University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
AC-5: Immersive Experience

Galapagos - The University of North Carolina’s Ecuador/Galapagos Field Site offer Carolina undergraduates an unparalleled opportunity to explore the wonders of the diverse ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands and the Ecuadorian mainland that make this such an environmentally and historically significant region. The field site, made possible by a unique partnership between UNC and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), are based at USFQ’s Galapagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS) in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on Isla San Cristobal, one of the Galapagos Islands. Free of humans and predators for almost all of their history, these “Enchanted Islands” have developed some of the most unique life forms on the planet, highly adapted to their surroundings and originally living in ecological isolation. Charles Darwin’s famous visit in 1835 and his subsequent development of the theory of natural selection brought international attention to the islands. Since then, the importance of the islands has been recognized by a series of protections and designations, including formation of the Galapagos National Park, designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve, and creation of a Galapagos Marine Reserve. Today, the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon and highland regions of Ecuador are facing rapid changes and growing crises as increases in tourist and residential populations place new stresses on the environment. Thailand - The UNC Institute for the Environment’s Thailand Field Site offers a six-and-one-half month overseas experience. It is based at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT; see www.kmutt.ac.th for more information about KMUTT). We also collaborate very closely with the Kenan Institute Asia in Bangkok, which is directly affiliated with the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. While UNC undergraduates are at the Thailand Field Site, they team with Thai students, take classes consistent with their degree program at UNC, and perform a research Capstone project that emphasizes multidisciplinary teamwork. UNC Thailand Field Site students live in Thai dorms, become involved in Thai culture, and have the opportunity to travel and go on field trips. They begin their Thailand Field Site experience at UNC, in the spring semester before leaving for Thailand, with an introduction to Thai language and culture.Focuses on environmental and energy challenges experienced in Thailand and other developing/industrializing countries. Coures includes Life Cycle Analysis, Introduction to Environmental Chemistry, Research in Energy, electives in energy and environmental infrastructure, and a capstone course.