2010 Summer Environmental Exchange (SEE)

To read about the program in Russian, please click here.

For downlaodable application files, please scroll to the very bottom of this page. The application deadline has been extended until February 16, 2010.

Program Overview

The Tahoe-Baikal Institute's Summer Environmental Exchange (SEE) is a 10-week experiential, place-based watershed education and leadership development program hosted at Lake Tahoe in the USA and Lake Baikal in southern Siberia, Russia. The program's primary themes are watershed protection, sustainable development, and cultural exchange. The program enters its 20th year in 2010 and will bring together seventeen young environmental leaders from North America, Russia, and other parts of the world to study environmental science and policy, participate in research and restoration projects, experience the beauty of two of the world's premier freshwater ecosystems, and make friendships to last a lifetime.

"It is not necessary to be fluent in Russian or interested in Limnology in order to be greatly impacted by the TBI experience. The true power of the SEE program comes from its universality: no matter where your horizons rest, TBI will broaden them. After a summer surrounded by intelligent, passionate people, exploring new areas of the world, the sciences, and the humanities, I guarantee you will leave wanting to make a difference-- and possibly wanting to learn Russian and study Limnology as well." --Michelle Jordan, participant of the 2007 exchange, from Madison, Wisconsin.

From mid-June to late-August participants enjoy a unique opportunity to learn about current initiatives in environmental science and policy, as well as the natural and cultural history of the Tahoe and Baikal watersheds. Participants spend five weeks at Lake Baikal (Siberia, Russia) and five weeks at Lake Tahoe (California and Nevada) discovering other cultures in a way that cannot be replicated in a classroom, learning from each other in formal and informal settings by leading discussions, sharing presentations, and living together for a summer. Through small-group investigative projects, ecological restoration work, meetings with experts, and interactive workshops that simulate environmental problem-solving scenarios, participants apply their diverse skills and observe how political, legal, and administrative bodies work together with researchers, academic organizations, non-profits, businesses, and residents to promote stewardship and environmental protection.

"The Tahoe-Baikal Institute's Summer Environmental Exchange had a major impact on my future. The main value of the program lies in the fact that over the course of 10 weeks, specialists in biology, ecology, and nature protection have a unique opportunity to learn many interesting things about the ecosystems of two of the most beautiful lakes of the world (Tahoe and Baikal)." --Denis Sandanov, participant of the 2006 exchange, from Ulan Ude, Russia.

Projects

Small-group projects at Tahoe and Baikal offer participants the invaluable experience of working with agencies, organizations, and academic institutions on ongoing environmental initiatives at both lakes. Projects address at least one of the three major themes of TBI's work: watershed management, sustainable development, and cultural exchange. Click here for descriptions of past projects.

"It's amazing how much can be squeezed into 10 weeks. We were introduced to so many spheres of environmental work-- from first hand research experiences in botany and limnology, to inspiring examples of NGO and volunteer work, to meetings with dozens of regional stakeholders and gaining a perspective on how their diverse values, methods, and influences come together to make history. I have come away with questions and interests I will pursue for the rest of my life." --Bella Gordon, 2006 exchange participant, from New York City.

Alumni

One of the SEE program's most exciting aspects is the opportunity to meet and collaborate with international environmental leaders and researchers. After the program, participants join an extensive alumni network working all over the world. TBI alumni are selected for their achievements in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, conservation work, environmental science and policy, economics, and Russian, Slavic, or Asian studies. Click here for more information about the alumni network.

"TBI has created a network of professionals, who, after completion of the program, remain interconnected. These alumni are able to work together and build new programs to further enable the development of ecological world views within an ever-widening audience." --Tatyana Belyavskaya, participant of the 2007 exchange, from Angarsk, Russia.

Partners

The SEE program is made possible by the support and participation of many individuals, agencies, organizations, and academic institutions. Project partners include the University of California–Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, the University of Nevada–Reno, California Tahoe Conservancy, Tahoe Rim Trail Association at Tahoe; and Irkutsk State University, Buryat State University, Baikal Biosphere State Nature Preserve, and the Great Baikal Trail Association at Baikal. Key program supporters also include the California Conservation Corps, U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, the League to Save Lake Tahoe, and Heavenly Mountain Resort; and the Baikal Museum, Irkutsk Institute of Limnology, and Pribaikalsky and Zabaikalsky National Parks at Baikal.

Fredericks' Site

The program at Tahoe is hosted at the USFS Fredericks' site on Fallen Leaf Lake. Located just off of Lake Tahoe's south shore, Fredericks' is a rustic former family residence built in the 1920's and acquired by the USFS in the 1970's. TBI's SEE program has operated out of Fredericks' since the mid 1990's.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The 2010 program will include seven participants from North America, seven participants from Russia, and three or four international participants. A selection committee evaluates all applications, some applicants are interviewed by phone or in person, and all selection decisions will be made by late February. Upper-division undergraduates (juniors and seniors), recent graduates, graduate students, Conservation Corps members, and early-career professionals with environmental interests are encouraged to apply.

The TBI Summer Environmental Exchange is an intense and rigorous experience. Success of the program depends on a high level of participant enthusiasm. Therefore, TBI looks for participants who enjoy working in groups, show initiative, are open to new ideas and different cultures, are interested in the science, policy, and cultural aspects of environmental issues, and have a strong commitment to environmental conservation. TBI seeks participants who represent diverse geographic, ethnic, and other backgrounds.

