Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies
Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies offers field-based, upper-level university courses that surround students in the natural world, immersing them in the ecosystems they'll study during their May and Summer sessions at three different locations around the globe:
- Great Lakes Region (Mancelona, MI)
- Pacific Northwest (Whidbey Island, WA)
- Latin America (Vara Blanca, Costa Rica)
From the shores of Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean, or to the tropical climes of Costa Rica, you can explore and study God's creation firsthand!
2024 Program Dates
- May Session - May 20 to June 7, 2024
- Summer Session I - June 10 to July 24, 2024
- Summer Session II - July 15 to August 16, 2024
Application Deadlines
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October 1 - Applications open
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October 31 - For marine courses offered at Pacific Rim
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November 15 – For all other Pacific Rim courses
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February 1 - All Fellowship application materials due to Au Sable
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March 1 - Au Sable Institute Admissions deadline for initial consideration for Au Sable Grants
- March 15 - Final Messiah application deadline for Au Sable Costa Rica
- April 15 - Final Messiah application deadline for all other Au Sable sites
- April 15 - Last day for a student to drop or withdraw from the upcoming Au Sable sessions without possibly being charged for the full course tuition and fees. Student must inform Registrar’s Office and the Intercultural Office.
For more information on these programs, please contact Dr. David Foster, Messiah's on-campus Au Sable program coordinator.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Despite the application deadlines, you should still plan to apply early, especially if you are planning to apply for financial aid!
Fellowships:
- All fellowships need a letter from Dr. David Foster, Messiah University Campus Representative
- Students applying for fellowships for May or Summer must have them submitted by January 10
Additional Au Sable financial aid deadlines are February 1, March 1, and April 1 (the amount of aid declines with time). See for additional information.
For more information, please contact Dr. David Foster, Messiah's on-campus Au Sable program coordinator.