Field Based Environmental Studies Courses

Batavia University, in conjunction with the International Conservation Society, is now offering field courses in Environmental Studies. Per Semester cocentrations average about 30 credits for a highly intensive full time program, and include:

We also include the following per-semester concentration options:

Marine Biology & Conservation

Primate Studies & Conservation

Wildlife Studies & Concentration

Cultural Anthropology & Resources

Vulcanology

Some of the highlights of these new Environmental Studies field degree programs include

General ecological and geological excursions,
Marine biology and oceanography trips to various marine preserves and other areas rich in unique marine biodiversity
Vulcanology and Seismology at actual local volcanoes such as * Mt. Krakatao, Lake Toba, Merapi, Bromo, Rinjani , volcano watch centers and seismographic warning centers
Herpetology and sea turtle studies at the Ujung Genteng sea turtle preserve
Urban Ecology and Environmental Management and Problems in the nightmarish sprawl of Jakarta
Natural Disasters and Emergency Environmental Response at actual disaster sites and early warning centers
Wildlife Protection, Endangered Species Studies at actual preservation sites for species including the tiger, elephant, komodo, rhinoceros, orangutan, sea turtle, robber (coconut) crab and many more.
Park Management at divers national parks in the area and throughout the archipelago
Primate Studies in Conjunction with the award winning Schmunzer Primate Center in Jakarta and many natural primate habitats in the area.
Study and cross the Wallace Line first-hand
Komodo Monitor Studies in Komodo National Park
Indigenous Peoples Studies in real settlements of People such as the Torajans, Dayaks, etc.
Cultural Resource Management in no less than Borobudur, Prambanan, etc.
Botanical Studies & Forestry in some of the most diverse Botanical Gardens and Forests in the World
Rainforest Studies done in actual rainforests

Rather than just study about theory in the classroom as is typically done in environmental studies programs, these courses are 100% in the field. Rather than reading about these rich environmental and ecological phenomena you’ll experience them first hand in a way that will change your life and perspective forever. Instead of just burying your nose in a book and passing an exam in a hard wooden desk you’ll be able to bring hands-on experience and preparation with you into your future career preserving the environment.

* Volcano warning status may preclude visits to some of the sites on the list but there are still plenty to choose from.

Herpetology- (Reptile Studies)

This course will be conducted entirely in the field observing and experimenting with reptiles both in captivity and in the field. Some reptiles worked with up close and personal include pythons, sea snakes, komodos and other monitor lizards indigenous to the area. Highlights will include a field trip to the Sea Turtle Preserve in Ujung Genteng, Indonesia for observation and volunteer experience.

Komodo Studies-

This course is the adventure of a lifetime, and provides an in-depth look and one of nature’s rarest and most curious creatures. Includes observation of the Komodo Monitor both in captivity, and, on the highlight of this course, to Komodo National Park on the Isle of Komodo to observe these amazing reptiles live in their natural habitat.

Primate Studies-

Primate Studies offers the unique opportunity to observe primates in their natural habitat in conjunction with the Schmunzer primate studies center in Jakarta, Indonesia and the many national preserves that have a vast diversity of primate life. Highlights of this course include an ongoing observation of primates within various types of rainforests and trips to Orangutans to see these magnificent and endangered creatures in action in their natural habitat.

Rainforest Studies-

Spend the entire course actually observing and experiencing primary rainforests of various types and the biodiversity within them, and how they interrelate, instead of just reading about it from your classroom. Observe first hand the dangers threatening these precious resources and participate in projects to preserve them.

Indigenous Culture Studies and Anthropology- These courses will be held on location in actual villages of the various cultures in Indonesia, including Javanese, Balinese, Dayak, Torajan, Buginese, etc. You will learn not by reading textbooks but by actually interacting with families and small villages of various tribes and staying in their traditional houses, as well as participating in their unique rituals and ceremonies in the totally immersive cultural experience of a lifetime.

Cultural Resource Management.- Experience first-hand wonders of the world such as the Borobudur and Prambanan temples, along with many less renowned but equally unique and fascinating cultural relics, from palaces and royal gardens to special places of ritual and cultural significance.

Don't see a course listed here? Contact us & ask. We can probably arrange it (within reason).

The price of field courses shall be $3,000.00 US per semester, inclusive of accommodation, applicable park admission and guide fees, transportation to and from all local field study sites (within the island where your main study program is being held), meals, etc. Additional charges will apply to field studies outside the island of Sumatra to defray the cost of transportation, remote guides, necessary gear or vehicle rental, etc.

Note that the following ecursions are optional. Each item in the list can be studied in a simulated environment within the island of Java, but these additional field studies are being offered at a once in a lifetime non-profit rate and will greatly enhance your experience.

Komodo Island Komodo Monitor Studies – Additional $1000 US

Pulau Weh Marine reserve oceanography, marine biology, sea turtle, herpetology, and reef studies - No additional cost- included in regular tuition if main course of study is in Sumatra, otherwise additional $1,000 US.

Borneo Orangutan/Rainforest Ecology & Dayak Culture Field Studies Project - $1250 US (Optional – Orangutans may be observed in captive environments replicating their natural habitat within West Java at no additional charge, or within Sumatra if primary course is conducted in Sumatra.)

Mount Rinjani Geology or Vulcanology Studies - $1000 US. Again, this is totally optional as there are many other volcanos right in our back yard on the isle of Java, but none of the world-beating magnificence of Rinjani.

Tana Toraja Anthropological/Cultural Field Study - $950 US

Takabonerate Marine Reserve Field Study - $1025US

Combination Tana-Toraja- Takabonerate Study - $1300 US

Lake Toba Vulcanology/Batak Cultural Tour- See first-hand the volcano blamed by many for triggering the ice-age. No additional cost- included in regular tuition if enrolled in Sumatra, if enrolled in Java add $850 US..

North Sumatera Orangutan Field Study- No additional cost- included in regular tuition if enrolled in Sumatra. If enrolled in Java add $895 US.

Combination Lake Toba/Sumatera Field Studies- No additional cost- included in regular tuition if enrolled in Sumatra. If enrolled in Java add $1250 US..

Students shall be responsible for their own immigration costs and processing. Due to the time and expense of obtaining a student visa it is recommended that students obtain 1 month tourist visas on arrival in Indonesia and make visa runs to Singapore at the end of each month. A round trip ticket from Jakarta to Singapore is currently $100 give or take. 60 day tourist visas may also be obtained at any Indonesian embassy or consulate. We will be happy to use our local connections to assist you in obtaining the absolute lowest possible fares.

While in Singapore students are invited to participate in the study programs offered in Singapore, particularly the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Singapore Science Center, Sentosa Island Aquarium and Singapore Harbor Bumboat tour, all of which are richly informative Environmental Studies experiences presented by world-class professionals. Each student will be responsible his/her own admission, but we will make every possible effort to procure a group rate and pass those savings on to you.

Batavia University

Indra Valley Inn

Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Near the Entrance to Gunung Leuser National Park and Bohorok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center

Central Administrative Office in Harapan Baru, West Bekasi, Indonesia

We are affiliated with the Global Institute

For more information please contact us at info@bataviauniversity.indo.cc or +62-(61) 777 98115