All participants are expected to speak either English or Russian fluently and are expected to have some knowledge of the other language. The secondary language requirement may be satisfied by completing an introductory course or private tutoring before the program. (This requirement is to facilitate communication within the group. Translation will be provided at scheduled meetings and lectures, but not necessarily at all events during the program.)

Applicants must have a valid passport (necessary for visa processing) by March 1st to participate in the program. The passport must be valid until at least the end of February 2011 and have at least two blank visa-designated pages. Click here for U.S. passport information.

Program Costs

Prospective participants are strongly encouraged to apply regardless of their ability to pay. Significant Financial Aid is available from TBI, and TBI staff are also available to help direct applicants to other potential funding sources.

The program cost for 2010 is $9,370. This cost covers:

• Roundtrip international airfare between the Tahoe (Reno) and Baikal (Irkutsk) areas (~$2,100)*
  
• All lodging and food for complete 10-week program (~$1,200)
  
• All program project and activity expenses, including language interpretation and domestic ground transportation throughout the program (~$1,100)
  
• Tuition: Educational and logistics staff in the U.S. and Russia (~$3,390) and exchange support functions (~$1,580)

* Participants who do not live in the Tahoe or Baikal region will be responsible for their own travel to before and after the official start and end of the exchange program.

Substantial financial aid (up to $4,500) from TBI will be available to significantly offset a participant's program costs where justified.
Such financial aid is dependent on:

• Strength of application
  
• Demonstrated personal financial need
  
• Identification by the applicant of potential funding sources outside of TBI, such as personal contribution, loan, local community support (e.g. Rotary, Soroptimist, etc.)
  
• Availability of TBI funds for financial aid

In rare cases TBI may provide financial aid up to ~85% of the program costs for exceptional applicants with demonstrated need. (In other words, all applicants will be required to contribute a minimum of $1,500 towards the cost of their participation in the program.)

The financial aid provided by TBI is available thanks to personal charitable contributions, grants, and other donations solicited by the organization. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, TBI raises money year-round for financial aid through ambitious fundraising campaigns and events. In addition to these efforts, TBI believes that participants should be financially invested in their exchange experience through personal contributions and active efforts to raise funds to support their participation in the program. TBI staff is available to advise participants with respect to supplemental (non-TBI) scholarship, loan, and fundraising opportunities and strategies.

All participants are required to have health insurance that is valid in both the United States and in Russia. For individuals whose regular health insurance does not provide coverage overseas, TBI can recommend a short-term international accident and emergency medical insurance plan.

Accommodations

Applicants should be aware that accommodations during the program are often rustic, and that there is camping and backpacking in areas with few conveniences. During most of the U.S. portion of the program, the group stays in tents on U.S. Forest Service property on the shore of Fallen Leaf Lake with access to ample outdoor recreation opportunities and shared indoor facilities at the Fredericks' site.

In Russia, the group is generally accommodated in homestays, hostels, or dormitory-type arrangements. Occasionally, the group camps in tents, sometimes even hiking into backcountry areas.

Application Process

Admission to the Summer Environmental Exchange is competitive, and applications from qualified candidates are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis, starting October 15th, 2009. It is therefore to your advantage to submit a completed application as early as possible. There are limited spaces in our program, so we encourage you to apply early to ensure admission.

No applications will be accepted after Tuesday, February 16th, 2010.

Application Instructions

A completed application consists of:

• the application form,
• three essay responses,
• your resume or CV,
• two letters of recommendation,
• official copies of university transcripts (if applicable),
• and an optional financial aid application.

The application form, essays, and resume should be submitted by e-mail. Letters of recommendation and transcripts should be sent directly to TBI by regular first-class mail. Any additional materials submitted will not be considered. Applications submitted in 2007 or 2008 are on file and may be reconsidered upon request.

Applicants from the U.S.: Download a copy of the application form (links below). Application forms and required attachments must be e-mailed to jgreen@tahoebaikal.org by Tuesday, February 15th, 2010. Supporting documentation (agreement, transcripts and letters of recommendation) should be postmarked by that date. Remember, applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting in October, so it is to your advantage to send your application well before the February deadline.

Applicants from Russia: For program information in Russian, as well as the application form for Russian citizens, please click here.

Applicants from other countries (not the US or Russia): The TBI office in South Lake Tahoe must receive your application form and all supporting documents by Tuesday, February 16th, 2010. Applications may be submitted in either English or Russian, but you need to use the application form for US and International applicants (link below). If official transcripts are not provided by your institution, an unofficial list of coursework completed and grades received may be considered. Transcripts and letters of recommendation may be sent by e-mail to jgreen@tahoebaikal.org.

Become a fan of the Tahoe-Baikal Institute page on Facebook to see photos of recent exchange groups, hear thoughts from recent participants, and get updates about recruiting presentations in your area.

Links

• Application form for U.S. and International Applicants (MS Word file; right-click the link and then click "Save As" if the file does not download automatically).
  
• Personal/Character Recommendation
  
• Academic/Professional Recommendation
  
• Financial aid application form (optional)
  
• Frequently Asked Questions
  
• One-page program announcement suitable for distribution
• Large (11x17 inches) Poster for display

Click here to view the 2009 schedule from the Tahoe portion of the program.