Lei Lani Stelle
Department Chair, Professor
May Term Course
The Palau Expedition: Sustaining Life on a Blue Planet
Palau EVST 281 faculty-led by Professor Lei Lani Stelle.
Course description
Palau is an island nation in Micronesia (~550 miles east of the Philippines) facing threats to its environment and way of life. This expedition combines the study of Palau's marine ecology and natural history, its clan-based system of social organization, and its efforts to achieve sustainable forms of development. Students will explore dozens of islands by hiking, kayaking, snorkeling (or Scuba) diving, learn scientific methods, and participate in interviews with members of the community. Grading will be based on quizzes, field activities, assignments, and written essays.
Class will meet on campus for a few days before the expedition to cover background material to maximize student learning while in the field.
Dates
May 8 – 25, 2026
Enrollment limit
11-13 students
Course fee
$3850
Included in the course fee:
- Lodging, meals, and transportation within Palau.
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Boat, kayak trips, and activities, including snorkel (but not scuba).
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Guides & meetings with experts.
Not included in the course fee:
- Roundtrip airfare from LAX ~$1500-$2000.
- Scuba diving (optional) = $40 per dive. Personal snorkel gear (required: mask, fins, snorkel) ~ $50+.
- Personal spending money varies (~$100+).
Additional information
All applicants must fill out the Palau course application and will be interviewed. Successful applicants must have strong swimming skills and a genuine interest in marine life. A more complete description of the course can be found here.
Contact the faculty to apply
Lei Lani Stelle at leilani_stelle@redlands.edu or 909-748-8628.
See past photos
Beyond the classroom
Bulldogs dive deep to explore Palau
As part of CORE Four: Redlands' Signature Experiences, May Term offers students to learn beyond the classroom. Among its popular courses is the Palau program—favored by environmental studies, human-animal studies, and biology majors, but open to all CAS students. Learn more about Professor Lei Lani Stelle’s Palau Expedition program and how Redlands students experience marine conservation firsthand.
(Photo by © Shane Keena)
FEATURED OCH TAMALE
Beyond the classroom
Take a look at our featured stories to see how global travel courses at Redlands transform students through culture, confidence, and curiosity.
(Photo by © Shane Keena)
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