Study abroad is a valuable part of the liberal arts curriculum at Colorado College. It is a serious academic experience that provides in-depth exposure to different languages and cultures, as well the opportunity to take courses not available at CC. Each year, hundreds of Colorado College students study abroad on a wide variety of programs located throughout the world.
Study abroad requires careful planning. Students are encouraged to begin planning for study abroad at least a year in advance and to discuss their plans in detail with their academic advisor.
General Requirements
All students studying abroad during the regular academic year must submit an Application for Colorado College Approval to Study Abroad in addition to completing all application requirements of the program sponsor. The Colorado College application is due no later than 5 p.m. on February 10 for programs that begin in the fall and on October 10 for programs that begin in the spring. Only in exceptional cases will late applications be considered. Application forms are available at the office of international programs (OIP).
All students who plan to study abroad for a semester or longer during the regular academic year must submit this application. In addition, students studying off-campus in the U.S. on ACM programs (Chicago Arts, Newberry Seminar in the Humanities, and Urban Studies), as well as the Washington Semester and the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory Semester in Science, must also complete this application. The application is not required for students participating in summer programs.
The Study Abroad Committee will review all applications. Students must be in good standing with the college and student-conduct history will be taken into consideration. Students will receive written notification of the committee’s decision no later than March 1 for programs that begin in the fall and by November 1 for programs that begin in the spring. Students are encouraged to investigate study abroad possibilities in both fall and spring. Although the college will attempt to meet all reasonable needs, students should be prepared for the possibility that they will not receive their first choice of semester.
Credits earned off-campus will not be transferred automatically; they will be subject to a careful evaluation by the appropriate departments, the International Studies Oversight Committee, and the registrar’s office. Students should obtain pre-approval of the courses they intend to take off-campus by completing a Preliminary Course Approval Form. This form is due prior to a student’s departure.
The Application for Colorado College Approval to Study Abroad is considered a formal request for an academic leave of absence. Students are required to either confirm or cancel this leave by notifying the registrar’s office in writing by May 1 for programs that begin in the fall or December 1 for programs that begin in the spring.
Colorado College and Affiliated Programs
Colorado College sponsors or has affiliation agreements with a number of off-campus programs. This includes two programs in the U.S. (American University in Washington, D.C. and the Woods Hole Semester in Environmental Science), and 14 programs abroad: eight in Europe, two in Latin America, and four in Asia. The college also offers a variety of off-campus summer programs that vary in location from year to year.
Most language programs sponsored by Colorado College are one semester in length. The program in Russia is two blocks, and the German exchange programs are a full year. The sites have been carefully chosen to allow immersion and in-depth study of the culture within its own linguistic context. Classes are taught at the local university by faculty from Colorado College and from the host institution.
Students usually live with host families. Programs include advanced language study and courses in the country’s literature and general culture. The programs offer an array of lectures, field-study opportunities, theatre visits, and other cultural events, as well as excursions to other parts of the country where the program is located, and in some cases to neighboring countries. Grades earned on Colorado College programs are entered on the student’s Colorado College transcript and are calculated in the grade point average. Divisional credit for courses taken on affiliated programs should be determined by the registrar’s office prior to participation in the program.
Fudan University Exchange
The department of German, Russian, and East Asian languages offers students the opportunity to spend a semester or academic year in Shanghai, China, through its departmental exchange with Fudan University. The university was founded in 1905 and is considered one of China’s top universities. The program at Fudan is intended for students who wish to focus intensively on Chinese language. Participants enroll in classes taught in Chinese by teachers from the International Cultural Exchange School (ICES) at Fudan. Courses are divided into eight levels, and focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing. Classes are small, with normally no more than 20 students. Courses in Chinese literature, history, economy, philosophy and law, taught in Chinese with Chinese students, may also be open to students with an advanced level of language proficiency.
