ABEC Travel Opportunities

Students in front of a sign that reads Big Bend National Park

Most years we offer travel experiences. Not all trips are offered every year, students should check their email for this year's offerings. We frequently offer trips associated with the following courses:

ABEC 351: Zoo Exhibitry 

Students interested in working in zoos, can register for Zoo Exhibitry (ABEC 351), a one-credit course. Students enrolled in this course travel to numerous zoos during fall or spring break to learn about and critically evaluate zoo design. Each year the trip is focused on a different set of zoos and students can take the course multiple times.


ABEC 402: Desert Ecology

This field course will focus on the complex desert ecosystems of the United States and conservation efforts.  A week of summer travel will include visits to National Parks and Wildlife Refuges, Nature Preserves, and remote field study sites.  Students will experience desert wildlife, speak with local conservation experts, and try to understand more about the complex issues associated with desert conservation. 


ABEC 403: Tropical Ecology and Conservation

This 1-credit field course involves travel to Belize over spring break. Students will explore the wildlife and habitats of northern Belize, while staying a field stations and ecolodges. The area is home to nearly 400 bird species and over 70 types of mammals – including the largest population of jaguars in Belize - as well as numerous reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Students will be expected to read several short papers before and during the trip, participate in discussions, and keep a daily journal/field notebook. At the end of the trip, each student will write a short, reflective paper on one aspect of the experience. 


ABEC 404: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation in Africa

Rising seniors may also wish to apply for the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation in Africa trip (ABEC 404). Each summer, a select group of students travel to either Lajuma Research Centre and Kruger National Park in South Africa or various locations in Kenya to gain valuable field research skills, learn about local conservation issues, and gain an understanding of cultural perspectives of human-animal conflict. Upon returning to Canisius in the fall, students enroll in a 3-credit course. 


ABEC 405: Biocultural Diversity Conservation in Costa Rica

This field course provides an in-depth look at the complex sociocultural and political aspects of wildlife conservation and biocultural diversity by immersing students in research, workshops, readings, and discussions with local community groups and conservation experts throughout Costa Rica. Students will learn about the history around conservation, Indigenous peoples, ecotourism, and sustainability in Costa Rica, as well as the current work being done at the national and local level in areas of environmental education and community advocacy. Students can also expect to volunteer with a local organization while in Costa Rica. Upon returning to Canisius, students enroll in a 3-credit course where they will work on independent projects and visit local conservation organizations to provide a comparative perspective.