Sabah, Malaysia 

Timing: June 16 - June 30, 2026 Applications open now!

Conversion of tropical forests to oil palm plantations across SE Asia is among the most pressing conservation challenges in the world today. Dive into the complex ecological, social, economic, and political dimensions of tropical forest conservation in Malaysian Borneo.

Students will be introduced to the major conservation challenges facing Borneo while traveling around the Malaysian state of Sabah. Students will learn during several days spent visiting conservation centers like the Rainforest Discovery Center, the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, and the Bornean Sunbear Conservation Center. The class will also visit Forestry Departments and Research centers in the heart of Borneo, consisting of more than 400 square kilometers of pristine tropical rainforest. The forest became conservation area before industry moved in, making the ecosystem extremely unique and highly biodiverse. Planning is underway to explore further forest and wildlife management within two major forest reserves, and to learn about the social, economic, and ecological impacts of oil palm plantations. Finally, arrangements are being made to expose students to a number of community-based organizations working on issues related to economic development, environmental protection, community health, education, and cultural preservation.

• Faculty Leader:
  • German Vargas Gutierrez, Professor in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society (College of Forestry) and Department of Botany and Plant Pathology (College of Agricultural Sciences)
• Coordinator: Rabeb Zghal, International Programs Outreach and Administrative Assistant. Contact Rabeb with any questions about the course, application process, funding, syllabus/itinerary or other logistics.

Supplemental Internship Opportunity
Students who are interested in a 1-2 month internship in Malaysian Borneo (at the conclusion of the faculty-led program) may apply for a COF International Internship, also during summer term. Internship opportunities range from field research, environmental education, community development, wildlife conservation and rehabilitation to forest management and more. You can utilize financial aid and earn credit for these internships. If you’re interested in this option, please contact Rachael Fahrenbach before Winter term for more information!

Learn about one student's experience in Borneo on our CoF International blog!

Faculty-led programs are open to all OSU students!
College of Forestry faculty-led programs are open to every Oregon State University student — from all majors and campuses, including Corvallis, Ecampus, OSU Cascades and dual-enrolled community college students. These short-term experiences bring together a vibrant mix of learners: graduate and undergraduate students, online and in-person, from all backgrounds and walks of life. That diversity makes every trip richer — new ideas, new perspectives, and new connections that make your Oregon State experience truly global.