BCA in Pondicherry, India

  India

Term: Fall, Spring 

Description: About the Marine Science Program
BCA Pondicherry offers a broad range of topics in coastal zone management and marine sciences and covers current issues in the field. You will experience the varied cultures of India across several locations--from the Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean to travelling the lengths of the southern coasts of India.

The base for the course is the small but rapidly growing town of Pondicherry. Travels will take you to Mangalore on the west coast and Tuticorn on the east, both busy ports and fishing harbors. A mid-semester break at Goa allows for relaxation and exploration of the unique Goan culture. You will also take short trips to interesting places in the vicinity at each of the main locations.

The program is hosted by six education centers, in six different locations including:

-Foundation for Ecological Research Advocacy and Learning in Pondicherry (FERAL)
-Annamalai Centre for Advanced Studies in Marine Biology in Porto Nova
-College of Fisheries in Mangalore
-National Institute of Oceanography in Goa
-Andaman and Nicobar Environment Team in the Andaman and Nicobar islands
-Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute in Tuticorin

About Pondicherry
A former French colony Pondicherry is situated on the east coast, about 160 kms south of Chennai. Pondicherry has grown substantially around the central planned area of boulevards and heritage buildings built by the French who ruled for almost 300 years. Its history and major attractions have brought about a curious mix of the local and international flavor to the streets of Pondy--be it cuisine, architecture or curios.

Highlights: Off the Beaten Path
-Experience the wonder of India and live in a unique setting on the FERAL campus
-Travel and overnight stays to six different locations for study and hands-on learning
Foundation for Ecological Research Advocacy and Learning (FERAL)
Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning (FERAL) is a non-profit research organization founded in 1997 and based in Pondicherry, India with a field research center in Tamil Nadu. FERAL emphasizes the value of ecological research and advocacy and focuses its mission on combining science with social justice initiatives.

-Key areas of work include conservation oriented research, natural resource management, training and environmental monitoring. A proactive role towards local environment issues is encouraged by engaging local communities in dialogue, as also through awareness and training programs.
-Current work is with coastal communities to explore opportunities in sustainable resource utilisation and building strategies for restoration of native coastal habitats. Research also focuses on wildlife conservation biology and valuation of ecosystem services.
-FERAL works with eight women Self Help Groups in an effort to empower women belonging to low socio-economic status groups.
-You will be able to apply your research at FERAL in a way that feeds into the current activities and benefits the host community.
Excursions and Activities
-Explore reefs, mangroves, estuaries, islands and coasts as you conduct marine science field research at a variety of sites including the Havelock and Nicobar Islands, the Andamon Islands and Mangalore Fisheries.
Extra Educational Opportunities
-Extend your stay beyond the regular semester for three weeks and continue to work on a research project with the center for academic credit.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Scholarships are Available. There are hundreds of scholarships available. Please be aware of application deadlines as it may be necessary to apply for scholarships well in advance of when you intend to study abroad.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network

BCA Study Abroad's Mission Statement: BCA is one of the nation's oldest independent organizations committed to promoting international understanding and academic excellence through college study abroad programs for U.S. students.

Year Founded: 1962