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Temperate Subtropical Landscapes and Biodiversity Through Digital Photography

Tentative Summer 2027 Dates: June 1-14, 2027

Program Locations

Lisbon, Madeira Island, and the Azores Islands in Portugal

Program Highlights

  • Temperate & Subtropical Biodiversity and Photography in Portugal
    • Study species diversity and ecological processes across island habitats through the art of photography.
  • Diverse Cultural Experience: Lisbon, Madeira Island, and Azores Islands
    • Explore the islands’ coastal, forest, volcanic, and marine ecosystems, along with Portuguese art and history in the capital city of Lisbon.
  • Active Research & Conservation Context
    • Engage with protected areas, field research infrastructure, and national conservation initiatives.
  • Explore and Create
    • Practice wildlife, landscape, architectural and street photography across a variety of unique locations.
  • Experiential, Faculty-Led Learning
    • Guided field excursions and interdisciplinary learning with CNU Art and Biology faculty.

Faculty Leaders

Kristin Kiser
Kristin Kiser

Master Lecturer

(757) 594-7592

Torggler Fine Arts Center 307

Course Information

FNAR 395 (Special Topics) or BIOL 395 (Special Topics)

Required Spring Prep Course for FNAR 395: FNAR 295 (Spring 2027 - 1 credit)

Required Spring Prep Course for BIOL 395: BIOL 295 (Spring 2027 - 1 credit)

Course Description

This study abroad course is complementary to materials learned in FNAR 295/BIOL 295 (a prerequisite for this course). The course includes international travel where students will have the opportunity to observe varying landscapes/biodiversity and practice fundamental principles using digital photography. While in Portugal we will focus our activities in the Azores islands, Madeira Island, and the city of Lisbon. Students will engage in personal projects and conduct floral and faunal surveys/inventories in conjunction with faculty/researchers from local Universities and/or conservation programs. Students will study/observe landscapes, vegetation, wildlife, and human cultures and synthesize how each are molded by the environment in which they are found.

Additional Information

  • Accommodations
  • Ground transportation
  • International health insurance
  • Group activities
  • All meals
  • Airfare
    • Students are responsible for purchasing their international airfare to and from the program destination(s). Students should not purchase their flight until receiving specific instructions from the faculty leaders after December 1.
  • Tuition (3 credits)
    • In-state: $1,440
    • Out-of-State: $3,171
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses

Deadline: December 1, 2026

Student with a valid passport:

Students who have a current passport will need to upload an image of their passport by December 1, 2026, to their enrollment forms.

Student without a Valid Passport

Apply for or renew your passport immediately. After November 1, students must pay to expedite the application process. Do not delay beginning this process.

Passport Application and Renewal

The routine processing time is currently up to 6 weeks and expedited services is up to 3 weeks. These processing times are subject to change and can lengthen significantly. We highly recommend applying for or renewing your passport as soon as possible. Most countries require at least 6 months remaining time on your passport expiration from your intended date of departure. Example: If your passport expires on December 1, 2027, you would need to renew your passport to travel in the summer of 2027.

Each country has established entry requirements and travel restrictions set for foreign visitors and their citizens. Any country can change their regulations at any time. We encourage all students and their families to review details about the country or countries you plan to travel to and to continue monitoring the information leading up to your departure.

Travel & Entry Requirements from the U.S. State Department

Application & Enrollment Forms Deadline

October 31*

*Program may fill prior to deadline due to a rolling admission process.

Apply Today!

Program fee: TBD

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