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• Why BCA Pondicherry?

Why BCA Pondicherry?

BCA Pondicherry students learn by doing through a variety of field research opportunities. Your work will be put to good use by local communities, which benefit from new and improved methods of fishing and coastal management practices.

Great for Majors

• A good overview of marine biology and ecology for those considering majoring. For those already majoring in marine science, this program offers many opportunities to conduct in-depth research in the field.

Off the Beaten Path

• Experience the wonder of India and live in a unique setting on the FERAL campus
• Travel and overnight stays to six different locations for study and hands-on learning

Foundation for Ecological Research Advocacy and Learning (FERAL)

Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning (FERAL) is a non-profit research organization founded in 1997 and based in Pondicherry, India with a field research center in Tamil Nadu.  FERAL emphasizes the value of ecological research and advocacy and focuses its mission on combining science with social justice initiatives.

• Key areas of work include conservation oriented research, natural resource management, training and environmental monitoring.  A proactive role towards local environment issues is encouraged by engaging local communities in dialogue, as also through awareness and training programs.
• Current work is with coastal communities to explore opportunities in sustainable resource utilisation and building strategies for restoration of native coastal habitats. Research also focuses on wildlife conservation biology and valuation of ecosystem services. 
• FERAL works with eight women Self Help Groups in an effort to empower women belonging to low socio-economic status groups.
• You will be able to apply your research at FERAL in a way that feeds into the current activities and benefits the host community.

Excursions and Activities

• Explore reefs, mangroves, estuaries, islands and coasts as you conduct marine science field research at a variety of sites including the Havelock and Nicobar Islands, the Andamon Islands and Mangalore Fisheries.

Extra Educational Opportunities

• Extend your stay beyond the regular semester for three weeks and continue to work on a research project with the center for academic credit.

• Study Abroad FAQ’s

Questions? Please call:

1-866-222-6188