Length of Program: Semester or academic year. Enrollment: One student. Eligibility: Second-semester sophomore standing and completion of Chinese 201 or its equivalent. Credit: up to 4 units. Application Deadline: April 15 for fall and October 15 for spring. Campus Adviser: Hong Jiang.
Chinese Language and Chinese Studies in Beijing
Colorado College students have the opportunity to participate in two semester-long programs in Beijing, one focusing on Chinese language and the other on Chinese area studies. The programs are offered during both the fall and spring semesters, and are administered by CET Academic Programs. Students on the Beijing Chinese Language program take one intensive course that focuses on reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Supplementary language tutorials and one-on-two drills are also provided.
Students at the advanced intermediate language level and above also choose elective classes such as newspaper, business, or literature to add further scope to their language learning. All students on the Chinese language program, including beginners, uphold a full-time language pledge.
The Beijing Chinese studies program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of Chinese culture, history, and issues of contemporary significance. Students on this program will enroll in one Chinese language course plus two to three area studies courses taught in English. It is recommended that all students enroll in the 21st Century Beijing course, which is designed to provide an overview of issues of critical importance in contemporary China.
Length of Program: Semester. Eligibility: Second-semester sophomore standing. Credit: To be determined. Application Deadline: April 15 for fall and October 15 for spring. Campus Adviser: Hong Jiang.
Study in Japan
The Kansai Gaidai, located between Osaka and Kyoto, is a university specializing in international education. Colorado College students may apply to join several hundred other Americans to study the Japanese language and courses in economics, political science, history, religion, and art of the region, taught in English. Students apply for either the fall or spring semester, but fall students may apply to extend their stay through the spring. Prior Japanese language training is not required for the fall, but strongly recommended, since most students will reside in Japanese homes.
Length of Program: Blocks 1–4 and 5–8. Credits: To be determined. Application Deadline: February 21 and September 11. Campus Adviser: Joan Ericson.
Semester in France
The Romance languages department offers the spring semester in Aix-en-Provence or Marseille in partnership with the American University Center of Provence. The program offers courses in art history, French language, culture, literature, film, history, and political science. Numerous excursions in the south of France, extracurricular activities, one-on-one conversation exchange, and a home stay all contribute to a first-hand knowledge and appreciation of French culture and society. In addition, a half-block course, provided by Colorado College-designated professors, will normally be offered to students going to Aix-en-Provence.
Length of Program: Half-block and Blocks 5 through 8. Enrollment: 10 students. Eligibility: French 305 or equivalent, or consent of instructor. Credit: 3.75–4.5 units. Application Deadline: Consult Romance languages department. Campus Advisers: Members of the French section of the Romance languages department.
Semester in Germany
The German abroad program is located in Lüneburg in northern Germany, a charming city distinguished by its medieval art and architecture. Weeklong excursions to neighboring countries have included Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary. The program satisfies the requirements for the German language minor except for one block of German literature, which may be taken at Colorado College. The program does not satisfy the requirements for the thematic minor. Please consult the Thematic Minors section of the catalog for a complete description. Students may enroll for one to four blocks with departmental approval.
Length of Program: Blocks 5 through 8. Enrollment: 12 students. Eligibility: German 201 or equivalent, sophomores, juniors, seniors. Credit: 4 units. Application Deadline: May 1 of the preceding year and Colorado College pre-registration. Campus Adviser: Armin Wishard.
German Exchange
Under the exchange program with the Universities of Göttingen and Regensburg, two students are selected annually to receive full stipends (tuition, room and board, and a monthly allowance) for a year of study at either of these institutions, which in turn send one student each to Colorado College for a year of study. Prerequisite is GR 305 or the equivalent language proficiency.
Study in Maastricht (The Netherlands)
Located in the heart of Europe, the study in Maastricht program provides a rich opportunity for students to study the political, economic, legal, and social issues of the European community. The program is based at the University of Maastricht, where students choose their courses from the regular university curriculum. Because of the university’s international focus, many classes are taught in English, allowing for full integration in the Dutch classroom. The program is coordinated by the Center for European Studies (CES), which provides orientation, facilitates internships, and organizes field trips to major European cities. The CES also arranges special classes in language and culture for students in this program.
