Academic Credit
Students will receive 5 quarter credits/3.35 semester credits from Western Washington University. Our staff will be happy to explain the program in further detail to the applicant’s advisor, if necessary. This field studies program gives credit in one course: Environmental Wildlands Studies: 5 quarter credits/3.35 semester credits.
Team members will be evaluated on the quality of their fieldwork, exams, and participation in seminars/discussions.
Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner. Wildlands Studies reserves the right to require any student to withdraw from the program if their conduct is detrimental to or incompatible with the interests, safety or welfare of any course participants. We ask all students to read the Student Program Manual before joining the program on-site.
Team Logistics
Participants will fly into Anchorage, Alaska and meet the instructors at the Anchorage International Airport (ANC). The program ends back at ANC, where participants can decide to either fly back home on the scheduled date or remain in Alaska and travel independently.
All reasonable efforts will be made to follow the activities outlined above. However, please understand that on our Alaska program, travel arrangements can remain tentative until the traveling actually takes place. Weather conditions and road closures may affect our plans. Wildlands Studies has put together an innovative, unique program in Alaska, and team members need to be flexible, patient and prepared to adapt to unexpected situations. Being flexible also allows us to take advantage of unique opportunities that can produce some of the program’s most memorable moments.
Participants are required to bring their own camping and backpacking equipment (tent, sleeping bag, backpack, etc.). A complete, detailed packing list will be provided to all participants.
Accommodations
Primarily car camping, one or two short backpacks.
FOOD
Food is handled differently on each of our programs. Participants on this program will be responsible for purchasing and cooking their meals. Occasional meals will be provided by Wildlands Studies as group meals. Participants will also be responsible for purchasing snacks. Detailed information about food management will be provided in the Logistics Packet. If you have dietary questions or concerns, please call our office.
Health and Well-Being
Each participant’s personal health and well-being are crucial to the success of the program and the health and well-being of its other participants. Participants must arrive to the program having reviewed our Health and Well-Being Page.
Language
The course will be taught in English.
Pre-Program Logistics Packet
Detailed information regarding travel/flight information, equipment/gear requirements, food costs, meeting plans, group expenses payment, medical recommendations, and academic preparations will be sent to all team members in a logistics letter emailed about ten to twelve weeks before the program starts.