Why Geology or Geography Majors Should Study Abroad
By Michael Cornebise, Ph.D.
Chair, Geology/Geography
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"Geology and Geography are disciplines that deal explicitly with the Earth and its peoples. From the Age of Discovery to the Jet Age, geologists and geographers have roamed near and far to learn more about the Earth we inhabit. Reading about the world in textbooks is informative, but the only way to really get to know the world around you is to experience it firsthand. Study abroad puts the world at your fi ngertips and allows you to gain a deeper understanding of a country and its people. Having been involved in |
Recommended Study Abroad Programs for Geology or Geography Majors
Central Europe
The Geography and Culture of Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic (faculty-led)
Frankfurt, Cologne, Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Munich, Nurnburg, Salzburg
Summer
The Geography and Culture of Germany, Austria, and Czech Republic will be a 3 credit hour course that includes a brief history of the regions visited as well as comparisons between typically Western, Eastern, and transitional European cultures. One of the central themes during this program is a comparison and analysis of the “westernization” and change that Europe has undergone.
Ecuador
Environment, Culture, and Society (faculty-led)
Quito, Andes, Amazon, Galapagos
Summer
This field program will provide a cross cultural and scientific experience as participants, over a three week period of time, traverse and explore unique ecological zones along the Equator. Human and land interactions are examined in the tropical rainforest of the Ecuadorian Amazon, in the Andes Mountains, and on the Galapagos Islands located 600 miles off the coast of South America.
Greece, Turkey, and Egypt
Sultans, Gods, and Pharaohs: Physical and Social Landscapes Across Three Continents (faculty-led)
Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkake, Kusadasi, Mykonos, Santorini, Athens, Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Esna, Luxor
Summer
This 4-credit study abroad experience will take you to three continents and three countries to see how physical and social landscapes influence one another. Mountains, plains, rivers, seas, and valleys will provide the physical landscapes of study as we examine social landscapes of past and present including ancient and modern religious practices, governments, education, and family/gender roles.
Ireland
National University of Ireland, Maynooth
Maynooth
Semester or Year
The National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUIM) is located in County Kildare, Maynooth, about 15 miles west of Dublin city center. The student population is about 1/2 that of EIU at just over 6,000 students. NUIM has a rich history dating back to 1795 and is Ireland's 2nd oldest university. Maynooth has a classic, Irish feel with many historical sites and quaint country roads to visit and explore.NUIM offers upper-division core courses for Geology/Geography majors.
Italy
Palazzi: Apicius and FUA
Florence
Summer, Semester or Year
Against the backdrop of Florence, a vibrant city layered in Renaissance art and history, you will experience an outstanding cultural environment where students will be able to nurture their talents. Both schools, Apicius and FUA, are located within walking distance of such landmarks as the Uffizi Gallery museum, the Palazzo Vecchio and The Accademia. Geology and Geography majors can take upper-division courses and complete general education requirements while at Palazzi.
New Zealand
University of Otago
Dunedin
Semester or Year
Dunedin and the South Island are a recreation lover's paradise. From the mountains to the forests to the ocean, you will find no shortage of outdoor activities. Otago has specific research strengths in the medical, biomedical, biological and natural sciences. Otago is New Zealand's oldest university and was founded in 1869. The city of Dunedin is known for its classic Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
Qatar
University of Qatar (API Program)
Doha
Summer, Semester or Year
Students have the amazing opportunity to study in the Islamic world and learn Arabic language and culture while taking a variety of courses in English at Qatar University (QU). The academic philosophy at QU is to preserve the tradition of the Qatari and Arab cultures while offering their 6,000 + students an education with a global perspective. Photogeology and Remote Sensing is a course offered at Qatar University, which is a program available through API.
South Africa
University of Cape Town
Cape Town
Semester or Year
Due to Cape Town's extensive history as a port city, Cape Town's 3 million people are a blend of African, European, and Asian heritage and tradition. Cape Town is vastly diverse in landscape, people, and activities. You will find no shortage of things to do and learn in Cape Town. UCT is situated on a hillside slope of Table Top Mountain with views of the ocean and easy access to both the mountain and the water. At UCT Geography majors with concentrations in general and environmental geography can find core and core option classes. Geology majors with a concentration in general Geology and Earth Science education majors can also find core classes at UCT.
United Kingdom
University of Westminster
London
Summer, Semester or Year
Located in the center of London, Westminster students have easy access to London's world class theatres, libraries, museums, shops, and other entertainment venues. London is a city of 8 million people with enough museums, social and cultural events, gardens, shopping, and sight-seeing to keep you busy for months, if not years! You will never be bored as a student studying in London.
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