Length of Program: Fall or spring semester. Eligibility: Second-semester sophomore standing. Credit: 4 units. Application Deadline: April 15 for fall, October 15 for spring. Campus Advisers: John Gould.
Semester in St. Petersburg, Russia
The Nevsky Institute of Language and Culture in St. Petersburg has been the base for CC students of Russian since 1996. The institute is located in the historic Petrogradskaya Storona of St. Petersburg. The capital of the Russian empire, St. Petersburg is the city of Peter I and Catherine the Great, of Pushkin, Gogol, and Dostoevsky. Situated on 44 islands, this “Venice of the North” has been a site for Russia’s decisive historical events: The Decembrist uprising, the assassination of Alexander II, the Bolshevik Revolution, and the 900-day siege during World War II. St. Petersburg has survived as the only city in Russia — and the world — that prides on its original XVIII century architecture reflecting a unique synthesis of Western European and Russian cultures. Nevsky offers majors in Russian studies, European studies, linguistics and linguistic arts, finance, and more. It is one of the first independent institutes in post-Soviet Russia. The intent of the exchange program is to give a CC student with advanced Russian language proficiency an opportunity to study humanities/social science in classes taught in Russian.
Length of Program: Fall or spring semester. Credit: 4 units. Application Deadline: October 15 for spring, April 15 for fall. Campus Advisors: Alexei Pavlenko.
Study in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia
The department of German, Russian, and East Asian languages offers an intensive Russian language program in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia. The program includes a rich and diverse cultural experience: trips to Vladimir and Suzdal, the tsars’ summer palaces in Peterhof and Pavlovsk, attendance at performances of the Bolshoy and Maryinsky opera and ballet theaters, the Hermitage, the Tretyakov Gallery, St. Issaac Cathedral, and more. The program is organized in conjunction with the Maxim Gorky Literary Institute in Moscow, and the Nevsky Institute of Language and Culture in St. Petersburg. Both Russian and Colorado College professors conduct the classes. All courses are taught in Russian under the Colorado College Block Plan.
Length of Program: Blocks 7 and 8. Eligibility: Russian 101 and 102 or equivalent. Credit: 2 units. Application Deadline: December 10. Campus Adviser: Alexei Pavlenko.
Study in Jönköping, Sweden
The Jönköping International Business School (JIBS) exchange program is sponsored by the department of economics and business and allows for up to two CC students to spend the semester or academic year in Sweden. In return, students from Sweden come to study at CC. JIBS is widely recognized as one of the top business schools in northern Europe, and it offers courses in Swedish culture, entrepreneurship, marketing and management, business law, accounting, finance, and more. Classes at JIBS are taught in English, allowing for full immersion into the Swedish classroom.
An exciting student town, Jönköping presents many opportunities to participate in social, cultural, and recreational activities. Students on the program live with other students in furnished apartment complexes.
Length of Program: Semester or academic year. Eligibility: Sophomore standing (students are advised to complete Principles of Economics and Principles of Financial Accounting prior to departure). Credit: 4 units. Application Deadline: October 15 for spring, April 15 for fall. Campus Advisers: Larry Stimpert, Mark Smith.
University of Wales Exchange
The English department offers two students the opportunity to spend the spring semester in Wales through its departmental exchange with the University of Wales, Aberystwyth (UWA). In return, the University of Wales sends two students to study at Colorado College each year. Aberystwyth (pop. 25,000) is located on the west coast of central Wales, five hours from London and two hours from Birmingham. Students enroll in the department of English and American studies and may take classes outside the department in Welsh history, literature, and culture. University classes are taught in a combination of lecture and small seminars that offer a collaborative approach to learning and demand a high level of student preparation and participation. Students are housed in the residence halls and may participate in the many clubs and societies on campus. In addition, UWA and Aberystwyth are host to excellent centers for the arts and music. UWA has a dynamic campus life that affords many opportunities for students to become involved in the host culture.
