Conservation Issues in the Brazilian Amazon from a Socio-Environmental Perspective
Manaus & Acajatuba, Brazil
Summer 2026
Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
Course
UNI 460 | 3 credits
ECCE Global Awareness
Second Half Spring Course
Travel in the Summer
Program Leaders
Dr. Megan Styles
Associate Professor in the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability, and Public Health
Dr. Amy McEuen
Professor in the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability, and Public Health
Program Dates
May 31 - June 11, 2026
Requirements
- Must be a UIS undergrad or graduate student in good academic standing.
- Student must have successfully completed at least 1 full year (2 semesters) at UIS before going abroad.
- UIS students of all majors are welcome to participate on this program.
Overview
- Students will learn first-hand about the conservation issues of the Brazilian Amazon from a socio-environmental perspective.
- Tour of Manaus historical city center
- Visit the INPA (National Institute of Amazonian Research)
- River boat tour to the "Meetings of the Waters" (Amazon River & Rio Negro)
- Trekking in the Amazon rainforest (approx. 1/2 day)
- Canoe rides at sunset and sunrise
- Visit a local NGO
- Herbal Workshops
- Açai & Cosmetic Workshops
- Understand the importance of stingless bees in the Amazon
Housing
- Students will stay in a hotel while in Manaus, Brazil (Triple occupancy housing)
- Students will stay at a lodge while in Acajatuba, Brazil (Triple occupancy housing)
Program Cost
Exact Program cost is $3,800. It will include the following:
- International Airfare
- Most meals (students are responsible for meals during the travel days, 3 lunches and 4 dinners)
- Triple occupancy housing
- In-country transportation
- Workshops, tours, transportation in-country
Estimated out-of-pocket expenses: $550 (passport, visa, recommended vaccinations, transportation to O'Hare airport, approximately 9 meals, souvenirs, etc.)
Course tuition is NOT included in the program cost listed above. Use the UIS Tuition Calculator to calculate the cost for Spring 2026 - 3 credit hours.
Scholarships
- Apply for the UIS Donor-Sponsored Scholarship by February 17th, 2026 at noon. Indicate within the application that you plan to participate on a study away program.
- Visit Study Away Financial Aid & Scholarship website for more information.
Passport & Visa
- Students will require a passport to participate on this program.
- For assistance securing a U.S. Passport, visit Travel.State.Gov.
- U.S. citizens WILL require a visa in order to participate in this program. Guidance on visa applications will be discussed with accepted students at a pre-departure meeting.
Application
- Students apply online via the EngageU Application.
- The EngageU Application must be completed and submitted in one sitting.
- Students must provide proof of a passport on the application.
- Students must identify a person to serve as a "Recommender" to speak on behalf of their character. The Recommender will be prompted to answer a series of scalable questions. A recommendation letter is NOT needed.
- The Application will then be routed to UIS approvers for review.
Additional Information
Contact Lauren Roalkvan (lroal@uis.edu), Associate Director of Global Engagement, if you have questions or need more information.