McDaniel College Course EPS 1140

This is a 3 week course in January in the Philippines. The main purpose of the course is to expose students to real life community based conservation programs in a developing country.

The estimated cost of the course is $2700. A $500 deposit is due by October 8 to the Bursar's Office. You must register in person by October 8 (not online) for this course by filling out an ADD FORM at the Registrar's Office. This form should be signed by Dr. Esther Iglich who can be found in the IT Office. Please also email Casey Gustowarow at caseygusto@gmail.com and Esther Iglich at eiglich@mcdaniel.edu if you plan on taking this Jan term.

If you are interested in EPS 1140, look below for a longer summary and itinerary.

If you are interested in learning more about the Philippines, the places we will visit and the organizations we will check out click on the links on either side of the main page.

THE EXPERIMENT











Join us for a little fun in the sun in paradise

The Philippines is a gorgeous tropical country in Southeast Asia of more than 7,000 islands. The beaches are white, the palm trees are always swaying and the amazing underwater world awaits you. This little heard about destination also has some of the friendliest people in the world. The Philippines lies within the marine biodiversity center of the world and like many countries in Southeast Asia, its people rely heavily on the ocean for their livelihood and sustenance. This study tour will take the time to explore the coastal area of the country, the people that live here and what is being done to protect their important marine resources.


You will have the opportunity to learn about some of the most bio-diverse tropical marine ecosystems in the world and experience them firsthand. Expect to jump into astonishing coral reefs, hike through dense mangroves and admire lazy white beaches. You will also have a chance to experience Filipino culture and join these friendly islanders on community-based tours which have been developed by the sustainable eco-tourism model. We will meet with local, non-governmental and international organizations to get an idea of what all sectors are doing to help this country and its people salvage the amazing marine resources that lay along their extensive coastline.

Specific activities will include:

- Dolphin and whale watching led by an community-based group
- Mangrove tour in one of the most ecologically diverse wetlands in the country
- Snorkeling or diving in some of the best coral reefs in the world
- River boat tours to explore important watershed areas and a chance to see the smallest primate in the world (the tarsier)
- Question and answer sessions with representatives from non-governmental, international and community groups regarding coastal conservation in the Philippines
- Some relaxation time in paradise and a chance for some sun in the middle of winter

Specific Topics of Lectures and Discussions Will Include

- General history and politics of the Philippines and its effect on the environment
- Current state of the Philippine coastal environment
- Tropical coastal ecosystem overview (mangrove, seagrass and coral reefs)
- Basic tropical fish and coral identification
- Basics of Ecotourism and Its Application in the Philippines
- Marine conservation techniques and applications (marine protected areas, habitat rehabilitation, fishery management)

Change Your Life

While this course is geared towards environmental and conservation issues, it is also meant to broaden the world perspective of the participants. We will examine the Philippines comprehensively and look at political, social, cultural and economic aspects of the country and the way that they affect the life of the people and the environment.

You will have the opportunity to experience a new culture and see how people outside of the United States live. We think that this is extremely valuable and for these reasons, this course is open to all students and non-students in the McDaniel community. There is no requirement of expertise or past coursework for joining this experimental study tour. The only requirement is an open mind and a willingness to learn about and experience a different way of life.

Come and join us for the time of your life!!! You might be surprised by how much it changes the way you think.

Toto, we're definitely not in Kansas anymore.