Length of Program: January through May. Enrollment: 2 students. Eligibility: Second-semester sophomore standing. Credit: To be determined. Application Deadline: October 15. Campus Adviser: George Butte.
Semester in Brazil Exchange
This exchange program enables two Colorado College students to spend the spring semester at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) in Minais Gerais, Brazil. Juiz de Fora, a city the size of Colorado Springs, is a three-hour drive due north of Rio de Janeiro. Founded in 1960, the university covers 3,250 acres and ranks among the top dozen of Brazil’s 47 national universities. UFJF grants degrees in 31 fields; it enrolls 11,000 students and has a faculty of 860. The program includes a two-week, one-on-one intensive course in Portuguese before classes begin in March. Students live with Brazilian host families.
Length of Program: Mid-February to mid-July. Enrollment: Two students. Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors with proficiency, or near proficiency, in a Romance language. Credit: up to 4 units. Application Deadline: October 15. Campus Adviser: Peter Blasenheim.
Semester in Mexico (Not offered in 2009-2010)
The Mexico program is scheduled each fall semester in Oaxaca and is a combination of two blocks that earn credit in the Romance languages department, taught by Mexican professors for Colorado College, and another two-block course taken in any of the three divisions (humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences) at the Universidad Mesoamericana in Oaxaca, which are guaranteed Colorado College credits. A particular attraction is a week spent in Cuernavaca, where students visit the famous Cortes Museum and take field trips to the cities of Taxco, Mexico City — with its Museum of Anthropology and Pyramids — and Xochicalco. Students with financial need may apply for Madre Merrill Fellowships.
Length of Program: August–December. Enrollment: 15 students. Eligibility: Spanish 305 or equivalent, sophomores, juniors. Credit: 4.5 units. Application Deadline: April 14. Campus Advisers: Members of the Spanish section of the Romance languages department.
American University’s Washington Semester
Students spend a semester at American University pursuing programs such as the American National Government Semester, the Foreign Policy Semester, the Economic Policy Semester, the Justice Semester, or the Journalism Semester. Students may apply to one of these programs if they have a strong academic interest in the particular field, adequate preparation, and at least second-semester sophomore standing at the time of the program. Participation requires a leave of absence from the registrar’s office.
Length of Program: Fall or spring semester. Eligibility: Second-semester sophomore standing. Credit: 4 units. Application Deadline: November 1 and March 1. Campus Adviser: Robert Loevy.
Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory Ecosystems Center:
Semester in Environmental Science (SES) Program
he SES is offered at the Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), located on Cape Cod in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. MBL is the oldest and one of the most distinguished private marine laboratories in North America. Ecosystem Center scientists who teach in the 15-week SES Program study biogeochemical cycling and response of ecosystems to global change in diverse habitats ranging from the Arctic tundra to temperate estuaries to tropical rainforests. The program has four major components: an Aquatic Ecosystems Core Course, a Terrestrial Ecosystems Core Course, an elective (e.g., Mathematical Modeling or Microbial Ecology of Ecosystems), and an independent project. Students spend about 25 hours/week in the lab and field investigating forests, ponds, and estuaries on Cape Cod in the core and elective courses. This field and lab work prepares students for independent research at the end of the semester. Students also participate in a seminar that introduces the art of science writing for the general public. Most upper-division students from environmental science, biology, geology, and chemistry would satisfy the course prerequisites and are eligible to participate.
Length of Program: Fall. Eligibility: Appropriate coursework in biology, chemistry, and math. Credit: Up to four block units. Grades: Grades will not appear on CC transcript, just credit. Application Deadline: March of each year. Campus Adviser: Howard Drossman.
