This area of rugged beauty encompasses coastal rain forests and marine ecosystems that are considered to be among the riches and rarest in the world. The old growth forests of towering cedar, Sitka spruce and Douglas fir trees are home to countless species of wildlife, ranging from small forest mammals to bald eagles to wolves and black bears. The coastal marine zone supports unusually abundant fish and seabird populations. Students must also have successfully completed one college-level ecology or biology course. No previous language study is required.
Admissions is on a rolling basis.
Students should, however, apply as early as possible because the limited number of spaces fills quickly. The Center for Coastal Studies is based in a cluster of wood and concrete buildings in a private cove overlooking Clayoquot Sound. Two to six students will share each dorm unit, which includes a bedroom, kitchen, and bath. Some units include a wood-burning stove. The food is bought locally and consists of the average American diet.