FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCES IN A NEW INTERNATIONAL DUAL MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAM IN VOLCANOLOGY/GEOTECHNIQUES

Michigan Tech University, University at Buffalo, Université Blaise Pascal Clermont-Ferrand (France) and Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca (Italy) have begun a unique Dual Master's degree program which combines work in engineering geology and volcanology from four universities with similar specializations. The International Geological Masters in Volcanology and Geotechniques (INVOGE) degree is among the first such degree in Geological disciplines which involves study for one year each on both sides of the Atlantic. Students have transatlantic committees and the program expands the breadth of all four universities, allowing students to begin international professional paths. The program is helped by funding from the European Community and the US Department of Education as well as the four universities. It has resulted in real institutional changes in all four universities and a host of new procedures. Combining Geoscience education with cultural and linguistic training gives students unique opportunities to cross cultural divides and approach geological problems with new perspectives. Two Michigan Tech students have recently completed the European portion of the program and have returned to the USA to complete their degrees. They will discuss their research projects focused on Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala, as well as their cultural and social experiences studying abroad in France and Italy. Programs such as INVOGE train students to become broad-minded yet adaptable specialists whom are necessary for addressing global concerns in the Geosciences.