Saima University of Applied Sciences — Imatra, Finland
The art department offers students the opportunity to spend a semester or year in Lappeenranta, Finland, through our exchange with South Karelia University of Applied Sciences. The program at South Karelia is intended for students who wish to study visual arts, jewelry design, textile design, and/or stonework. Courses are taught on a system similar to the Block Plan. Knowledge of Finnish is not required.
Length of Program: Semester or academic year. Enrollment: One student. Eligibility: Sophomore standing and 3.0 GPA. Credit: typically 4 units. Application Deadline: February 15 for fall and October 15 for spring. Campus Advisers: Carl Reed and Kate Leonard.
ACM Programs
Botswana: Culture and Society in Africa
This spring semester program is centered at the University of Botswana, and is designed for students interested in Africa, or in political development, social change, and cultural identity in the developing world. At the university, students enroll in an intensive course in Setswana, the national language, as well as an elective course in the social sciences or humanities, drawn from a menu of Africa studies options. In addition, students take a course taught by the ACM program director on a topic relevant to Africa. A wide range of guest speakers, including leaders in government, business, international organizations, and universities, will also contribute their expertise. Finally, students will engage in an independent study project, which emphasizes firsthand observation, study, and personal experiences. Field trips supplement the academic work, enabling students to explore the country’s cultural, economic, and ecological diversity.
Length of Program: Early January to mid-May. Enrollment: 20 students. Eligibility: Second-semester sophomore standing. Credit: 4 units. Application Deadlines: Regular deadline – April 1. Final deadline – October 15. Campus Adviser: Ibrahima Wade.
Chicago Arts Program
The Chicago Arts Program is a 15-week semester of urban art immersion during which students explore the arts through practical, creative, and scholarly activity. While living in Chicago, in addition to attending a wide range of cultural events, students meet and work with local artists and arts professionals in part-time internships, on independent-study projects and in two courses: the interdisciplinary core course and thematic arts seminars. Possible internship placements include but are not limited to museums and galleries, artists’ studios, theatre and dance companies, recording studios and popular music venues, literary organizations and publications, film and video production companies, architecture firms, arts education and community outreach organizations, and graphic and interior designers. Not limited to arts majors, the program benefits all students who have strong career interests or graduate school aspirations in the arts and humanities.
Length of Program: Late August to mid-December, or late January to mid-May. Enrollment: 30 students (fall), 20 students (spring). Eligibility: Advanced sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Credit: 4 units. Application Deadlines: Fall – March 15; Spring – October 31. Campus Adviser: consult the office of international programs (OIP) Web site for adviser information.
Chicago Business, Entrepreneurship, and Society
The Chicago Business, Entrepreneurship, and Society Program seeks to have students explore the intersection of business and the liberal arts in the context of the economic capital of the Midwest. Through the core course, seminars, internships, and an independent study project, students will examine the economic, social, and strategic forces involved in entrepreneurship and business. Business-focused guests and field trips help students see the interplay of culture and commerce, neighborhood, entrepreneurial, and corporate life. Students will have the opportunity to complete internships with Chicago businesses, nonprofit organizations, and start-up companies.
Length of Program: September to mid-December, or February to mid-May. Enrollment: 20 to 30 students. Eligibility: Advanced sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Credit: 4 units. Application Deadlines: Fall – March 15; Spring – October 31. Campus Adviser: Judy Laux.
Costa Rica: Studies in Latin American Culture and Society
Studies in Latin American Culture and Society (fall only) is an interdisciplinary program for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of life in Latin America and wishing to develop fluency in Spanish. This program, which focuses on the humanities and social sciences, is designed to take full advantage of its Costa Rican setting. Language study is stressed as the key to understanding the culture. Course work in language, literature, geography, anthropology, politics, and culture enables students to develop insights that are reinforced by field trips and two weeks of field work in rural areas. In San José and its environs, students live with families both to improve their language ability and enjoy personal involvement in the daily life of a Latin American community.
