Pennsylvania Western University (the “University”) offers study abroad opportunities for its students that take the course BIOL 4480-Topics in Field Biology that is part of specific degree programs. The Malagasy Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments (MICET) provides opportunities for scientific research, training and conservation of the tropics, and is the only Malagasy-run nongovernmental organization in Madagascar that facilitates student group travel to and from Madagascar at this level. The program coordinator for MICET has been working in Madagascar since 1999 and is an expert in helping students navigate Madagascar’s inherently complicated travels and providing permit facilitation for research and logistical assistance. A program of this magnitude and complexity requires the help of MICET to ensure that all permits and permissions, transportation and accommodations, etc. needed. Without an approved sole source, PennWest would not be able to offer this program to students.
