2010 Summer Environmental Exchange (SEE)

2010 Summer Environmental Exchange (SEE)

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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.
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