Programs |Summer Programs |Indonesia

Program Details

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Dates: Summer 2027: June 23—August 5, 2027

Applications: Accepted on a rolling admission basis

Accommodations:  Primarily camping or rural lodge

Credits: 15 quarter credits or 10 semester credits

Language: English instruction

Courses: Environmental Wildlands Studies, Environmental Field Survey, Wildlands Environment and Culture

Prerequisites: One college course in environmental studies, environmental science, ecology or similar. 18 years of age.
Minimum 2.5 GPA

Indonesia Summer 2027
$      150    Application Fee
$ 8,600 Program Fee
$ 4,950 In-Country Logistics Fee
$   2,050 Estimated Airfare and Mandatory Travel Insurance
$  500   Estimated Food and Personal Expenses

$16,250     Total Estimated Cost
Summer 2027: Program fees due by May 1, 2027

The Program 

Indonesia is an incredibly diverse archipelago comprised of vibrant tropical forests, turquoise seas, and a mosaic of cultural groups. With over 17,000 islands spanning a distance wider than the United States, Indonesia has more active volcanoes than anywhere else on the planet, all sitting within the heart of the Coral Triangle, the global epicenter of marine biodiversity. The lush rainforests and massive swamps that blanket the islands shelter remarkable wildlife such as elephants, tigers, rhinos, and silvery gibbons.

Students on the Indonesian Islands program will journey across four different and ecologically distinct islands—Java, Sumatra, Bali, and Lombok. These islands support tropical ecosystems that have faced varying degrees of human impacts, and one of them—Lombok—sits on the other side of "Wallace's Line," a biogeographical boundary that separates the distinct animal life of Asia from that of Australasia. Although field sites may vary between years, students can expect to be immersed in diverse habitats ranging from high-altitude cloud forests and dense rainforest to newly formed volcanic landscapes and coral reefs as they study island biogeography, tropical ecology, and wildlife conservation. Program highlights include a challenging, multi-day trek on Mount Rinjani where students ascend from lowland rainforests to the cloud forest and into alpine terrain, presenting the perfect opportunity to study altitudinal and ecological gradients; snorkeling among the colorful coral reefs of the Gili Islands and outplanting corals to assist with reef restoration efforts in Bali; searching for Sumatran rhinos and elephants in Way Kambas National Park while becoming familiar with local conservation projects and observing firsthand how local villagers protect their crops from wildlife; exploring active volcanic landscapes, such as Krakatau and Mount Merapi, where students learn about ecological succession and how islands acquire their species; visiting temples, mosques, and archaeological sites to learn about Indonesia's diverse cultures and human evolution; and discussing how deforestation, agricultural expansion, and human pressure are impacting Indonesia's fragile environments.

By the end of the program, students will have a strong understanding of tropical ecology, island biogeography, and the complex challenges facing developing island nations. Students will leave practiced in species identification and classification, ecological surveys, and field journaling, and they will have developed their analytic skills through discussing scientific literature and designing their own research projects. Studying alongside local conservationists and community members, students will develop a deep appreciation for the extraordinary biodiversity and rich cultural tapestry of the Indonesian archipelago.

Stories From the Field

Kritin Mandala

Indonesia 2026 Alumni

“My Wildlands trip to Indonesia was a singularly remarkable experience. Equal parts challenging and enjoyable, I learned and did more in six weeks than I have in the last year of my life. The program does a fantastic job of blending studies and fun while the instructors' wealth of knowledge enriches the experience you gain in the field. We traveled across six islands, exploring the diverse landscapes -- from coral reefs in the shadow of Krakatoa to pristine, untouched rainforests in the heart of Java -- all while discovering the theme of the course: the importance of island biogeography for conservation as a whole.

But the course didn't stop with nature. While in Indonesia, we got to learn about the extraordinary variety of cultures and peoples and their histories (and eat some amazing food!). We studied the spread of religion and the effects of colonialization and how the country came to be unified. And while the course itself was great, the people really elevated the experience. We worked out of the homes of welcoming village leaders and met with locals championing conservation efforts. Our guides were both knowledgeable and fun to talk to ("Okay cool!") and the instructors and students we traveled with made the trip unforgettable.”

Watch the INDONESIA Video

Program Photo Gallery

Erik Iverson

lead instructor

PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Texas at Austin, 2025

Erik is an evolutionary ecologist who studies how organisms adapt to the environment, with the goal of predicting species' responses to climate change and preventing extinctions. His PhD centered on the physiology of birds across the Amazon to the Andes climate gradient, and on the genetics of freshwater fish from Mexico's Sierra Madre Oriental. Erik is passionate about wild ecosystems, especially tropical forests, mountains, and savannas, and has conducted fieldwork in Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador and the US. In his free time Erik enjoys getting lost in the deserts of the Southwest, playing music, and advocating for nature. Erik leads our Indonesian Islands program.