The Program
This course will immerse students in a holistic learning experience on the natural history and conservation of coastal Patagonia. It will help students to develop scientific skills by combining theoretical concepts with fieldwork in Chubut Province, Argentina. Field activities take place at La Esperanza Wildlife Refuge, and several locations in Península Valdés, an area of global significance (and UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site) for the conservation of marine mammals and the unique biodiversity, including important breeding populations of southern right whales, southern elephant seals, and variety of bird species, including Magellan penguins.
At the wildlife refuge, students survey coastal intertidal communities and learn about the Patagonian steppe ecology, geology, and wildlife management. Students conduct paleontological surveys of the Mid-Late Miocene age and learn fossil identification as well as interpretation of paleoenvironmental and ecological characteristics of former ecosystems. Students observe and learn about diverse endemic wildlife, which includes reptiles, guanacos, marine mammals, and rheas. In Península Valdés, students observe the charismatic Patagonian marine fauna, including orcas, elephant seals, whales, and penguins. Moreover, students learn about the main conservation challenges facing Patagonia, including increased tourism, and fisheries.
This program allows students to learn directly from local scientists, researchers, and park rangers, who join the group during the field activities
Program Location(s)
Patagonia
Academics
Faculty Leader: Alejandro Vagelli
Course Number: 56:120:599
Course Dates & Times
February 24: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Saturday, February 26: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Saturday, March 3: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Saturday, March 6: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Saturday, March 10: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Saturday, March 26: 7:00pm – 9:00pm (Virtual)
Saturday, March 27: 7:00pm – 9:00pm (Virtual)
Saturday, March 28 7:00pm – 9:00pm (Virtual)
Program Travel Dates
03/12/2025 – 03/23/2025
Application Deadline
12/01/25
Program Cost
TBD
Program Cost Includes:
Airfare
Housing
International health insurance
Some meals and all excursions
Program Cost Does Not Include:
Passport, visa, or airport entrance or exit fees (if applicable)
Vaccinations
Remaining meals
Application Process
*Please complete all components of the application, including passport number and expiration date.
*Upon completion of this application, the Office of International Students & Global Programs will register you in the course.
*Program cost is in addition to tuition, is approximate, and is subject to change.
*To withdraw, contact the Office of International Students & Global Programs at learning.abroad@camden.rutgers.edu. Remember: once you sign the Camden Financial Responsibility Statement, you may be responsible for paying the entire cost of the program.