µÛÍõ»áËù

US: Ecology of Leadership – Grand Teton National Park

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Application Deadline

Program Type

  • OHIO Credit

Academic Focus

  • Leadership and Community Engagement

Program Feature

  • Field Work

Country/Region

  • United States

Program Term

  • Fall
  • Summer
  • Short-term

For more information, contact:

Dr. Michelle O’Malley 
Program Director
Email: haugh@ohio.edu   
 
Cherita King Oliver
Program Coordinator
Email: kingc8@ohio.edu

Office of Global Opportunities
global.opportunities@ohio.edu

 

Student in hat using binoculars to view buffalo near a lake with mountains in the background.

Overview

Dive into the story and the place that is Grand Teton National Park and explore natural and human ecologies through the lens of systems thinking. What can we learn about disruption, resilience, succession and adaptation as it occurs in nature? How can we translate those concepts to human spaces and leadership development efforts? While navigating the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem engages visitors with its awe-inspiring nature, participants will also be challenged to learn from this place and its resident communities - exploring how this knowledge fosters curiosity, reflection and collaboration.

Exposure to environmental and conservation studies, social and civic ecology and community engagement and leadership development will lead to an understanding of ecological systems that inform our leadership ideas and approaches in human systems.

Highlights and Excursions

A chance to disconnect and adventure in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Visit the site of the signing of The Wilderness Act and discover the story of Grand Teton National Park.

Good to Know

  • Physical Activity: This program consists of extensive walking/hiking and/or standing activities in nature and at high altitudes.
  • Technology Accessibility: There will be limited wifi/cell service for the duration of the program onsite. In the case of emergencies, onsite staff will have emergency communication abilities, but participants should be prepared to be mostly disconnected from the digital world.
  • Transportation to the program: Students have the option to fly or drive to the program. However, students are REQUIRED to be at the Jackson Hole airport by 12 PM NOON on August 4th, 2025. Program participants will meet there and be transported as a group to program housing.
    • Please note that if flying domestically, you will need to ensure you have to proper identification to pass through airport security (TSA). Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must have -compliant driver's license or ID card OR another acceptable form of identification (like a passport) to board domestic air travel. 

Living Arrangements

Students will stay in small cabins on the Kelly Campus of the Teton Science School. Each cabin is equipped with several bunk beds and a shared bathroom/shower.

Program Dates

August 4, 2025- August 14, 2025

Students should be prepared for additional course meetings during Weeks 1-7 of Fall Semester 2025.

Academics

Students will enroll in a 3-credit hour course for Fall 2025.

  • XLRN 2100 – Ecology of Leadership (OHIO BRICKS: Bridge: Learning and Doing)

In addition to the travel component of the program, students will continue course work through weeks 1-7 of the Fall Semester. 

Cost

The following information is intended to help participants understand the estimated costs associated with the program.  For additional information regarding program costs, please refer to .

The total estimated cost for Fall 2025 (as of 3/26/2025) is expected to be:

  • Undergraduate estimate: $2,625+ 3 Credits of FALL 2025 Athens-Campus Tuition/Fees*

This is divided across the following line items:

  • Program Fee: $1,125
    • Includes: Student accommodations, all meals, excursions, in-country transportation to all program-related activities, and airport transfers.
  • Estimated out of pockets: $1,500
    • Includes: Estimated airfare ($1,200), Incidentals/Personal expenses ($300)
      • Students may be able to secure airfare at a lower rate*
  • Tuition:  Based on individual Tuition Guarantee or Graduate Program of Study (refer to for more information)

Non-program-related entertainment, souvenirs, and additional travel are not included in the cost estimate and should be budgeted separately.

Detailed student budget worksheets will be sent to all applicant nominated on the program and are available upon request from global.opportunities@ohio.edu

*Note: The credit-hours associated with the program are part of the Fall semester. Students taking between 12 to 20 Athens campus hours, including those associated with the program, will not incur additional tuition costs for the Fall semester. Students taking less than 12 or more than 20 Athens campus credits for the Fall term will see their tuition charge adjusted accordingly.  

Looking for Funding Opportunities?

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.

Eligibility

This program is open to rising Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors in the Honors Tutorial College and µÛÍõ»áËù Honors programs students. Applicants must be in good academic and judicial standing to participate.

Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad. Read the entire conduct policy.

Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility.  Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.

This program is open only to OHIO students. 

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. A personal statement
  2. The names, emails, and phone numbers for 1 reference who may be contacted regarding your application. 

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