (SEE) is a 10-week experiential, place-based watershed education and leadership development program hosted at Lake Tahoe in the USA and Lake Baikal in southern Siberia, Russia. The program's primary themes are watershed protection, sustainable development, and cultural exchange. The program enters its 19th year in 2009 and will bring together up to eighteen young environmental leaders from North America, Russia, and other parts of the world to study environmental science and policy, participate in research and restoration projects, experience the beauty of two of the world's premier freshwater ecosystems, and make friendships to last a lifetime.

From mid-June to late-August participants enjoy a unique opportunity to learn about current initiatives in environmental science and policy, as well as the natural and cultural history of the Tahoe and Baikal watersheds. Participants spend five weeks at Lake Baikal (Siberia, Russia) and five weeks at Lake Tahoe (California and Nevada) discovering other cultures in a way that cannot be replicated in a classroom, learning from each other in formal and informal settings by leading discussions, sharing presentations, and living together for a summer. Through small-group investigative projects, ecological restoration work, meetings with experts, and interactive workshops that simulate environmental problem-solving scenarios, participants apply their diverse skills and observe how political, legal, and administrative bodies work together with researchers, academic organizations, non-profits, businesses, and residents to promote stewardship and environmental protection.

Highlights: Small-group projects at Tahoe and Baikal offer participants the invaluable experience of working with agencies, organizations, and academic institutions on ongoing environmental initiatives at both lakes. Projects address at least one of the three major themes of TBI's work: watershed management, sustainable development, and cultural exchange.

One of the SEE program's most exciting aspects is the opportunity to meet and collaborate with international environmental leaders and researchers. After the program, participants join an extensive alumni network working all over the world. TBI alumni are selected for their achievements in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, conservation work, environmental science and policy, economics, and Russian, Slavic, or Asian studies.

Applicants should be aware that accommodations during the program are often rustic, and that there is camping and backpacking in areas with few conveniences. During most of the U.S. portion of the program, the group stays in tents on U.S. Forest Service property on the shore of Fallen Leaf Lake with access to ample outdoor recreation opportunities and shared indoor facilities at the Fredericks' site. Located just off of Lake Tahoe's south shore, Fredericks' is a rustic former family residence built in the 1920's and acquired by the USFS in the 1970's. TBI's SEE program has operated out of Fredericks' since the mid 1990's.

In Russia, the group is generally accommodated in homestays, hostels, or dormitory-type arrangements. Occasionally, the group camps in tents, sometimes even hiking into backcountry areas.

Cost in US$: $9,370.00

* Roundtrip international airfare between the Tahoe (Reno) and Baikal (Irkutsk) areas (~$2,180)
* All lodging and food for complete 10-week program (~$1,200)
* All program project and activity expenses, including language interpretation and domestic ground transportation throughout the program (~$1,100)
* Tuition: Educational and logistics staff in the U.S. and Russia (~$3,310) and exchange support functions (~$1,580)

All participants are required to have health insurance that is valid in both the United States and in Russia. For individuals whose regular health insurance does not provide coverage overseas, in 2008 TBI was able to recommend a short-term international accident and emergency medical insurance plan that was obtainable for less than $125 for a five-week period.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Russia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 17

Scholarships are Available. - Substantial financial aid (normally up to $4,500 max) from TBI will be available to significantly offset a participant's program costs where justified. Such financial aid is dependent on: * Strength of application * Demonstrated personal financial need * Identification by the applicant of potential funding sources outside of TBI, such as personal contribution, loan, local community support (e.g. Rotary, Soroptimist, etc.) * Availability of TBI funds for financial aid In rare cases TBI may provide financial aid up to ~90% of the program costs for exceptional applicants with demonstrated need. Such financial aid is available thanks to personal charitable contributions, grants, and other donations solicited by TBI. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, TBI raises money year-round for financial aid through ambitious fundraising campaigns and events. In addition to these efforts, TBI believes that participants should be financially invested in their exchange experience through personal contributions and active efforts to raise funds to support their participation in the program. TBI staff is available to advise participants with respect to supplemental (non-TBI) scholarship, loan, and fund raising opportunities and strategies.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Tahoe-Baikal Institute's Mission Statement: TBI was established in 1990 to help preserve Lake Tahoe in California and Lake Baikal in Siberia, as well as other significant and threatened lake ecosystems around the world. This preservation is realized through environmental education programs, research, and international exchanges of students, scholars, and practitioners in science, policy, economics, and other related disciplines.

Year Founded: 1990