Biology Abroad
Imagine learning about the delicate marine ecosystems of coral reefs while living on the coast of Australia, taking classes about the ecology of the rainforest and its exotic inhabitants in Costa Rica, or conducting field work in the Sahara or a national park in Kenya. Study abroad opens up opportunities around the world for biology students to get a firsthand look at ecosystems drastically different than our own as well as access to global natural resource management styles.
Program Suggestions
Explore these featured programs, offering courses that can help biology majors meet their requirements while experiencing the world! Note that biology students are not limited to these programs or locations. The Padnos International Center is happy to help students find additional programs that meet thier degree requirements.
Faculty-Led Programs
Location |
Program |
Notes |
Available Courses |
---|---|---|---|
Ecuador |
Faculty-Led Biology programs rotate |
BIO 417: Tropical Field Biology (3 credits) AND NRM 407: Natural Resources and Society (3 credits) *Fulfills Global Perspectives and 2 Issues |
|
South Africa |
Faculty-led Biology programs rotate. Wildlife Biology in South Africa is offered Summer 2025 Faculty-led programs have a $500 deposit due two weeks after notification of acceptance. |
NRM 407: Natural Resources and Society (3 credits) and BIO 417: International Field Biology (3 credits) *Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives requirement. *Fulfills entire General Education Issues requirement. Reflection required. |
Semester and Academic Year Coursework Programs
Location |
Program, Host Institution, or University Name |
Program Type |
Notes |
Courses |
---|---|---|---|---|
Australia |
For more information, visit the Macquarie University Website |
Exchange |
BIO 215 |
|
South Korea |
For more information, visit the TEAN: Korea University website |
Provider |
BIO 380 |
|
Tanzania |
For more information, visit the School for Field Studies website |
Provider |
This program could be a good match for students interested in wildlife biology, wildlife management, or ecology. |
Summer Coursework Programs
Location |
Program |
Program Type |
Notes |
Courses |
---|---|---|---|---|
Costa Rica |
For more information, visit the ISA Veritas website |
Provider |
This program is also available for semester and academic year. |
BIO 380 |
Turks and Caicos Islands |
For more information, visit the School for Field Studies website |
Provider |
SFS |
Restrictions
- Students may NOT take BIO 495 Capstone abroad.
- Courses will be reviewed on a case by case basis through the course equivalency process.
Explore Other Program Options
There are other program options available. Schedule a study abroad advising appointment to learn more or for in-person advising, visit us 10am-4pm Monday-Friday at 130 Lake Ontario Hall
616-331-3898
Internships
Gain real-world experience globally and build your international network by participating in a Biology internship abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Ross W. Perry Bachelor of Science/Core Sciences Major Scholarship
Las Gralarias Foundation Ecuador Study Abroad Scholarship
Professor Paul A. Huizenga Biology Education Scholarship
Howard and Rose Stein Biology Scholarship
Apply for these scholarships: myScholarships - Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships - Grand Valley State University
Explore more scholarship opportunities through our scholarship page.