Length of Program: Late August to December. Enrollment: 25 to 30 students. Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors, with at least two years of college-level Spanish or the equivalent. Credit: 4 units. Application Deadlines: Regular deadline – November 1; final deadline – March 15. Campus Adviser: Mario Montaño.
Costa Rica: Tropical Field Research
The Tropical Field Research Program (spring only) is designed for advanced work in the natural and social sciences. Independent research in the humanities is also encouraged. Costa Rica supports an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life and provides rich research opportunities for students of tropical biology and ecology. An equally broad range of research topics is available for students of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, geology, history, political science, literature, fine arts, and sociology. Students prepare for their research during a month-long orientation that includes intensive language training and a review of fieldwork methodology. Their field study may be integrated with an ongoing project or undertaken independently under the supervision of a faculty adviser.
Length of Program: Late January to May. Enrollment: 25 to 27 students. Eligibility: Juniors and seniors with prior course work in the discipline in which they propose to do research, plus at least one year of college Spanish (two years are strongly recommended). Credit: 4 units. Application Deadlines: Regular deadline – March 15, final deadline – November 1. Campus Adviser: Marc Snyder.
Florence
The Florence Program provides an excellent opportunity to study Renaissance painting, sculpture, architecture, history, and literature for students interested in art, history, Romance languages, and the humanities. Italian language instruction, a studio art course, and courses providing a broad perspective on Italian contributions to world civilization facilitate the study of Florentine artistic and cultural heritage. Visits to museums and galleries, short field trips to other cities throughout Italy, and discussions with local scholars supplement this course work. Staying with Italian host families enriches participants’ awareness of modern Italian life as well as the academic study of Italian Renaissance culture.
Length of Program: Late August to December. Enrollment: 25 to 30 students. Eligibility: Juniors and seniors. Prior Italian language study recommended. Credit: 4 units. Application Deadlines: Regular deadline – October 15; final deadline – March 1. Campus Adviser: Salvatore Bizzarro.
India Studies
The Indian subcontinent provides a rich and complex background for the study of a non-Western civilization. India studies program participants live with Indian host families in Pune, a city that is at once both traditional and highly industrialized, offering students an excellent opportunity to observe the interaction of tradition and modernity that characterizes contemporary India. While there, students enroll at Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth for an academic session, where they have language instruction, take a foundations course, choose an elective from three other courses, and complete their independent-study projects. Additionally, students enjoy field trips, which can include nearby cultural sites such as the Ajanta and Ellora caves and the pilgrimage to Pandharpur. A variety of extracurricular activities and private lessons in areas such as music, dance, yoga, weaving, and batik, can be arranged. Students travel to other parts of India during holidays and the two-week program break.
Length of Program: Mid-August to Early-December. Enrollment: 20 students. Eligibility: Any currently enrolled student may apply, though priority is given to those who will be juniors or seniors. Credit: 4.5 units. Application Deadline: March 1. Campus Adviser: Nilanjana Bhattacharjya.
Japan Study
Students study at Waseda University’s International Division in Tokyo after a brief orientation providing intensive language practice and cultural discussions. In addition to required language study, electives may be chosen from a wide range of Asian studies courses taught in English. A family living experience in Tokyo provides an informal education in Japanese culture and is in many ways the dominant feature of the program, offering total immersion in the Japanese way of life. The program is recommended for a full year of study, although a semester option is also available. Administered by Earlham College, Japan study is recognized by both ACM and GLCA.
Length of Program: Mid-September to late July (academic year) OR mid-September to early February (fall semester). Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA. No Japanese language study required for acceptance, but at least one unit of Japanese language must be completed before departure. Credit: Up to 8 units. Application Deadline: January 12. Campus Adviser: Joan Ericson.
London and Florence: Arts in Context
The London and Florence Program compares the artistic achievements of two historically prominent cities. Participants study the historical and political context of art, architecture, literature, and theatre, as well as Italian language. Visits to museums, galleries, theatres, short trips to other areas of England and Italy, and discussions with local scholars supplement this course work. Students spend eight weeks in each city and enjoy a weeklong mid-semester break. An optional intensive course in Italian language is offered every January in Florence (three semester credits).
Length of Program: Late January to May. Enrollment: 50 students (25 begin in London, 25 in Florence). Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Credit: 4 units. Application Deadlines: Regular deadline – March 1; final deadline – October 15. Campus Adviser: Salvatore Bizzarro.
Newberry Seminar in the Humanities
Newberry Seminar students have an extraordinary opportunity to do advanced independent research at one of the world’s great research libraries. They attend interdisciplinary seminars taught by visiting professors and work with resident scholars and library staff. During the semester-length fall seminar, students write a major research paper based on the Newberry’s collections in the humanities. In the winter and spring, the seminars are month-long courses. The Newberry seminar is for students looking for a personal and academic challenge, and for those considering graduate study. Administered by ACM, the Newberry Seminar is also recognized by GLCA.
Length of Program: Early September to December (fall seminar); one month (January to May short-term seminars). Enrollment: 15 to 25 students (fall seminar); eight to 15 students (short-term seminars). Eligibility: Exceptionally qualified juniors and seniors. Credit: 4 units (fall seminar); equivalent of one course (short-term seminars). Application Deadlines: Fall seminar – March 15; short-term seminars – December 15. Campus Adviser: Carol Neel.
Oak Ridge Science Semester
The Oak Ridge Science Semester is designed to enable qualified undergraduates to study and conduct research in a prestigious and challenging scientific environment. As members of a research team working at the frontiers of knowledge, participants engage in long-range investigations using the facilities of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) near Knoxville, Tenn. The majority of a student’s time is spent in research with an adviser specializing in an area of natural science. Students also participate in an interdisciplinary seminar designed to broaden their exposure to developments in their major field and related disciplines. In addition, each student chooses an elective from a variety of advanced courses. The academic program is enriched in informal ways by guest speakers, departmental colloquia, and the special interests and expertise of the ORNL staff. Administered by Denison University, the Oak Ridge Science Semester is recognized by both ACM and GLCA.
Tanzania: Human Evolution and Ecology
The Tanzania program offers undergraduates a unique opportunity to conduct fieldwork in some of the world’s greatest paleoanthropological and ecological sites. Students divide their time between the University of Dar es Salaam and the Northern Region of Tanzania. At the university they take courses in intensive Swahili, human evolution, and the ecology of the Serengeti while developing a field project. For the next six weeks, students live in field camps and pursue individual field projects in the Serengeti/ Ngorongoro area before returning to the university for final work on their projects. The program is both physically and academically demanding.
Length of Program: Late July to late November. Enrollment: 20 students. Eligibility: Juniors and seniors with prior coursework in the natural sciences. Credit: 4 units. Application Deadline: March 1. Campus Adviser: Ibrahima Wade.
Urban Studies
Chicago is a quintessential American city that was founded on economic exchange, grew with America’s westward expansion, became the hub of Midwest economic and political power, and continues to illustrate the best and worst of American society. The urban studies program immerses students in the life of Chicago while exploring both the historical and current forces that define urban life. Through supervised internships, seminars, a core course, and independent study, students experience the dynamics of a modern city while learning academic concepts to frame those experiences. Possible internship placements include legal, criminal justice, community and social justice organizations, historical and cultural institutions, educational, public relations, and media facilities, political and philanthropic institutes, along with a host of other possible placements. Foremost, the urban studies program develops the skills necessary for effective leadership in civic and political life by exposing students to effective models of action in light of the realities of urban America.
Length of Program: Early September to mid-December, or early February to mid-May Enrollment: 50 to 60 students (fall); 35 to 45 students (spring) Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors Credit: 4 units. Application Deadlines: Fall – April 5; Spring – November 8. Campus Adviser: consult the office of international programs (OIP) Web site for adviser information.
